Net-zero buildings are designed so that the total greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from their entire life-cycle amount to zero or less. This includes:
Net-zero buildings are crucial for both environmental and market reasons. The construction industry accounts for 39% of global carbon emissions, making it a significant contributor to climate change. As energy grids become cleaner, the focus shifts to the emissions from building materials, especially for structures with lifespans over 50 years. This highlights the importance of smart material choices to reduce "embodied carbon," which is a key factor in net-zero building design.
Beyond environmental concerns, there is a growing demand for net zero projects from leading construction clients, cities, and investors. The World Green Building Council’s Advancing Net Zero Commitment has been endorsed by national governments, cities, and major property investors. Many others are also keen to adopt these practices to maintain their reputation as responsible organizations. Even if climate change isn't your primary concern, aligning with market demands is essential.
The World Green Building Council’s Advancing Net Zero Commitment has gained support from national governments, cities, and major property investors. Organizations like the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC), Royal Institute of British Architects(RIBA), and the American Institute of Architects (AIA), among others, are also eager to adopt net zero practices. Explore these commitments in detail below.
By 2030, all new buildings, infrastructure, and renovations must reduce embodied carbon by at least 40%, with significant upfront carbon reduction. Additionally, all new buildings must achieve net zero operational carbon. By 2050, all buildings, including existing ones, along with new infrastructure and renovations, must achieve net zero embodied carbon and net zero operational carbon.
This update emphasizes the importance of addressing embodied carbon in construction. The World Green Building Council’s Global Advancing Net Zero campaign aims to promote and accelerate the transition to 100% net zero carbon buildings by 2050.
The UKGBC launched its Advancing Net Zero programme to drive the transition towards net zero carbon buildings in the UK, focusing on reducing emissions from the construction and property sectors. The launch of the Net Zero Whole Life Carbon Roadmap at COP26 represents a significant step in outlining the actions needed to achieve a fully decarbonized built environment.
The AIA 2030 Commitment is a climate strategy that sets standards and goals for achieving net zero emissions in the built environment. With the built environment responsible for 40% of global emissions, architects, engineers, and owners are urged to take immediate and decisive action to reach net zero emissions by 2030.
The RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge is a framework that sets ambitious targets for architects to help reduce the built environment's carbon footprint and contribute to global climate goals.
Additional climate benefits can be gained from the end-of-life use of materials and, in the case of cementitious materials, through their carbonization during and after the building’s lifespan.
Standard building LCA tools often struggle with the complexities of net-zero carbon design, especially given the variations in net-zero carbon methodologies. The One Click LCA Net Zero Carbon Tool simplifies this process, allowing you to accurately quantify all carbon-emitting and carbon-reducing options to meet local net-zero carbon requirements. With the One Click LCA Net Zero Carbon Tool, you can: