ABCs of Net Zero Buildings with EDGE Zero Carbon, Part 3 of 3

A three-part collaboration with co-authors Kristina Samantha Pobre, Head of Sustainability at Arthaland Corporation & Autif Sayyed, South Asia Regional Lead at the International Finance Corporation

In Part 1, we tackled the barrier of having too many net zero building (NZB) labels and definitions: complexity. In Part 2, we focused on NZB labels and the fundamental concepts that form them, toward clarity.

We're now on the third and final article of our collaboration, where our goal is to simplify NZBs. Here's an outline of our discussion:

1. ABCs of EDGE Zero Carbon, a mnemonic for: a) advanced efficiency; b) building retrofits, and c) carbon neutrality.
2. Frameworks as lenses for NZB definitions: a) the Brundtland Report’s sustainable development definition, the global perspective; b) the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C global warming limit, the perspective of parties or country signatories; and c) other frameworks reflecting diverse industry perspectives; and
3. Key factors organizations must consider on NZBs, to ensure corporate alignment and maximize value.

Let’s begin our race in 3, 2, 1. 🌱

The race to net zero is a race that no one will win until everyone crosses the finish line. This statement embodies inclusivity, the same concept that also underpins our broader work at the World Bank. Readers might be familiar with the twin goals that had guided our work since 2013: ending extreme poverty and boosting shared prosperity.

It's clear how inclusivity is integral to environmental stewardship, and how environmental stewardship is integral to inclusivity, but this link is often missed. What does this look like?

Environmental stewardship without inclusivity resembles a members-only club for some eco-elitist agenda. Think of a tone deaf ad campaign for net zero buildings advocating for expensive technologies and products in a low income country.

Inclusivity without environmental stewardship is akin to inviting everyone to the club without regard for the venue—the planet we all share.

Shouldn't we be inclusive toward the welfare of our planet too?

Shouldn't we also act as stewards for the most vulnerable among us?

A mnemonic for NZBs

In general, a mnemonic is a memory aid or technique for remembering information easily using associations, patterns, or connections. It can also simplify the concept itself, or at least lend the impression of simplicity, to make a concept less overwhelming.

By using a mnemonic for NZBs, we encourage the perception that NZBs are simpler than people think, because they are a straightforward concept. At the same time, we can promote greater participation in and adoption of NZBs. However, we also don't want to oversimplify NZBs to the point that we lose the critical components necessary for effective climate action.

Therefore, before we discuss the ABCs of EDGE Zero Carbon, it's important to recall the definition of a NZB and the two elements that form its whole, from the first article:

A net zero building is a building that: 1) operates at a higher level of energy efficiency and 2) addresses all of its carbon emissions through renewable energy, carbon offsets, or a combination.

To provide clarity, we articulated this general definition through the NZB standard required for EDGE Zero Carbon. Remember the three levels of EDGE certification? This provides a simple and direct pathway toward achieving NZBs.

It's a pathway because a project can start at Level 1, implement green retrofits to reach Level 2, then source renewable energy or purchase carbon offsets to get to Level 3. We've seen this happen in the region, and a specific case study will be discussed in the seventh article.

Reaching EDGE Advanced addresses resource efficiency onsite significantly, but bringing a building to a higher level of energy efficiency does not eliminate all of its carbon emissions. To become carbon neutral, the building must now address the remaining carbon emissions through renewable energy, carbon offsets, or a combination of both.

Having established this clear definition, let's now proceed with simplifying NZBs through the mnemonic:

The ABCs of EDGE Zero Carbon

We present the ABCs of EDGE Zero Carbon: advanced efficiency, building retrofits, and carbon neutrality.

In the following slides we discuss:

1. The reasons why each of the three ABCs is critical;
2. Examples of green measures to achieve each; and
3. Case studies of EDGE Zero Carbon buildings as demonstration.

The mnemonic is simple, memorable, and most importantly, complete, as it encapsulates the basic NZB definition by emphasizing a much improved energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions. Moreover, it recognizes the urgent need to decarbonize existing building stock.

