Buildings consume a great deal of electricity to run on a daily basis. This electricity doesn't come from thin-air. It has to be generated from a source. Historically, buildings outsourced electricity from power plants that primarily burned Fossil Fuels in order to produce this demand for electricity.  As more people congregate to Urban Cities the need for more electricity per building has increased exponentially which has led to an increase in fossil fuel usage contributing to carbon emissions. As a result, a new initiative to create or modify buildings to become net-zero carbon buildings has become increasingly more popular. 

What is a Net-Zero Carbon Building?

   First and foremost, an important distinction has to be made. A Net-Zero Carbon Building is not a A Net-Zero Energy buildings. A Net Zero Energy building is distinctly unique such that the building generates 100% of its energy needs within the building. Simply put, as of today, that notion is not possible. A Net-Zero Carbon building is a building that is energy efficient and utilize renewable energy from off-site sources. 

How does this happen?

   Essentially, Net-Zero Carbon buildings have to balance energy demand with renewable energy supply. These buildings  have greater flexibility in supplying energy as they can diversify the sources  from solar to biomass off-site. Another added bonus is in the way this energy is stored. This is mainly done through using EVs(electric vehicles) to store excess energy generated by renewable energy, in times of abundance. Another new application is to use pre-existing large roofs such as those found in malls and grand complexes to generate electricity for nearby buildings. 

A case study in the UK:

       As recently as this year, 11 office buildings the UK have been officially recognized as Net-Zero Carbon Buildings built by the company Peel L&P. These offices have a dedicated 5 year plan that aims to decrease carbon emissions within the region as well as support the UNSDG goals. 

Conclusion

      In the end, it is clear that the future is heading towards Net-Zero Carbon Buildings. The road is open to more developments in the coming years and the potential impact could be in a magnitude never heard of before. The only question is;How fast can we achieve that goal?

Source:Blundell, Steph. “11 Office Buildings Become First to Accomplish Net-Zero Carbon Status.” Planning, BIM & Construction Today, 10 Jan. 2020, www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/energy-news/net-zero-carbon-office/69614/.