Our vision is for a built environment that rises to the challenge of the climate emergency.
A range of terms are used to describe buildings on a path to Net Zero.
A better understanding of net zero carbon is vital across the built environment sector, along with agreement on the carbon performance trajectories needed to achieve it. We understand that the built environment sector must achieve net zero carbon by 2045 in Scotland and 2050 in the rest of the UK to align with the Paris Agreement to limit warming to 1.5 degrees.
A zero-carbon building, also known as a net-zero carbon building or carbon-neutral building, is a structure that is designed and operated to have zero net carbon emissions over its operational lifetime. This means that the building does not produce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.
To achieve zero carbon status, a building typically focuses on minimising energy consumption and utilising renewable energy sources.
Here are some key features and strategies commonly associated with zero-carbon buildings:
1. Energy Efficiency: Zero carbon buildings prioritise energy efficiency measures to reduce energy consumption. This includes using advanced insulation, high-performance windows, energy-efficient appliances and lighting, and implementing efficient heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) systems.
2. On-Site Renewable Energy: To offset the remaining energy needs, zero-carbon buildings generate renewable energy on-site. This can be accomplished through the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, wind turbines, geothermal systems, or other renewable energy technologies.
3. Grid Interaction: Zero-carbon buildings are often connected to the electrical grid. During periods of excess energy generation, such as when solar panels produce more electricity than the building requires the surplus can be fed back into the grid. Conversely, the building can draw electricity from the grid when renewable generation falls short.
4. Energy Storage: Some zero-carbon buildings incorporate energy storage systems, such as batteries, to store excess energy for later use. Energy storage helps balance energy production and consumption, ensuring a reliable supply of renewable energy even when the sun isn't shining or the wind isn't blowing.
5. Carbon Offsets: In cases where it is not possible to completely eliminate carbon emissions from operations, zero-carbon buildings may purchase carbon offsets. Carbon offsets are investments in projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions elsewhere, effectively balancing out the building's emissions.
Zero-carbon buildings play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and cutting greenhouse gas emissions. They showcase sustainable building practices and demonstrate the feasibility of transitioning to a low-carbon future.
While achieving net zero in existing buildings is a much bigger challenge and one that is less clearly defined at this point, these steps are a big part of the solution for refurbishments as well.
The need to retrofit existing buildings is currently one of the biggest challenges in the built environment and will be for the next 20 years if we are going to meet the government’s target of net zero by 2050. The challenge is enormous, with research showing that we need to retrofit around 28 million homes by 2050 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Existing UK building stock is highly inefficient and reliant on fossil fuel, and efforts to refurbish buildings and cut carbon emissions are moving too slowly. Fewer than 1% of buildings in major economies are being given energy efficiency retrofit upgrades each year, and the UK is yet to set an annual retrofit target rate. This lack of movement is at risk of putting the 2050 net zero carbon targets signed under the Paris Agreement in doubt.
Improving the energy performance of a home reaches far beyond benefitting the climate. The social impact of improving living standards and the economic benefits of job creation are huge.
The impact that our nation’s housing stock is having on residents and our public services is immense, it is estimated that £1 billion is spent by the NHS each year treating individuals and families living in unhealthy housing. Delivering retrofit at scale will create thousands of jobs. The challenge is upskilling labour to deliver home decarbonisation.
Successful retrofitting will only be achieved through aligning governance, economic, social, financial, and technical systems.
Retrofitting and refurbishing existing buildings in the UK to meet net-zero targets is a crucial step in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. As buildings are responsible for a significant portion of energy consumption and carbon emissions, improving their energy efficiency is essential.
Here are some key considerations and strategies for retrofitting and refurbishing buildings to achieve net-zero goals:
1. Energy Efficiency Upgrades: Start by conducting energy audits to identify areas of improvement. Implement energy-efficient measures such as insulation, high-performance windows, and efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Upgrading lighting to energy-efficient LED fixtures can also significantly reduce energy consumption.
2. Renewable Energy Integration: Install on-site renewable energy systems like solar panels or wind turbines to generate clean electricity. These systems can offset a building's energy demand and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
3. Building Envelope Improvements: Enhance the building envelope by improving insulation, sealing air leaks, and upgrading windows and doors. This helps minimise heat loss or gain, making the building more energy-efficient.
4. Heating and Cooling Systems: Replace outdated or inefficient boilers with modern, energy-efficient alternatives such as condensing boilers or heat pumps. Heat pumps are particularly effective in providing heating and cooling while minimising energy consumption.
5. Smart Building Technologies: Integrate smart technologies such as occupancy sensors, smart thermostats, and energy management systems. These technologies optimise energy use by adjusting heating, cooling, and lighting based on occupancy levels and external conditions.
6. Water Efficiency: Implement water-efficient fixtures and systems, such as low-flow toilets, faucets, and rainwater harvesting systems. Reducing water consumption also indirectly saves energy associated with water treatment and distribution.
7. Behaviour Change and Occupant Engagement: Educate building occupants about energy-saving practices, encourage responsible energy use, and foster a culture of sustainability. Simple actions like turning off lights and equipment when not in use can contribute to significant energy savings.
8. Life Cycle Assessment: Consider the environmental impact of building materials, construction methods, and equipment during the retrofitting process. Opt for sustainable and low-carbon alternatives that minimise embodied carbon and promote circularity.
9. Financing and Incentives: Explore available financing options, grants, and incentives that support energy-efficient renovations. In the UK, there are various government programs, such as the Green Homes Grant and the Renewable Heat Incentive, which provide financial support for energy-efficient upgrades.
10. Monitoring and Evaluation: Regularly monitor and evaluate the building's energy performance to identify areas for further improvement. Utilise energy monitoring systems to track energy consumption, identify anomalies, and optimise building operations.
It is important to note that each building is unique, and an effective retrofitting strategy requires a holistic approach tailored to its specific characteristics. Consulting with energy experts, architects, and engineers can help develop a comprehensive retrofit plan aligned with net-zero objectives.
Join 300 net zero project delegates on the day from sectors such as the built environment, construction, manufacturing, logistics, retail, logistics, energy, data centres, public sector etc that are accountable for projects and reducing the carbon footprint of their buildings.
This gathering of like-minded industry experts offers an opportunity for the industry to gather and keep up to date with the latest innovations, best practices and new technology solutions available in the marketplace.