Moving Towards Net Zero Buildings

Concerns about climate change have prompted governments around the world to set net zero carbon emission targets by 2050 in order to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius before irreversible environmental disaster occurs. India has also taken its net zero targets and building centre contribution close to 30% carbon emissions, and it is important that the future buildings move towards net zero energy, net zero carbon, net zero water and net zero waste. Most of the net zero targets in buildings are attempted in the category of existing buildings. However, developers are considering their new buildings as well as whether to comply with Net Zero building requirements.

In order to achieve net zero energy, buildings need to adopt energy efficiency measures and cut down on their energy consumption first. The subsequent approach is to meet the energy requirements through on-site as well as off-site renewable energy deployments.

The use of renewable energy in buildings aids in the achievement of net zero energy targets.The Net Zero carbon targets in the building can also be achieved through renewable energy deployment and use of updated technologies.

In order to achieve the Net Zero waste targets, the building needs to cut down on waste generation through approaches such as reuse and recycling of waste in the building. There is an urgent need to opt for waste recycling so that urban landfill can be ended.

While it is difficult to retrofit an existing building to achieve Net Zero targets, it is important that new building construction should be designed to meet the Net Zero standards. The government needs to bring some new revolution from the upcoming buildings to enforce the real-estate developers’ compliance with Net Zero targets.