The path to CO2-neutral buildings
What is net zero real estate?
We defined net-zero for us this way: For a net-zero building, all carbon emissions generated during the construction, operation, and demolition of the building must result in at least a balance of zero, or the excess emissions must be offset by excess on-site renewable energy production or carbon offsets.
Which statements from the "net zero" white paper are particularly noteworthy?
That for new buildings, the construction emissions, i.e., the material-induced emissions are so significant. An analysis of 36 of Implenia's own development projects shows that around two thirds of greenhouse gas emissions are caused by the construction of a building and "only" one third by its operation. In order to achieve net-zero carbon for buildings, therefore, the entire life cycle of a building must be consistently taken into account and a particular focus placed on construction emissions. This fact does not yet seem to have arrived in Swiss politics: For example, the "Climate Protection Act" adopted by the electorate is also limited to operating emissions and neglects construction emissions. Other countries such as Denmark and France are already further ahead in this respect.
The white paper highlights nine levers that can be set in motion on the path to CO2-neutral buildings. What is particularly worth mentioning in this regard?
The biggest levers for influencingCO2 emissions can be found in the early planning stages - such as site selection. For example, the potential for photovoltaic systems, the possibility of placing a geothermal probe or using a district heating network depends on the location. If the quality of the site is low with respect to such factors, it will be difficult to achieve net zero. The cards are shuffled in the early phases. In particular, this also involves the optimized selection of building technology systems and components as well as their materials in order to identify the most efficient options in terms of costs andCO2.
"CO2 is an issue that extends over the entire life cycle of a property. Accordingly, it can be influenced at every stage. As an integral construction and real estate service provider, we are ideally positioned to cover the topic from A to Z."
Nicolas Fries, Circular Economy and Innovation Manager at Implenia Real Estate
The white paper "Net zero - the path to CO2-neutral buildings" is based on Thomas Gottschling's bachelor thesis. This in turn is based on an analysis by our sustainability department, which examined 36 of our own development projects in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as external research results and our own experience and findings. The bachelor thesis and the white paper were produced as part of Implenia's Kickbox program on sustainability - under the sponsorship of Marc Lyon, Head Real Estate Development Switzerland. A product that is based on the collaboration of different departments.
