Achieving Net Zero Carbon Buildings
The Low Carbon Alliance framework set out below is intended as a first step towards delivering sustainable objectives that are in line with the aims of the Paris Agreement – namely net zero carbon across buildings. This framework should be adopted by any organisation that is serious about reducing the impact of climate change.
01
Monitor and Measure energy-use in Real-Time
02
Identify how to reduce operational energy use now and in the future
03
Increase on-site renewable energy generation and supply
04
Off-set any remaining carbon
We have a series of tools and services to help our clients develop a strategy and delivery programme that sets and follows a pathway to Net Zero. Implementing a Net Zero strategy will mitigate the risk of assets falling foul of compliance as regulations on emissions increase in scope and targets.
The ambitions of becoming ‘Net Zero’ have evolved from the concept to businesses and institutions worldwide declaring their successes or their commitments to achieving this. Low Carbon Alliance has aligned its own Net Zero Philosophy with that of the UK Green Building Council who provide the following framework definitions for buildings:
Net Zero Carbon – Construction:
‘When the amount of carbon emissions associated with a building’s product and construction stages up to practical completion is zero or negative, through the use of offsets or the net export of on-site renewable energy’.
Net Zero Carbon – Operational Energy:
“When the amount of carbon emissions associated with the building’s operational energy on an annual basis is zero or negative. A net zero carbon building is highly energy efficient and powered from on-site and/or off-site renewable energy sources, with any remaining carbon balance offset.”