Modern Building Services

8 MODERN BUILDING SERVICES APRIL 2023 FEATURE NET ZERO Energy, design and COP-27: How can the construction industry keep up with Net Zero targets ? David Harris , Managing Director, Premier Modular, considers how close we are to achieving carbon efficiency, whether we’re on track for Net Zero targets, and how to take that critical next step to achieve carbon-efficient buildings. I n the wake of last year’s COP27 in Egypt, the construction industry is continually asking – ‘what can we do to make a difference before it’s too late?’ Can we achieve Net Zero? Following the events of COP- 27, the industry doesn’t seem to be filled the same hope and optimism COP-26 gave. This is unsurprising, as the conference wasn’t able to implement anything game-changing for the future of energy, as it didn’t manage to get a commitment from all parties to phase out all fossil fuels to keep in line with Net Zero goals. Despite commitments to preserve the goals set at the conference in Paris in 2015, including limiting global warming to 1.5°C, setbacks such as; greenhouse gas emissions rising by 1% in 2022, means these targets are slowly becoming harder to achieve. Many experts are recognising the current context as a point of crisis, which creates an opportunity for immediate action to ensure we don’t veer too far from Net Zero targets. Although 2050 may seem in the distant future, I believe we’re reaching a point of no return for Net Zero; which is why it’s time to act to ensure these targets are attainable. Building’s role The conference also revealed the construction industry’s disappointing progress towards achieving Net Zero. Despite an increase in investment into building energy efficiency, CO 2 emissions were up 5% since 2020. As the building sector represents 40% of Europe’s energy demand, with 80% of this being from fossil fuels, it’s often been identified as a key area for investment to promote long-term change, which is why our actions in the next few years are so important. We can all recognise that construction is often resource intensive, producing over four billion tons of cement per year worldwide, which releases as much CO2 as 700 coal-fired power stations. Therefore, it’s clear the building industry is currently not doing enough. It’s time to change how we think about Net Zero goals to ensure we stay on track for our sustainable future. That means; 1. Investing in sustainability now Although building floorspace is projected to double by 2060, currently, only 3% of the investment in new construction is green and efficient. This means the buildings we’re building now, which will exist in 2050, aren’t fit for a new, sustainable future. The renovation rate is currently less than a third of what it needs to be to meet climate goals agreed in Paris back in 2015, and the need for renovation will only increase if we don’t make the decision to invest in sustainable building right now. 2050 is only getting closer, so it’s time to act decisively and invest in sustainability. 2. Considering energy sources 80% of the buildings that will be in operation in 2050 have already been built, which means we need to consider how we’re fuelling current and future homes, offices and buildings. A major priority should be improving the efficiency of existing buildings, as well as new ones. However, recently we’ve seen insulation installation rates stall, rather than increase at their required rate.