Modern Building Services

FEATURE ZERO CARBON BUILDINGS 18 MODERN BUILDING SERVICES SEPTEMBER 2022 T he UK was the first major economy in the world to pass into law its objective of reaching net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, with the next major step to achieve a 68% reduction in emissions by 2030. Clearly all industrial sectors across the UKwill need to provide solutions tomake this goal a reality, and aswe all know the construction industry has a huge role to play. Indeed, the UK Green Building Council estimates that the built environment is currently responsible for 25%of total UK GHG emissions, rising to 42% if associated transport emissions are considered. Although this figure is falling, more must be done to ensure emissions reductions keep pacewith our 2030 and 2050 goals. An ambitious, structured approach is required from the entire supply chain to make this happen, not only in the more visible areas of GHG reduction such as energy usage but in all areas of operations. The likes of waste reduction, recycling and moving to a circular model for as many resources as possible will be key. Here at Polypipe Building Services we believe that manufacturers must play a vital role in taking action and helping the following supply chain to make the biggest possible reductions. Addressing the different sources of GHG emissions GHG emissions are typically categorised into three groups or scopes Scope 1 Emissions are those generated directly by an organisation, for example; the burning of fossil fuels in a boiler or furnace. Scope 2 Emissions are indirectly generated through the purchase of electricity, steam, heat, or cooling that’s generated elsewhere. Scope 3 Accounts for the biggest portion of an organisation’s footprint. They are those generated from indirect sources but driven by the demands and activities of the reporting organisation. This is a very broad category that covers all emissions outside of Scope 1 and 2. It’s important not only in howwe measure our own footprint, but also howmanufacturers like ourselves remain mindful of our impact further down the supply chain In other words, whether it’s Scope 1, 2 or 3 for us, the benefit of reductions for our customers will be classed as Scope 3. Genuit Group, our parent company, have committed to the Pledge to Net Zero and the Science Based Targets Initiativemeaning that we will soon have science-based decarbonisation targets covering our scope 1, 2 and 3 With the UK Government setting ambitious targets to achieve decarbonisation and net zero emissions by 2050, Alex Ashton , Environmental and Sustainability Manager from Polypipe Building Services, explains howmanufacturers have a role to play in reducing carbon in buildings. Making the goal a reality