What is Net Zero Architecture?
If you’ve ever been curious about net zero architecture, this blog post is for you. Net zero architecture is an essential component of climate action—one that can reduce emissions and save money in the long run. In short, it’s a way to design buildings which are “zero net energy” — buildings which produce as much energy as they consume over the course of a year. To understand what net zero architecture is, it’s essential to understand what carbon dioxide is and its effect on our planet, as well as how the architecture and construction industries contribute to Australia’s carbon dioxide emissions.
What Is Carbon Dioxide?
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is produced when we burn fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas. It’s one of the leading causes of global warming because it traps heat in Earth's atmosphere and warms the planet's surface temperature. This has resulted in rising sea levels, extreme weather events such as floods and droughts, melting glaciers, and other devastating effects on our environment.
The Role Of Architecture & Construction In Emissions
Research conducted by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation found that embodied emissions make up 10% of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions and that 28% of emissions come from the building and construction sector globally. These figures illustrate why reducing embodied carbon has become a priority for many architects, contractors, developers and builders who are looking to lower their impact on the environment while still delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget.
Designing A Net Zero Building
Net zero buildings should be designed by considering bioclimatic architecture and passive concepts such as natural ventilation systems; on-site renewable energy sources like solar panels; efficient appliances; light fixtures; insulation materials; window treatments; plumbing fixtures; HVAC systems; ventilation systems; methodologies such as green roofs or living walls; recycling programs; water conservation measures; integrated waste management systems; smart building technologies like automated lighting controls or occupancy sensors; plus any other features that can help reduce energy use or improve efficiency. Additionally, designers need to consider embedded carbon throughout the design process - taking into account all materials used in construction including those imported from overseas suppliers - in order to ensure minimal environmental impact.
“Given all that we know of the impact of the construction sector, and the urgent need to arrest the calamity of runaway climate change and biodiversity loss, we must act now,” says Bonnie. “As designers and specifiers, we can work to uncover and harness opportunities to optimise project carbon, within the consideration of the whole life cycle – to move to a more regenerative, climate positive future.”
Bonnie Herring is the director of sustainability at Breathe, a certified carbon-neutral architecture firm.
Overall, net zero architecture provides an opportunity for us to reduce our impact on the environment while still delivering high-quality projects that meet our needs now and into the future. By understanding what carbon dioxide is, how it affects our planet's climate system, and how architects & builders can reduce their embodied carbon footprint through innovative design techniques & materials selection - we can work together towards a brighter future for all Australians!
