Improve your environmental credentials by reducing carbon emissions and prioritising sustainability
With around 37% of global carbon emissions[1] linked to buildings, it is clear that we need to adopt a net-zero building strategy in order to reach our climate and sustainability goals.
The good news is that the technology and services to support this transformation are available today, and with support from savvy electrical contractors and trusted experts such as Schneider Electric, you can ensure your buildings are as energy-efficient and future-ready as possible.
[1] https://globalabc.org/resources/publications/2021-global-status-report-buildings-and-construction
Retrofitting for greater opportunities
Around 50% of the buildings that exist today will still be in use in 2050[1]. This offers an opportunity to retro-fit these existing structures with technology that will improve efficiencies, as well as making the building more resilient and people-centric – factors that are good for the environment as well as for business. It is also much more sustainable to make use of the existing assets we have, rather than continually creating new ones.
Creating Buildings of the Future
Buildings of the Future will be created with what Schneider Electric has termed Electricity 4.0. This term refers to buildings that are all-digital and all-electric, utilising clever technologies to reduce energy usage, and then prioritising the use of renewable energy to power them – using digitalisation to optimise energy and carbon performance. There are three steps to achieving this goal:
- Strategise
- Digitise
- Decarbonise
One of the first requirements in any building where you are looking to reduce carbon emissions is to measure what the current usage is. After all, you can’t manage what you don’t measure. To achieve this, energy monitoring technology is a must, and as a general rule, the more monitors you have and the better quality they are, the greater opportunity you’ll have to reduce emissions.
Once you have a good understanding of where the energy is being used, then upgrades and advances can occur. Energy-efficient technologies such as advanced building automation systems that conserve energy and reduce carbon emissions through advanced scheduling and control sequences, can be integrated. Predictive maintenance can also be implemented to help prevent unplanned shutdowns, and therefore promote business continuity and ongoing sustainability.
Electrification
A clear way to reduce the carbon emissions of a building is to move from being a consumer, to becoming a prosumer – that is, a building that also produces its own energy. This could be through the installation of a PV solar system, with onsite battery storage, or wind turbines.
Another consideration for buildings in the New Energy Landscape is the inclusion of electric vehicle charging stations. Bringing these factors together, building owners can consider the creation of a microgrid, that allows greater control and improved efficiencies. Smart microgrid technology can help users swap between energy sources and loads to take advantage of different scenarios. For example, using solar energy when grid energy is more expensive, or storing more energy when prices are low or solar energy is abundant.
Making a stand
Your organisation’s sustainability targets and timelines send a strong signal to your stakeholders, customers, and employees – and help to build your brand’s reputation. For those in the property sector, strong targets with an actionable plan signal that your organisation is stepping into a leadership position on decarbonisation and sustainability.
Let Schneider Electric help you improve the sustainability and energy efficiency of your buildings. To find out more, download our Net Zero e-guide via our website.
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