5 MINUTE READ
2nd August 2024
Whether you are a homeowner looking to reduce your energy bills, a builder aiming to meet new regulatory standards or an environmentally conscious individual, understanding and striving for net zero can have profound impacts. By reducing our carbon footprint, we help mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, improve air quality, and ensure a sustainable future for the next generation. This is critical in the construction industry, a significant contributor to global emissions. Achieving Net Zero can be a substantial undertaking in construction due to the typically carbon-heavy materials used – but what does Net Zero in Construction mean, and how can companies like AeroBarrierUK help new buildings meet this crucial target?
In general terms, Net zero refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gases, measured in kilos or tonnes of CO2-equivalent in creation (CO2e), and that an equal or greater amount of CO2e into the atmosphere and the amount removed. Simply put, achieving Net Zero means balancing the negative impact of high-carbon activities with carbon-sequestering steps, thereby minimising the impacts of climate change and ensuring a sustainable future.
The construction industry is a major contributor to global carbon emissions, accounting for approximately 39% of energy-related CO2 emissions worldwide. These emissions come from three primary sources:
Embodied Carbon: These are the emissions required to make the materials used in constructing a building – from high-embodied carbon items, such as concrete, to low-embodied items such as timber, which store and “sequester” carbon.
Construction Emissions: The Emissions required to transport and build units – from the diesel burnt in transporting materials (and workers!) to site, to the electricity and fuel required to run all the plant and machinery during the various phases of the project.
Operational Emissions: The indirect emissions produced during the use of buildings, mainly from heating, cooling, lighting, and powering appliances – this is driven primarily by building quality and efficiency – Passivhaus builds will require less operational energy than an inefficient or (typically) older building.
To achieve net zero in construction, all the CO2e generated in the embodied, construction and operational emissions need to be addressed, reduced or offset to achieve a “Net Zero” outcome. This involves implementing energy-efficient designs, using sustainable building materials, adopting renewable energy sources, and improving construction practices.
AeroBarrierUK is at the forefront of helping the construction industry achieve net zero through its innovative air sealing technology. AeroBarrierUK contributes to the goal of net zero in construction through:
One of the most significant contributors to operational emissions is wasted energy loss due to poor building envelope performance – often called the “performance gap”. Our advanced air sealing technology ensures that buildings are not wasting energy through draughts – often the largest area of energy loss. By reducing air leaks, all the energy efficiency measures built into the embodied and construction emissions can be used to maximum effect, leading to lower operational carbon and energy costs.
Many building codes and standards are evolving to include requirements for net zero performance. AeroBarrierUK helps builders and developers comply with and exceed these standards by providing a reliable solution for achieving airtightness. This compliance not only supports net zero goals but also enhances the building’s market value and appeal to environmentally conscious buyers.
By improving the efficiency of the building envelope, AeroBarrierUK can reduce carbon emissions through oversizing and overspecification – typically 10-20% of a project’s embodied carbon. This, in turn, reduces the embodied emissions associated with these materials and supports sustainable construction practices by optimising the use of resources and minimising waste.
Investing in an AeroBarrier seal offers long-term benefits, including reduced energy bills, improved indoor air quality, and increased building durability. These advantages not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also provide economic benefits for building owners and occupants.
Achieving net zero is a critical step toward reaching climate change targets and promoting sustainability. By adopting advanced air sealing technologies and sustainable construction practices, we can create buildings that not only meet net-zero standards but also contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future for all.
Whether you are a builder, developer, or homeowner, embracing net-zero principles and leveraging technologies like AeroBarrierUK can make a significant difference in the fight against climate change. Together, we can build a better, greener world.
