The Key Points of a Zero (NET) Carbon Building
Is there such thing as a Zero Carbon Building?
All the materials and labour involved in the construction process create carbon gasses.
There is a general understanding of the accepted definition of a ‘building’, so let’s clarify the ‘Zero Carbon’ part. All manufactured components across the globe and later transported to your site will have produced carbon as part of this process and so created a carbon footprint.
What you can do is construct a building that uses less energy to function than traditional premises. You can power, in part from renewable resources and build in features that will reduce the amount of energy needed to effectively function. You can calculate that the carbon arising out of the operation of your building will be netted off so that no more carbon is created than is neutralised. This type of building is called a Zero NET Carbon. (ZNC).
The products we select to construct with have already created carbon (embodied carbon). We are informed by the United Nations Environment Programme that the component materials of our new buildings have created a large carbon footprint with construction accounting for 39% annually of the global greenhouse gas emissions.
The ‘Net’ part is an attempt to equal the carbon created after the building is complete and in operation (operational carbon) with carbon capture and removal. This is termed carbon sequestration.
Will your new building create carbon?
Yes, but we can reduce carbon emissions over and above the ‘just meeting the regulations’. All the other aspects of modern life and all other possessions and equipment will have created a carbon footprint to currently exist. We can, assess the amount of carbon the construction and functioning of the building will create in normal operation. Then we offset this by reducing the carbon footprint with high levels of insulation, renewable energy sources, reducing waste, planting trees, reflecting sunlight from roofs and constructing ponds etc. to balance this carbon footprint.
As an individual company and not a government or multi-national manufacturer this is about all that is in your direct control, but that is a lot and a lot more than just about anything anyone else is doing.
To clarify your business will produce carbon as a result of its construction, equipment and operation but the greenhouse gasses produced during operations will be minimised and carbons will be captured and neutralised.
Why not let Fitzpatrick Team assist you with the design and delivery of your building, call Mark to discuss your carbon reducing building?
