Its not just the way buildings are designed, but the way we live and the way world economy works needs to be revisited in order to have a true impact on climate change. One of the most influential economists – Prof. Nicholas Stern argues that we already have the tools we need to turn the economy carbon neutral. This is feasible in our lifetime with some fundamental changes such as different transport systems and more efficient use of everything. Innovation is key to bring these changes.
The School of Design and Environment 4 (SDE4) in National University of Singapore sets an example of a flexible, energy-efficient and environmental-friendly design within a tropical region. A hybrid cooling system powered by on-site solar PV ensures the rooms don’t get overly cooled, and air conditioning is used only when required.
Meritage Homes is a leader in energy-efficient homebuilding and with CitySquare, the company is setting the new standard to design and build super efficient homes. The net-zero energy design features high performing insulation and windows, heat pump water heater, heat pump dryer, LED lighting, induction cooktops, mechanically supplied outside air and rooftop photovoltaics.
Advancing Net Zero is WorldGBC’s global project which aims to promote and support the acceleration of net zero carbon buildings to 100% by 2050. The Green Building Council’s of France, Canada, Brazil, Australia, South Africa, USA, Germany have already introduced programs with Net Zero target at various levels. This is going to bring about a market transformation towards accelerating energy efficiency in order to achieve the Net Zero goals.
The Indian Green Building Council has come out with Net Zero Energy Buildings rating system in collaboration with the World Green Building Council and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The rating system, launched during the 16th Green building Congress 2018 here, seeks to complement the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency and the National Solar Mission.
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The major update to the Energy Conservation Building Code of India (ECBC) was released in June 2017. The requirements for energy efficient performance has become stringent. As per the Update, it is now mandatory for new construction to allocate dedicated space for installing on-site renewable energy systems in the future. This is a step towards creating a built stock that will be equipped to get to net zero in the future. The Code can be downloaded here
LEED Zero complements LEED to verify the achievement of net zero goals and signals market leadership in green buildings. Read more
Green building rating systems such as LEED have become stringent over time pushing the building sector towards better performance. LEED v4 encourages aggressive reductions in energy usage, with points awarded proportionally with higher levels of improvement from the baseline. For example, a new construction project that demonstrates a 50% reduction in energy usage from the baseline has the opportunity to earn a total of 18 points. Read more to understand how LEED supports zero energy goals.
Montreal Protocol was amended to completely phase out HFCs by 2047. This can prevent global temperature rise by 0.5 ºC. HFCs do not deplete the ozone layer but can cause greater global warming than carbon dioxide. Targets for reducing HFC use is different for developed and developing countries. Developed countries like US have committed to reducing HFC use to 85% of 2011 levels. Baseline year for India and few other developing nations like Iran, Pakistan is 2024, while the reduction target of 85% and milestone year of 2047 remain the same. More than 190 countries gathered in Kigali, Rwanda, in October 2016 to sign the amendment during the 28th Meeting of Parties to Montreal Protocol.
National Green Tribunal has directed Delhi Development Authority to conduct environmental audits in all government buildings in Delhi as a measure to against rising air pollution checks in Delhi. The audits will include solid waste collection and disposal, sewage and indoor air quality systems. NGT has also specified that guidelines to curb pollution emitted from government buildings shall be issued by Central Pollution Control Board and Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) shortly.
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