The hard truth is that all buildings have a carbon footprint. A building’s carbon footprint is defined as the amount of CO2 it produces during its operations and activities. Considering a building’s carbon footprint affects both new construction and existing buildings. By educating ourselves, clients, and consultants, the entire team will be able to ensure that the building design has the smallest negative impact possible on the environment. Some of the ways in which building owners can reduce their GHG / Carbon Emissions are as follows:
1. Implement Efficiency in Material Design
Material efficiency has been highlighted as “one of the most effective means to reduce emissions,” noting that eliminating material waste at the design stage could lead to an 18% reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions between 2017 and 2050. The report particularly highlights the targets of reducing steel and cement use in construction, noting that the minerals in cement account for 32% of all emissions from material consumption, while steel accounts for 15%. To alleviate this impact, a number of eco-friendly building materials have emerged in construction.
2. Enhance Existing Building Utilization
“Buildings are [underutilized] and often discarded before they have reached the end of their useful life,” the report reads, which can result in an avoidable level of GHG emissions. Implementing strategic use of existing space and infrastructure can lead to an 11% GHG emission reduction by 2050 and a 10%-20% reduction in demand for new buildings.
As concepts like brick-and-mortar retail face a demise and building vacancies rise, some cities are becoming more aware of how to reuse those buildings for second-life purposes. The benefits of utilizing existing infrastructure can be mirrored in using vacant lots for development and construction, as opposed to tearing down forestry or existing buildings for such development. New York City recently held a design competition, Big Ideas for Small Lots, to encourage the construction of affordable housing on small and irregular lots throughout the city.
3. Energy-Efficient Lighting
Lighting makes up a significant portion of energy consumption after heating and cooling. Hence, focusing on efforts to use energy-efficient lighting can help to cut down energy costs. One of the ways you can do that is by using occupancy sensors to operate the lights only when occupied. Another very successful way is to use low-energy-consuming lights such as fluorescent, incandescent, halogen, LED, or HID. The type of lighting you choose will depend on the specific lighting needs.
4. HVAC
Since HVAC comprises 40 per cent of all carbon emissions, incorporating the most efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, along with efficient operations and scheduled maintenance of such systems, reduces carbon footprint. Schedule heating and cooling systems to go on during pre-determined hours; let the system run hotter or cooler in off-hours, depending on the season. Most buildings are ventilated with outside air to keep the inside air fresh and odor free.
This ventilation runs all of the time, even when it is not needed. This wastes energy because the outside air needs to be heated or cooled. Installing a low-energy humidifier instead of a typical electric steam humidifier will reduce a building’s carbon footprint.
Also, equipping a building with sensors can measure indoor air quality and determine how much ventilation is needed. This means less electricity and natural gas will be needed for the HVAC system, which lowers energy bills and reduces the building’s carbon footprint.
5. Renewable Energy
A building’s carbon footprint can be reduced by sourcing its operational energy from environmentally responsible sources or by generating renewable energy on-site. Using the walls or roof of a building for solar air heating, solar electric photovoltaic (PV) systems or solar water heating can permanently eliminate part of the demand for conventional energy.
6. Sustainable Construction Practices
Modular construction stands out as a promising means of reducing emissions. The on-site assembly of prefabricated modules also produces less material waste and shorter timelines, which translate into reduced energy consumption.
Another way to reduce emissions from concrete production is to use low-carbon alternatives to cement, such as fly ash or slag. Utilizing recycled materials, such as reclaimed wood or recycled steel, also helps reduce dependence on virgin materials and emissions associated with extraction and manufacturing processes.
7. Efficient Water Use
Improving water efficiency is another effective approach to cutting GHG emissions. Installing water-efficient fixtures like low-flow faucets, dual-flush toilets, and advanced showerheads can substantially reduce water consumption and the energy required to heat it.
Greywater recycling systems present another opportunity, as they allow the reuse of water from sinks and showers for non-potable purposes such as irrigation or flushing toilets. Rainwater harvesting systems, which collect and store rainwater for landscaping and other applications, also help reduce dependence on municipal water supplies and the energy required for water treatment.
8. Smart Building Technologies
Smart building technologies can revolutionize energy management and improve efficiency. Building automation systems (BAS) allow for centralized control of lighting, HVAC, and other energy-intensive systems, optimizing operations based on occupancy and usage patterns.
Energy management systems can provide real-time insights into energy consumption, helping identify areas for improvement. Smart thermostats and sensors further contribute by maintaining ideal indoor temperatures and minimizing energy waste, particularly during non-occupancy periods.
9. High-Performance Building Envelopes
The design of a building’s envelope—the exterior walls, roof, windows, and insulation—plays a critical role in energy efficiency. High-performance insulation materials, energy-efficient windows, and airtight construction help minimize heat transfer, reducing the need for heating and cooling. Additionally, reflective roofing materials or green roofs can lower cooling loads by mitigating heat absorption during warmer months.
10. Lifecycle Carbon Analysis
Incorporating lifecycle carbon analysis into building design and construction can ensure emissions are minimized at every stage, from material production to demolition. This approach involves selecting materials and design practices that have the lowest environmental impact throughout their lifespan. For instance, designing for deconstruction allows components to be reused or recycled at the end of their lifecycle, avoiding waste and reducing future emissions.
11. Retrofits and Energy Upgrades
Retrofitting older buildings with modern, energy-efficient systems can dramatically reduce their carbon footprint. Upgrades like replacing outdated HVAC systems, installing LED lighting, and improving insulation can significantly enhance energy performance. Retrofitting also includes replacing old windows with double- or triple-glazed options and sealing air leaks, ensuring a tighter, more efficient envelope.
12. Occupant Engagement and Behavior Changes
Encouraging building occupants to adopt energy-efficient habits can have a meaningful impact on reducing emissions. Simple measures, such as turning off lights and equipment when not in use, adjusting thermostats for seasonal efficiency, and utilizing natural light whenever possible, contribute to overall energy savings. Educational initiatives and feedback systems can further motivate occupants to reduce their energy consumption.
How The Cotocon Group Works to Reduce the GHG/Carbon Footprint of Buildings
The Cotocon Group understands the impact buildings have on our environment. We are committed to working on reducing the carbon footprint of all our projects. One of the ways we do this is by conducting an annual audit of our projects’ energy use, which is a significant factor in a building’s carbon footprint. We also provide services such as Local Law Compliance, Energy Audits, Retro Commissioning, and Building Commissioning that will help you reduce your Carbon Emissions.
Get in touch with us to learn more!
