Modern Building Services

12 MODERN BUILDING SERVICES APRIL 2023 FEATURE NET ZERO F rom commercial spaces, public buildings, and more, the built environment is responsible for approximately 25% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. A figure which reaches 38%when accounting for total global carbon emissions as a whole. In the face of growing concerns surrounding climate change; individuals, companies, and governing bodies alike have made commitments to half global emissions by the end of the decade, eliminating them in their entirety by 2050. However, despite these promising intentions, a change of this magnitude still requires a significant turning point in how the construction industry as a whole operates. The ability to affect this change is still firmly in the hands of construction businesses, architects, and contractors alike. Whilst the sector is still a long way fromachieving these goals, it does look to bemoving in the right direction. Fromminimising wastage, to green roofing and innovative design features, there is no shortage of solutions that are working towards a Net Zero future. What is Net Zero architecture? To be classed as Net Zero, a building has to be able to counterbalance any emissions produced throughout its construction. Not only does this involve minimising the production of carbon dioxide throughout the construction phase of the building itself, but also balancing any excess emissions with new and innovative designs and sustainable technologies. For a building to be truly Net Zero, it has to be embodied over the entire lifetime of the building, not just solely throughout the construction phase. How to help our buildings reach Net Zero Efficient Energy Usage Regardless of what sustainability related features you’re intending to incorporate into the design of your newbuilding project, the first point of call should always be to ensure the building is already running at optimal efficiency.With the existing designminimising unnecessary energy usage before you consider investing in a variety of offsetting solutions. Inmany cases, one of the most effectiveways of doing so is by updating insulationwithin the walls, roof, and floors of a building. This enables the property to better retain heat, not only keeping it warm throughout the winter, but cool during the warmer months of the year. Thus, reducing the need for typically non-renewably powered heaters, fans and air conditioners. Optimal Orientation Throughout the design and construction phases of a new building, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the latest Net Zero techniques and technologies. But, if you’re to ensure they are operating at the greatest efficiency, then the orientation of the building is a key factor inminimising excess energy usage. Buildings designedwith solar panels inmind, for example, are at their optimum efficiency when southwards facing. Also, you’re going towant to consider factors such as conserving this energy by taking advantage of shade fromother buildings, trees, and other natural features, as well as optimising natural lighting.With lighting alone estimated to account for between 17%and 20%of a property’s total energy consumption, optimal orientationwithin the design stage is a great first step towards reaching Net Zero. By Sarah Kauter – Managing Director of Construction PR looks at how you can make the most of Net-Zero architecture. Net Zero architecture is transforming the construction industry