What It Takes to Go Net Zero: Why Aren’t We There Yet?

GANEM-KARLEN, CAROLINA; BAREA-PACI, GUSTAVO; ANDREONI TRENTACOSTE, SOLEDAD ELISA

Towards Net Zero Carbon Emissions in the Building Industry

Springer

Año: 2023; p. 1 - 437

Carbon neutrality in the built environment can be achieved by lowering energyconsumption with energy efficiency measures in the entire life cycle of a buildingand, at the same time, by generating energy from renewable sources to cover thebaseline energy demand. This chapter discusses four key challenges to achievenet zero in the building industry: (1) the global challenge referred to climatechange and future climates according to the 6th IPCC report, (2) the technicalchallenge related mainly to the achievement of net zero energy parameters innew and existing buildings and the difficulties to certify energy efficiency in amassive attempt. (3) The social challenge contending with the human angle ofnet zero perception and commitment (different net zero configurations implydifferent system and lifestyle changes and strongly depend on people supportingand adopting these changes) (4) the future challenge in the next transition fromthe building itself to a low carbon community and energy-positive buildings.The final discussion addresses the issue of how dealing with lowering carbonand energy must link us all together: Real progress is frozen until a solution isfound that works for (almost) everyone at (almost) the same time.