People are growing more concerned about climate change and sustainable business practices across industries. Modern organizations are taking an active role in reducing their carbon footprint by investing in net-zero energy construction. Advanced technology and evolving preferences make this initiative possible, and the growing interest shows this strategy is likely here to stay.
What Is Net-Zero Energy Construction?
Net-zero building processes produce as much power as they consume or more on a yearly basis. Rather than completely abstaining from electricity use or consumption, these projects create a balance by ensuring the energy used is equivalent to what’s produced. Businesses can apply this concept to new buildings and existing structures that need retrofitting to meet new standards.
Often, organizations accomplish this by reducing demand through more efficient designs and by implementing management strategies. They can also rely on renewable sources to meet any remaining energy needs.
Net-Zero’s Growing Interest
Buildings operations account for about 30% of global energy consumption and nearly 26% of energy-related emissions. Of these power-related emissions, 8% is the result of direct emissions, while 18% is the result of indirect emissions. Furthermore, construction is responsible for 23% of air pollution, 50% of landfill waste, 40% of energy usage and 40% of water pollution.
With many consumers becoming increasingly concerned with climate change issues, many industry leaders have made commitments to more sustainable practices, including net-zero electricity consumption. In just a few years, net-zero construction has seen a significant boom. While in 2019, pledges accounted for nearly 16% of the global economy, this number rose to more than two-thirds in 2021 and more than 90% in 2022.
Net zero’s future relies on local authorities, governments, society and investors. Recently, the United States government proposed a definition for net-zero building, focusing on clean energy, efficiency and on-site emissions elimination. This definition may provide a more clear standard for the industry and working in tandem with public preferences may prompt more organizations to implement this practice.
Benefits of Net-Zero Energy Construction
Of the many sustainable energy initiatives and practices, net zero stands out for several reasons. Organizations can see advantages such as:
- Increased competitiveness: With an increased focus on sustainability, implementing this initiative can make enterprises more competitive. Net-zero buildings can enhance market appeal and make a brand more trustworthy in the public eye.
- Cost savings: These buildings reduce electricity usage and costs substantially, providing long-term and impactful savings among rising utility
- Added property value: Businesses and individuals are willing to pay more for buildings with improved energy performance. By using innovative materials, investment property owners can expect to spend the same or less while adding value. For example, insulated concrete forms offer similar or lower prices while adding value through energy efficiency, durability, and versatility.
- Showcasing sustainability commitment: Implementing net-zero initiatives empowers companies to showcase their commitment to sustainability. This strategy reduces carbon emissions, which can enhance a brand’s reputation and better align it with its consumer base.
How to Achieve Net Zero
It is easier to achieve net-zero initiatives in new structures, but it’s still possible to implement this strategy into existing commercial structures. There are several steps the commercial property sector can take to embrace net zero:
- Leverage technology: Innovative technology empowers organizations to obtain powerful insights and develop efficient and accurate processes. Real-time data and historical trends can help decision-makers craft informed decisions and automate some manual processes. Obtaining the necessary technology is the first step toward net-zero initiatives.
- Monitor energy: Enterprises can use software to monitor their consumption patterns. This data can create a foundation for future initiatives, highlighting where changes are most necessary.
- Optimize inefficiencies: Monitoring building energy use can also help businesses find inefficiencies. For example, a company could improve insulation to address cooling and heating needs better. Regardless of the specific inefficiencies, organizations can quickly identify and address existing problems to make a significant impact.
- Upgrade equipment: Modern and innovative technology can aid in achieving efficiency. Replacing outdated systems, switching to more sustainable ones and upgrading components can make a significant impact on energy consumption.
- Invest in renewable resources: After an enterprise addresses inefficiencies and makes necessary upgrades, it can shift focus to renewable resources. Wind and solar power are excellent electricity alternatives, and more than 50,000 commercial businesses have installed solar capacity across the United States as of 2023.
Take Control of Your Investments
Any property you obtain is an investment. Whether you’re a first-time investor or an experienced owner, keeping track of current industry trends and switching to sustainable practices is the best way to make the most profit and gain control over your investment growth.
Net-zero building is an excellent way to highlight your commitment to sustainability. Climate change affects everyone and everything, so brands and industry leaders must make the switch to environmentally-friendly practices.