Don't just take our word for it though. Let's examine a few international frameworks to assess how the ABCs of EDGE Zero Carbon measures up.

A benevolent steward, nature generously provides while asking for so little in return. But we've reached a point where giving back as much as we're taking is no longer enough. Noting that a minimum standard on NZBs isn't a complete solution, it serves as a good starting point for now.

Our Common Future and the global frameworks

Our common future doesn't demand a common NZB definition, label, or certification, nor a singular best NZB standard. While there may come a time when such uniformity becomes essential, the urgency of the climate crisis compels us to establish just a minimum standard, at the very least.

Such a standard must align with international frameworks; otherwise, it would be easy to just adopt whatever is convenient. This lack of uniformity and coordination leads to complexity, as we've seen with NZB definitions and labels.

International frameworks help to harmonize efforts in the industry and to ensure that as we raise ambitions toward NZBs, we do so in alignment with global sustainability goals.

Think of these international frameworks as a litmus test for effective and concerted climate action, to see how we can further refine the ABCs of EDGE Zero Carbon.

The table below serves as a broad overview of the succeeding discussion:

Framework 1: Sustainable development as defined by the Brundtland Commission

This framework, set forth by the Brundtland Commission, was responsible for mainstreaming the concept of sustainable development and its widely accepted definition:

Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

It underscores the interconnectedness between economic progress, social equity, and environmental responsibility, throughout time or generations.

Relevance to NZBs This framework emphasizes the long-term perspective, on people, planet, and profit, that's at the core of true sustainable development, which aligns with the level of commitment required in adopting NZB.

Need for a minimum standard Sustainable development lends a foundational definition to NZBs, creating a baseline that encourages the property sector to consider, at the minimum, not only immediate financial gains from real estate transactions, but also the future impact of such extensive transformation of our planet.

Alignment with the ABCs of EDGE Zero Carbon Emphasizing the importance of efficient resource use at a time of climate crisis, sustainable development now requires advanced efficiency. Building retrofits are essential to sustainable development in that half of emissions come from building operations, as is addressing carbon emissions toward carbon neutrality.

Framework 2: 1.5°C target of the Conference of Parties (COP)

The UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) created the Paris Agreement, a legally binding treaty signed by 196 Parties in Paris, France. This framework sets a clear target to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, recognizing that exceeding this threshold could result in catastrophic consequences.

It calls for urgent and ambitious action to mitigate climate change impacts and emphasizes the significance of reaching this goal to safeguard the planet's future.

Relevance to NZBs This target serves as a guiding light at the finish line, necessitating the adoption of stringent measures to mitigate climate change. It assists in defining a NZB by stipulating a clear temperature threshold that translates to carbon emissions reductions targets, at the operational and embodied lifecycle stages.

Need for a minimum standard The 1.5°C target aligns with the objective of NZBs by emphasizing urgency and the need for collective action. In doing so, it advocates for a standard that's universally applicable and unifying, beyond the real estate sector, allowing diverse stakeholders to contribute collectively toward this crucial climate goal.

Alignment with the ABCs of EDGE Zero Carbon Focused on limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, the Paris Agreement resonates with the ABCs of EDGE Zero Carbon. Advanced efficiency corresponds to the Agreement's call for enhanced energy performance, while building retrofits align with the imperative to reduce emissions from existing structures. The pursuit of carbon neutrality echoes the Agreement's overarching goal of achieving a balance between anthropogenic emissions and removals.

Other frameworks: industrywide decarbonization initiatives

These frameworks champion the vital shift towards decarbonization across the entire lifecycle of buildings, emphasizing reduction strategies in energy consumption, resource use, and emissions during construction, operation, and demolition phases. They promote a comprehensive approach aimed at transforming the built environment into a sustainable and low-carbon sector.

A couple of these initiatives you can look at:

• The COP28 Buildings Breakthrough is a platform for collaboration across industry players to accelerate climate action in buildings. It nicely ties both the climate change mitigation (near-zero emission) and adaptation (resilient) agenda. Both IFC's EDGE Green Buildings and Building Resilience Index programs support this initiative. Target: Near-zero emission and resilient buildings are the new normal by 2030.

