Today’s era is one of transformative climate change awareness and sustainability commitments. Many people across the globe are doing a few things here and there, no matter how small, to try and be part of the green initiative. It could be anything from recycling more to reducing the number of times you drive or even going the electric car way. So, rather than driving to physical establishments, you could shop online or play online casino games at the spin casino live lobby, for instance, to reduce your carbon footprint.
Similarly, more stakeholders are becoming awakened to the need to go the extra mile and create a green and energy-efficient present that slows the adverse effects associated with climate change. One notable industry going the energy-efficient route is the construction industry by adopting net-zero buildings. Let’s explore net zero buildings, what they are all about, and their roles in the ensuing battle against global warming.
What Are Net Zero Buildings?
The concept of net zero buildings comes from the premise that buildings need to consume as little energy as possible. In simple terms, net zero buildings produce as much energy as they consume for a year. Therefore, this strikes a delicate balance between greenhouse gasses emitted into the atmosphere and what’s removed from the atmosphere.
When you add a renewable energy source to the net zero buildings, they will have the capacity to produce enough energy to meet or, at times, exceed their operational requirements. But then, to achieve the net zero building framework, a holistic approach must be taken to ensure all factors are considered.
Thankfully, billions of dollars are being pumped into the construction scene across many corners of the world to erect greener buildings. According to Statista, great strides are being taken on this end. The annual investment pumped into the net zero building initiatives globally is tabulated below:
| Year | Net Zero Investment in Billions |
| 2017 | $165 |
| 2018 | $150 |
| 2019 | $164 |
| 2020 | $184 |
| 2021 | $211 |
| 2022 | $215 |
However, as impressive as the numbers look, we are still far off the mark regarding the net zero 2050 targets according to the Paris Climate Accords 2015. The value of global investments into net zero constructions must hit an average of at least $500 billion annually over the next 30 years. And so, we still have a long way to go. With that in mind, let’s dive deeper into the approaches used to achieve net zero building goals in the following sections.
Use of Sustainable Materials in the Construction Phase
During construction, environmentally friendly and low-impact materials are preferred. This plays a pivotal role in reducing the overall carbon emissions that are typically associated with the construction phase of most houses. Thus, the adverse effects of construction processes on the environment are well mitigated.
Renewable Energy Sources
In their quest to be eco-friendly, net zero buildings incorporate many sustainable energy sources ranging from wind turbines to solar panels and geothermal systems. With such renewable energy technologies in play, the entire building will have eco-friendly power, which will, in turn, counterbalance and compensate for the energy demands of the building. In a nutshell, using renewable resources enables net zero buildings to cut down on their carbon emissions and contribute positively to environmental sustainability.
Energy Efficient Systems
Integrating HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Systems) LED lighting solutions alongside the implementation of smart building tech is a crucial factor in net zero construction. These systems are not in place as decorations; rather, they curtail energy consumption by reacting to their operations on both occupancy factors and environmental conditions.
Effective Water Conservation Practices
Installing water-efficient fixtures and advanced wastewater treatment services goes a long way toward reducing the level of water that occupants consume. With proper water preservation practices, the energy expenditure that comes with water usage is significantly lowered. As a result, resource utilisation is not only optimised but essential strides are also made toward a more environmentally conscious future.
Energy Saving Designs
A lot goes into the architecture of net zero buildings as draughtsmen are tasked with finding the most energy-efficient designs. Thus, you can expect passive techniques to maintain natural lighting, ventilation, and insulation to significantly reduce the building’s energy demand.
Parting Shot
The road to a sustainable energy-efficient future looks promising, particularly with initiatives like net zero buildings. These structures ensure carbon emissions are significantly reduced and also offer hosts of other economic, social, and health benefits. It is, therefore, incumbent upon all the relevant stakeholders to ensure these structures remain and continue to come up faster for the foreseeable future. We have 2050 targets that are fast approaching!
