Going Beyond Net Zero - Doing more than emission reduction and maximized efficiency
Recently the world has experienced the effects of climate change more than ever before. Forests across the globe are on fire and Europe has experienced heat waves like no other. With the acceleration of such ‘freak events’, we get a preview of where we are heading and feel more than ever compelled to take the much needed drastic measures towards achieving net zero and optimistically going beyond. But what does that mean? What needs to happen in order for us to reverse the effects of climate change and set ourselves up to live in harmony with the earth, because we know for sure, there is no planet B.
As stated in the Paris Agreement – emissions need to be reduced by 45% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050 yet according to the UN Net Zero Coalition we are not on track to reach net zero by 2050 as commitments made by governments to date fall far short of what is required. Current policies that guide the classifications of net zero are based on conservative figures and improbable scenarios.
We are already aware that countries and nation states will not be able to meet the commitments made to reach net zero by 2050. Therefore the UN-backed global campaign Race to Zero is rallying companies, cities, regions, financial and educational institutions – to take rigorous and immediate action to halve global emissions by 2030 and deliver a healthier, fairer zero carbon world in time.
Accounting for a third of global emissions, the building industry needs not just follow carbon emission reductions mandated by these conservative policies; we must strive to go beyond the acceptable limits in order not to compromise our livelihoods. As a sector we hold, in the built environment, a powerful catalyzer for positive change. From taking advantage of site and climatic conditions, responsible material selections to decarbonizing our energy resources, we have the potential through design, construction and building operations to go beyond compensating for our own direct and indirect emissions.
In the upcoming Green Real Estate - Beyond Net Zero event we will explore means to rethink our buildings beyond reducing their environmental footprint, beyond maximizing their efficiency and beyond simply balancing their impact. By exploring market trends, sustainable design practices, showcasing pioneering projects in the region, and providing business case evidence, the event will provide participants with practical strategies for achieving results that will ultimately lead to a healthier, fairer, and zero carbon society.
We believe that through implementation, advocacy and innovation the next generation of buildings can be built in total harmony with the planet's ecosystem, fostering positive human health and prosperity way beyond the physical boundaries of the building itself. Join us and key industry leaders as we witness exemplary designs and innovations supporting the race beyond net zero.
To learn more: Join Our Event "The Green Real Estate: Beyond Net Zero" on February 9th 2023!
