Will the Proposed National Net-Zero Building Definition Go Far Enough?
Will the Proposed National Net-Zero Building Definition Go Far Enough? Propmodo
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“Net-Zero” Definition Aims to Provide Clarity in the Real Estate Industry
The term “net-zero” has been widely used in the property industry for several years, but its definition remains unclear. This lack of clarity has caused confusion in the real estate sector, as terms like “net-zero energy” and “net-zero carbon” are often used interchangeably, despite having different meanings. Additionally, the numerous variations of green building certifications further contribute to the confusion. To address this issue, a newly proposed national net-zero definition has been released.
The Proposed National Net-Zero Definition
The White House and Department of Energy have recently released a draft definition for a zero-emissions building, aiming to establish a common framework for better market alignment and move the real estate industry towards zero emissions. The proposed definition focuses on three core principles:
- Highly energy-efficient buildings that are free of onsite emissions from energy use.
- Buildings powered solely by renewable energy.
- Applicable to both existing buildings and new construction, excluding federally-owned properties.
It is important to note that this new definition is not legally binding and does not establish regulatory requirements. However, the upcoming fifth version of the LEED building certification will align with this definition.
The Benefits of a National Net-Zero Definition
One of the significant advantages of a national net-zero definition is the consistency it will provide across the real estate sector. Currently, regulations, energy codes, and building performance standards vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another. By establishing a unified definition, these standards will have a common target, aligning the nation’s buildings in the same direction. Furthermore, the proposed definition will help reduce claims of greenwashing by providing building owners with verifiable metrics to prove their assets are truly net-zero.
The Need to Address Scope 3 Emissions
While the proposed net-zero definition addresses operational carbon emissions and energy efficiency, some experts in the building sector argue that it should also include Scope 3 emissions. Currently, the definition does not define carbon emissions in terms of Scopes 1, 2, and 3 categorizations. Scope 1 emissions come directly from a building, while Scope 2 emissions are emitted from onsite electricity. Scope 3 emissions, which come from outside assets such as embodied carbon released during construction and emissions from maintenance, renovation, and disposal, are not covered by the current definition.
Scope 3 emissions are typically the highest source of emissions for a building, spanning across the entire value chain. Therefore, it is crucial to include them in the net-zero definition. Ignoring Scope 3 emissions may lead to further delays in addressing this significant factor of emissions reduction.
The Importance of Sustainable Materials Procurement
To reduce Scope 3 emissions, sustainable materials procurement plays a vital role. Purchasing materials that consider environmental impact significantly reduces a building’s carbon footprint. This requires selecting suppliers based on environmental criteria, conducting audits on suppliers, and using products with environmental certifications. Additionally, implementing circular economy principles in building design, construction, and maintenance can help mitigate Scope 3 emissions. Building materials recovery systems, for example, rescue materials from waste streams and give them a second life.
The Path to Net-Zero Buildings
While the number of net-zero commercial buildings is still relatively low, progress is being made. The World Green Building Council estimates that less than one percent of all global commercial buildings are verified as net-zero, but this number is increasing by as much as 50 percent annually. However, counting the exact number of net-zero buildings is challenging due to varying definitions. The proposed national net-zero definition will help address this issue.
It is important to note that the proposed net-zero definition has not been finalized yet. There is a possibility that Scope 3 considerations may be included in the final version. However, it is also worth mentioning that the proposed SEC climate disclosure rule may leave out Scope 3 emissions as well.
While leaving out Scope 3 emissions from the net-zero definition and the SEC rule may have some reasons behind it, it is crucial for the real estate industry to tackle this aspect of emissions reduction. Without including Scope 3 emissions, it will be challenging to claim that a commercial building is genuinely net-zero. Therefore, while the proposed national definition is a step in the right direction, it may not go far enough.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
The article discusses the need for net-zero emissions buildings, which aligns with SDG 7’s goal of affordable and clean energy. It also addresses the need for sustainable infrastructure and cities (SDG 9 and SDG 11) by promoting highly energy-efficient buildings powered solely by renewable energy. The focus on reducing carbon emissions and achieving zero emissions aligns with SDG 13’s goal of climate action. Additionally, the article touches on responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) by emphasizing the importance of sustainable materials procurement and circular economy principles in reducing emissions.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable
- Target 11.6: Reduce the environmental impact of cities, including air quality and waste management
- Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
The article’s focus on transitioning to renewable energy sources for buildings aligns with Target 7.2. The need to retrofit existing buildings and upgrade infrastructure to achieve zero emissions aligns with Target 9.4. The aim to reduce the environmental impact of cities by promoting energy-efficient buildings and waste reduction aligns with Target 11.6. The emphasis on sustainable materials procurement and circular economy principles supports Target 12.2. Finally, the integration of climate change measures in the real estate sector aligns with Target 13.2.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Share of renewable energy in the energy mix
- Number of buildings retrofitted to achieve zero emissions
- Reduction in carbon emissions from buildings
- Number of buildings certified as net-zero
- Amount of sustainable materials procured by the real estate industry
- Implementation of circular economy principles in building design and construction
The article mentions the need for buildings to be powered solely by renewable energy, indicating that the share of renewable energy in the energy mix can be used as an indicator. The number of buildings retrofitted to achieve zero emissions and the reduction in carbon emissions from buildings can measure progress towards sustainable infrastructure and energy efficiency. The number of buildings certified as net-zero can indicate progress towards achieving zero emissions. The amount of sustainable materials procured and the implementation of circular economy principles can measure progress towards responsible consumption and production.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | Share of renewable energy in the energy mix |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable | Number of buildings retrofitted to achieve zero emissions |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: Reduce the environmental impact of cities, including air quality and waste management | Reduction in carbon emissions from buildings |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources | Amount of sustainable materials procured by the real estate industry |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Number of buildings certified as net-zero |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: propmodo.com
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