100% of all designed new buildings to be zero carbon

The document titled "100% of all designed new buildings to be zero carbon" is a comprehensive guide published by the London Energy Transformation Initiative (LETI). It emphasizes the urgent need for the construction industry to transition towards net-zero carbon buildings to meet climate change targets. The guide is developed by a coalition of over 1,000 built environment professionals dedicated to achieving a sustainable built environment in the UK and beyond.

Buildings account for approximately 49% of annual carbon emissions in the UK. With an expected construction of 230 billion square meters of new buildings over the next 40 years, the guide stresses the necessity of designing all new buildings to operate at net-zero carbon by 2030. LETI advocates for a scalable and achievable approach, ensuring that energy consumption targets align with renewable energy availability.

The guide identifies two critical components of carbon emissions: operational carbon and embodied carbon. Operational carbon refers to emissions from building operations, which must be powered entirely by renewable energy. Embodied carbon includes emissions associated with the materials used in construction, requiring best practices in material selection and reuse to minimize their impact.

LETI outlines a trajectory for achieving net-zero carbon, stating that by 2025, 10% of all new buildings should be designed to be net-zero carbon, with a full transition by 2030. The guide emphasizes the importance of a collaborative effort among stakeholders, including developers, designers, and policymakers, to achieve this ambitious goal.

The document provides a detailed framework of actions to be taken at each stage of the RIBA design process to ensure compliance with net-zero targets. This includes setting energy use intensity (EUI) targets, integrating low-carbon heat solutions, and implementing effective data disclosure practices to monitor energy consumption.

The guide highlights the importance of demand response measures, allowing buildings to adjust energy usage in response to external signals, such as energy prices or grid constraints. By incorporating thermal storage and intelligent management systems, buildings can enhance their energy flexibility, ultimately contributing to a more resilient energy grid.

To effectively track progress towards net-zero targets, the guide stresses the need for transparent data disclosure. Building owners should report energy consumption data publicly for at least five years to facilitate benchmarking and continuous improvement. This practice not only ensures accountability but also fosters a culture of sustainability within the industry.

In summary, LETI's guide is a pivotal resource for architects, developers, and policymakers aiming to combat climate change through sustainable building practices. By emphasizing the critical aspects of operational and embodied carbon, the document outlines a clear roadmap for achieving net-zero carbon buildings across Europe, ensuring a sustainable future for the built environment.