Net Zero Buildings: An Urgent Call to Action for a Sustainable Future

Net zero is not tomorrow’s goal; it’s a present agenda.

A commitment that drives a greener earth, embodying a healthier atmosphere.

Put aside “net zero”, have you heard of “Carbon Capturing Systems”?

This new contender captures atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), which is either reused or injected deep underground to be permanently sequestered. (Carbon Capturing Systems operations worldwide) 

However, concerns still knock on the door as the current capacity of these systems does not hit the target. 

Limited Capacity

As reported by the Resources for the Future (RFF) reports that global superpowers like the US generate up to 5 billion metric tons of CO2 per year.

While the operational capturing systems across the globe show a combined capacity of capturing 40 million metric tones of CO2 per year.

This alarms a rapid use up of the “Global Carbon Budget” which needs to be curbed without delay.

“Net Zero” and “Net Zero Buildings”

Net Zero is a concept that fuels the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to an extent where the atmosphere completely absorbs the released amount. 

There is a global push to strengthen this, with green policies like “Path to Net Zero” and the American Institutes of Architects (AIA) 2030 Commitment climate strategy.

The construction sector is set to adopt sustainable practices to combat climate change. 

While there are challenges and myths that hinder progress, efforts are constant. 

Advanced “Net Zero Buildings” are no more a hypothesis. Instead the world is already rich with such buildings, and here are they.

The Five Most Prominent “Net Zero Buildings”

Net Zero Buildings are those built environments that can produce the energy they use up. It’s a ‘self-sustaining energy system’, aimed at balancing the energy usage. 

Here they are:

• The Unisphere

• DBS’ Newton Green

• The Floating Office Rotterdam (FOR)

• Aktive-Stadthaus

• SCGZero+

The Role of BIM in Sustainability

BIM played a pivotal role in the construction of these structures. Its capabilities in providing energy-efficient building models are a magic wand for the current scenario.

Read the full blog post here to learn more.