Interest in embodied carbon accounting and smart buildings is growing among commercial real estate professionals, according to a recent survey by the STO Building Group.
There is increasing momentum to account for carbon emissions, with 52% of those surveyed understanding embodied carbon—the carbon dioxide emitted during the manufacture, transport, and construction of building materials—together with end-of-life emissions. Forty eight percent will require embodied carbon accounting on future projects.
Smart building technologies are perceived to help with building efficiency. Nearly half of respondents say that one-quarter or fewer of the buildings in their portfolios are “intelligent” buildings. But, 60% plan to incorporate sensors and technologies into their projects to track sustainability measures during the next two years.
Resilience continues to lag behind other concerns. More respondents to this year’s survey (58% in 2019 vs. 45% in 2018) acknowledge that industry standards for resilient building are not adequate. But, only 42% plan to seek external expertise.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jun 10, 2021
New York City cracks down on construction site safety
Buildings Dept. issues new safety legislation for City Council consideration.
Codes and Standards | Jun 9, 2021
ASHRAE updates health care facility ventilation standard
Includes improved guidance on thermal comfort, revisions to air filtration requirements.
Codes and Standards | Jun 8, 2021
American Wood Council releases new fire design specification
For design of wood members, assemblies, and connections to meet code requirements.
Codes and Standards | Jun 7, 2021
Guide provides strategies to overcome barriers to sustainable affordable housing
International Living Future Institute document helps with social, regulatory, and financial hurdles.
Codes and Standards | Jun 3, 2021
Conversion of large office buildings to residential will require revamped regulations
Post-1960 offices present ventilation, daylighting, and other challenges.
Codes and Standards | Jun 2, 2021
Dept. of Energy releases EnergyPlus and OpenStudio updates
New features include Python Plugin features and additional tabular reporting options.
Codes and Standards | Jun 1, 2021
Federal plan to double Canadian lumber tariffs draws intense criticism
Builders advised to stock up to deal with shortages.
Codes and Standards | Jun 1, 2021
Passive House standards proving their worth in multifamily sector
Energy performance beats conventionally built by 32% to 58%.
Codes and Standards | May 27, 2021
Pittsburgh combats construction fraud
Crackdown on tax, insurance, and workers’ comp malfeasance.
Codes and Standards | May 26, 2021
Proposal to add photovoltaic panels to the R2 Standard for electronics recycling
Hundreds of facilities in 33 countries could begin recycling PVs.
