As part of our process towards improving our approach to sustainability, we have been working to de-mistify some of the terms that are commonly used when speaking about environmental issues. One example of this is Net Zero Carbon.

Net zero carbon is when the total amount of a building’s operational and constructional CO2 emissions are equal to or less than zero, through the use of carbon offsetting or on-site energy generation.

This video explores a hypothetical Net Zero Carbon building over its lifetime, considering construction carbon, operational carbon and exploring the possibilities of carbon offsetting.

Understanding Net Zero Watch the full video here
Ofsetting C02 impacts through construction and operational carbon are immediate - so it is important to keep these to a minimum. We can then offset this C02 through a variety of means , such as tree planting. However this takes time to offset a buildings impact.
Operation emissions Operational CO2 emissions are produced through the running of the building including heating, cooling, lighting and power. These emissions need to be kept to a minimum, through efficient building design.
Construction emissions Construction CO2 emissions are the largest contributor to climate change at the beginning of a building’s lifespan. It is the product of the manufacturing of building components and process.
Net Zero Carbon Net zero carbon is when the total amount of a building’s operational and constructional CO2 emissions are equal to or less than zero, through the use of carbon offsetting or on-site energy generation.

Net Zero Carbon