Wednesday 29 June 2016

World Green Building Council sets ‘net zero’ goal

World Green Building Council sets ‘net zero’ goal

A new project which aims to ensure all buildings are “net zero” by 2050 has been launched.

The World Green Building Council’s (GBC) ‘Advancing Net Zero’ initiative will see GBCs in some of the biggest projected growth in buildings roll out certification and provide training in an effort to reach the goal.

At least eight GBCs from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Netherlands, South Africa and Sweden will initially take part in the project.

Non-profit organisation Architecture 2030 will be the lead partner, providing expertise to participants along with other local and international firms.

WorldGBC states the long term goal is to ensure "all new buildings and major renovations should be net zero starting in 2030, meaning no buildings should be built below net zero standards beyond 2030 [and] 100% of buildings should be net zero by 2050".

The initiative builds on the commitment from WorldGBC and its 74 GBCs to cut carbon emissions by 84 gigatonnes by 2050 through net zero buildings and deep renovation, which was made at COP21 in Paris last December.

Terri Wills, CEO of WorldGBC said: “The success of our ambitions to keep global warming to within 1.5 to 2 degrees will depend on our ability to advance net zero buildings - those which generate clean energy and produce no net emissions. Net zero buildings will be a defining contribution in our efforts to tackle climate change.

“Getting down to zero won’t be easy. This will be a long and challenging road but together with the dedication and expertise of our Green Building Councils and partners, we can create a thriving market for highly efficient buildings and make net zero the new normal.”

Written by

Bruna Pinhoni

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