Net-zero carbon and circular

Net Zero Carbon and Circular

The built environment has to reduce its impact on the natural world, in construction and operation. Buildings should generate their own energy on-site, use renewable sources and capture and treat water to cover consumption. During construction, the focus should be given to non-toxic, decarbonized and sustainable materials, as well as recovering and repurposing used resources (on-site or from another site). Attention should also be given to ensuring that buildings are designed for longevity, flexibility adaptability and recoverability, striving toward total decarbonization.

Principles:

  • Whole life cycle carbon emissions (embodied and operational) reach net zero. 
  • Energy consumption is reduced by increasing efficiency and buildings are powered by on-site or off-site renewables.
    • Buildings are operated by on-site generated energy from renewable sources.  
    • Energy efficiency and renewable production are implemented. 
  • Building materials are decarbonized: 
    • Focus on materials that reduce the overall carbon footprint of a built structure (design, material choice and efficiency)
    • Materials and building elements are reused, repaired and recycled.
    • Renewable and secondary materials are used. 
    • Buildings are constructed with non-toxic, durable, and sustainably sourced materials. 
    • More sustainable use of materials and resources is achieved, considering life cycle, embodied impacts, sourcing, conservation and reuse. 
  • No waste is generated: 
    • The generation of waste associated with demolition, excavation and construction is minimized. 
    • Waste is diverted from landfills. 
    • Developments that provide efficient systems for waste management during operation is delivered. 
    • Materials and resource efficiency is promoted. 
    • Buildings are designed for deconstruction, longevity, adaptability and disassembly, repair, maintenance and maximized reuse. 
  • Public transport and active mobility are prioritized, traffic congestion addressed, and emissions reduced. Mobility is electrified, shared and electricity is generated preferably on-site.

Case Studies

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