Buildings and Climate Change
Buildings directly contribute to climate change and local air pollution. Energy used in our homes and buildings contribute over 40% of global energy related greenhouse gas emissions, but it doesn’t have to be this way. There is incredible potential to reduce pollution and keep our air clean by adopting zero energy practices for our homes and buildings.
A building’s carbon emissions come from two sources. First is “operational carbon,” the emissions from the day-to-day energy use for operating the building with things like lighting, heating and cooling, water heating, cooking, coffee makers, and so forth. The second is known as the building’s “embodied carbon,” which includes carbon emissions associated with the extraction, manufacturing, and transportation of building materials such as concrete, wood, and fabric. It’s essential that buildings tackle both operational and embodied emission sources by prioritizing energy efficiency and clean energy, as well as smart, sustainable material and product choices.
Reducing operational carbon emissions
From energy-efficient appliances, lighting systems, and HVAC systems to state-of-the-art insulation, windows, and airtight construction practices, there are myriad ways to reduce a building’s operational emissions. These proven technologies and practices are readily available. Reducing the amount of energy consumed in a building immediately lowers that building’s emissions, reduces energy costs, and increases comfort. Supplying a building’s power with on-site renewable energy is the last step to eliminating operational emissions.
Reducing embodied carbon emissions
When it comes to ways to reduce embodied carbon, the options seem endless. Keeping embodied carbon low was embedded (pun intended!) in all the material choices made at the Climate Innovation Center.
Steps 1-9 of the website outline how the Climate Innovation Center was built to reduce emissions from both operating the building and the embodied carbon in the materials and product we selected.
green building certifications
The Climate Innovation Center is working toward two third-party certifications: Zero Energy through the International Living Future Institute and ENERGY STAR NextGen through the U.S. EPA’s ENERGY STAR program. The building is currently recognized as “Zero Energy Registered” and has achieved the “Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR” certification. Full certification will come after we have at least 12 months of full operational data to demonstrate that the building’s real-world performance meets both certifications. There are a range of building certifications to help guide homes and buildings in achieving optimal energy performance. Other notable certifications that can be pursued include:
- LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design): Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED is one of the most widely recognized green building certification programs globally. It covers a broad spectrum of sustainability criteria including energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, materials selection, and a LEED Zero certification. More: LEED Rating System
- Zero Energy Ready Home (U.S. Department of Energy): A DOE Zero Energy Ready Home is a high-performance home that is so energy efficient that a renewable energy system could offset most or all of the home’s annual energy use. More: Zero Energy Ready Home program
- ENERGY STAR NextGen Certification: This new certification launched by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency builds on the well-known Energy Star certification (which focuses on energy efficiency) and adds in recognition for use of renewable energy and low/zero emissions. More: ENERGY STAR NextGen Certified Homes and Apartments, ENERGY STAR NextGen for Commercial Buildings
- Living Building Challenge: Developed by the International Living Future Institute, this certification pushes the boundaries of sustainable building design. It requires projects to achieve net-zero energy, water, and waste while prioritizing human health and equity. More: Living Building Challenge
