In order to keep the global temperature from rising above pre-industrial levels by 2°C, all the world’s buildings must reach net zero carbon by 2050, according to a report by the World Green Building Council.
Keeping the global temperature increase below 2°C would avert the most serious consequences of climate change, scientists believe, and that goal is in line with the Paris Agreement on climate change. All new buildings must operate at net zero carbon by 2030, and all existing buildings must be renovated to operate at net zero carbon by 2050, the report says.
The building and construction sector is responsible for around 30% of global energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The WGBC estimates that only 500 net zero commercial buildings and several thousand net zero residential units currently exist in the world.
Thus, there is a need for several billion net zero buildings worldwide, the report says. The report also finds that net zero buildings can create jobs, improve energy security, and lower energy costs.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | May 16, 2018
New resources offer tips on off-site construction
NIBS documents address using pre-cast concrete, and commercial and legal considerations of modular construction.
Codes and Standards | May 15, 2018
Blast testing of loaded mass timber structures yields positive results
Four tests covered a spectrum of blast loads.
Codes and Standards | May 14, 2018
Maryland makes general contractors liable for failure of subs to pay employees
GCs could have to pay for up to three times the wages owed.
Codes and Standards | May 10, 2018
Data collection, machine learning boost building efficiency
Sensors, software algorithms squeeze out waste.
Codes and Standards | May 9, 2018
OSHA and state safety agencies write more than 100 silica citations in 6 months
Actions tending to come with investigation of other site conditions.
Codes and Standards | May 8, 2018
Powerhouse coalition builds energy positive buildings
The goal: build buildings that provide more power than they cost to build, run, and demolish.
Codes and Standards | May 7, 2018
Plan advances in Los Angeles for Climate Emergency Mobilization Department
Would oversee efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the city.
Codes and Standards | May 3, 2018
Data collection, machine learning boost building efficiency
Sensors, software algorithms squeeze out waste.
Codes and Standards | May 2, 2018
Energy Department releases Updated EnergyPlus and OpenStudio building energy modeling tools
The tools can now accept input in epJSON format.
Codes and Standards | May 1, 2018
ASHRAE publishes new energy simulation-aided design standard
Requires building energy modeling during schematic design.