What is a Net-Zero Building and how to design them?

Key Concepts of Net-Zero Carbon

• Net-zero carbon construction: Achieving zero or negative emissions during the building process.
• Net-zero operational energy: Ensuring that the building’s energy use results in zero or negative carbon emissions annually, through energy efficiency and renewable sources.
• Net-zero whole-life carbon: Accounting for both embodied and operational emissions throughout the building's entire lifecycle.

Why Net-Zero Buildings Matter

Net-zero buildings are vital for reducing the construction industry’s massive 39% contribution to global carbon emissions. As energy grids become greener, reducing "embodied carbon" — emissions from materials and construction — becomes crucial, especially for long-lasting buildings.

There’s also a growing market demand for net-zero projects. Major property investors, cities, and organizations like the World Green Building Council (WGBC) and UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) are pushing for these standards. Aligning with these demands is key for staying competitive.

Global Net-Zero Commitments

• World Green Building Council: Aims for all new buildings to achieve net-zero operational carbon by 2030, and net-zero embodied carbon by 2050.
  
  
• Architecture 2030 Challenge: Calls for a 65% reduction in embodied carbon by 2030, aiming for zero global warming potential by 2040.
  
  
• Race to Zero: A UN-led initiative to halve global emissions by 2030, promoting a zero-carbon world.
  
  
• AIA 2030 Commitment: Architects and engineers are urged to reach net-zero emissions by 2030.
  
  
• C40 Cities Pledge: Targets a 50% reduction in embodied carbon for new buildings and infrastructure by 2030.

Conclusion

Net-zero buildings are a crucial step toward a sustainable future. Whether driven by climate concerns or market demands, adopting net-zero practices is essential for reducing emissions and staying ahead in the construction industry. Tools like One Click LCA’s Net Zero Carbon Tool can help make this transition easier and more efficient.

How to design net-zero buildings

Image by One Click LCA

To design net-zero buildings, follow these steps to minimize emissions

• Decrease the demand for virgin materials
• Lower the reliance on fossil fuels

Incorporate circular economy principles by:

• Repurpose existing buildings and materials.
• Choose longer-lasting products to reduce the need for material replacements over the building’s life cycle
• Design for adaptability, deconstruction, and reuse, ensuring that materials and buildings can be repurposed

Restore climate balance to achieve net zero carbon by:

• Replace fossil energy with renewable sources
• Sequestering (biogenic) carbon

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.

Together Symetri and One Click LCA support your decarbonization journey, learn more about The One Click LCA Net Zero Carbon Tool here.