To achieve this requires a coordinated effort across all areas of society, which in its simplest form involves three key actions; efficiency, clean energy creation, and offset.
Each of these can be made easier by the preceding actions; the more efficient we are, the easier it becomes to meet that demand through emission-free generation, leaving the smallest residual footprint to offset. Therefore, improving the energy performance of our built environment holds the key to its contribution to net zero emissions.
The built environment is responsible for around 40% of the emissions that the UK is looking to eradicate by 2050. How we build, maintain and operate our buildings is changing in response to the challenge of reaching net zero.
From nuclear to healthcare, we provide technical solutions that are economically viable and energy efficient
The government’s net zero agenda is built upon the rapid decarbonisation of the national electricity grid, precipitating a drive in electrification of buildings and transport to benefit from a clean energy supply. As a consequence, it is anticipated that demand on the national grid in 2050 will be double that of today, with net zero legislation requiring all of that energy to be generated from renewable sources.
New developments require ever-tightening regulation to deliver exemplar performance, with incoming changes to building regulations and initiatives such as Design for Performance driving developers to look at energy intensity alongside carbon emissions. However, the vast majority of the 2050 building stock has already been built, and will require significant refurbishment and upgrade to reduce and balance in-use energy demand, whilst eliminating reliance on fossil fuels.
The ultimate aim is to enable zero carbon supply to meet demand, and therefore live within the Paris Proof budgets of 2050. Not to do so could bring significant risk to energy security, fuel poverty and asset viability.
How can we help you?
- Providing an understanding of portfolio and asset level energy use through analysis of historical data, monitoring of current usage, and simulations of future performance, to establish baselines and test scenarios.
- Developing strategic pathways for existing buildings to achieve net zero and implementing these measures through engineered solutions.
- Delivering concept design advice and engineering consultancy for new developments, from passive design measures, through to energy strategies, smart buildings and renewable technologies.