• The Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment is an industry collaboration that encourages climate action, inspires others to take action, and removes barriers. This initiative promotes whole lifecycle decarbonization of buildings. Target: For existing buildings, energy efficiency and emissions reduction, as fast as practicable; for new developments and major renovations, highly efficient, powered by renewables, with a maximum reduction in embodied carbon and compensation of residual upfront emissions.

Other key considerations

The obvious truth is that business decisions on green strategies, including the adoption of NZBs, rarely begin with global frameworks as the top consideration. And while they often start with cost, there are also many other considerations—too many to discuss here, and too often context specific.

In your pursuit of NZBs and what certification to use, you can consider the reasons why we have many NZB definitions in the first place: Philosophy, Progress, and Purpose.

1. Philosophy Evaluate the core values of your organization, and how they relate to net zero. For instance, if the emphasis is on promoting resource efficiency and reducing operational carbon, then quite a few NZB definitions and certifications will do. On the other hand, if a broader approach is essential to your organization—for example, looking beyond just building operations toward human health and wellness in the built environment—then exploring definitions and certifications such as WELL, could be a good option or addition.
2. Progress Acknowledge the dynamic nature of NZB definitions in response to technological advancements and changing environmental priorities. If your organization considers itself an innovator or early adopter, and values staying at the forefront of technological innovation, transparency, disclosure, and adapting to evolving environmental considerations, you might consider EDGE Zero Carbon. EDGE uses the data-driven EDGE App to quantify resource efficiencies, costs and savings, and environmental impacts, including embodied carbon.
3. Purpose Consider the specific goals, such as reporting standards of your organization. If aligning with broader sustainability metrics is a priority, certifications like LEED Zero, which offers certification paths for Net Zero Energy, Water, Carbon, and Waste, may be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if the emphasis is to go beyond net zero, toward achieving stringent energy efficiency and onsite renewable energy generation, the Living Building Challenge's Net Zero Energy Certification could be a suitable option.

Thanks for joining us

We hope that through the ABCs of EDGE Zero Carbon, we helped to make the concept of NZBs simpler, easier to remember, and much less overwhelming.

There are far too many definitions and concepts, frameworks, and considerations, and it can be confusing. But the best thing about the race to net zero is it's you that runs your race, and it's ultimately your decision. Always remember though, you're not alone in this race.

You now know what the minimum requirement for effective climate action through NZBs is. Armed with such knowledge, and an understanding of its alignment with organizational and global perspectives, we encourage you to go out there and apply them.

Achieve the minimum standard needed to get us all to the finish line, then from there, go forth and raise your ambitions even further. Create your own definition, concept, framework, and evaluate them based on your own considerations.

Thanks for joining us for the ABCs of Net Zero Buildings with EDGE Zero Carbon.

Sam, Autif, and Angelo 🌱

Please join me again next week for our midseries update. We've been quite busy since the holiday season, and we'd like to share some exciting announcements with you.

I've published the sixth article, Harmonizing Green & Resilient: The Case for Olive Green, but for the seventh article, joining me as co-author is a woman in sustainable built environment (emphasis on resilience)—someone who inspired us to create the EDGE Zero Carbon Retrofit Protocol, which has encouraged the growth of net zero existing buildings in the Philippines.

1. Raising Ambitions toward Net Zero Buildings, Part 1 of 2
2. Raising Ambitions toward Net Zero Buildings, Part 2 of 2
3. ABCs of Net Zero Buildings with EDGE Zero Carbon, Part 1 of 3
4. ABCs of Net Zero Buildings with EDGE Zero Carbon, Part 2 of 3
5. ABCs of Net Zero Buildings with EDGE Zero Carbon, Part 3 of 3
6. Harmonizing Green & Resilient: The Case for Olive Green
7. Raising Ambitions Beyond Net Zero: The Case for Regeneration
8. From Ambitious Climate Commitments Into Credible Climate Action, Part 1
9. From Ambitious Climate Commitments Into Credible Climate Action, Part 2
10. Raising Ambitions and Accelerating Action through Women's Leadership