How easily can BREEAM help us overcome Net Zero Targets?

How can the fight against environmental pollution be solved with ‘Net Zero’ targets, and more specifically, where does the responsibility lie for BREEAM and the construction industry to contribute?

How did we get to this point?

The IPCC have stated that human caused effects are estimated to have caused 1.0°C of global warming above pre-industrial levels, with anthropogenic emissions likely to reach 1.5°C between 2030 and 2052.

If we exceed this level, there are likely to be grave environmental impacts across the world. The Climate Reality Project details that to achieve 1.5°C, there must be a reduction in next global carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 and then achieve NetZero in 2050. Ideally getting to Net Zero as quickly as possible is vital to alleviating environmental impact risk.

What actually is Net Zero?

Net Zero refers to a state in which the greenhouse gases going into the atmosphere are balanced by removal out of the atmosphere. The term net zero is important because - for CO2 at least - this is the state at which global warming stops (Net Zero Climate.org). This is a goal which has been attributed mainly to 2050 across governments as well as private industry. However, more ambitious targets have been set, such as the UK aviation industry aiming for Net Zero 2040 for instance.

Carbon and its relationship with construction

The construction industry has made changes to reduce their carbon emissions. Whether that is through the development of construction E.V’s delivering the same working output as diesel equivalents or through environmental standards being mandated for planning and development, there has been a shift in attitudes for the betterment of the environment.

The BRE Net Zero carbon article stated:

“As a major carbon emitter, it is imperative that the construction and real estate sectors take action to measure and ultimately reduce their carbon emissions”

Here the BRE, who are responsible for the running of the BREEAM environmental assessment, state that the risk to building asset value is increasing the impacts of climate change are intensifying. As well, the buildings and construction sector play a significant role in greenhouse gas emissions contributing to 38% of global emissions. So, it’s clear to see that whilst the construction industry is making steps to reduce their emissions, there is still a long way to go for a sector which contributes so much to global carbon emissions.

How can Net Zero targets reduce pollution?

Net Zero targets appreciate that whilst some emissions will be emitted, such as heavy machinery not feasibly being converted to electric, they will be fully offset. A gross-zero target would equate to emissions equalling zero - however this is extremely difficult (Institute for Government).

As of March 2022, 33 countries and the EU have mandated Net Zero targets, either in law or in a policy document with over 100 countries proposing their own targets within this decade (Climate Tracker, 2022). The image below shows Net Zero targets can help reduce pollution because they put pressure on governments and industry to find decarbonisation solutions, through suitable scope and transparency when making pledges. Suitable climate action is only likely achieved if governments act upon the pledges they make, likely through passing laws making environmental accreditations compulsory for example.

Image from: www.climateactiontracker.org

How can BREEAM in the future help with Net Zero carbon?

The future of BREEAM is geared up towards Net Zero (the Next Generation). Currently the aim is by 2024-2025 that a new technical standard would likely be issued targeting Net Zero 2050, giving the market clarity in what BREEAM expects of them and to connect industries together to encourage Net Zero practice. This represents a crucial step as with BREEAM technical criteria being set up to target Net Zero, this will reward developments which can demonstrate suitable offsetting and prioritising aggressive circular economy thinking.

BREEAM have stated an emphasis upon data gathering and using this to encourage change. This is based on high quality data that supports benchmarking and insights, emphasising in whole life sustainability performances for projects and monitoring in accordance with governmental Net Zero standards. The BRE also have consulted the public, governments, and industry to understand how people perceive Net Zero goals, developing three action areas (Building Back Better):

Action area 1 - Whole life carbon
Action area 2 - Net Zero carbon trajectory mapping
Action area 3 - Net Zero verification

These actions will help BREEAM to consolidate to its users why Net Zero targets are required, and through alignment with credit standards being tied to these targets, will force widespread change within the construction sector especially. BREEAM intends to work with Green Building Council and local and central government to achieve greater consensus on how to achieve Net Zero carbon.

To initiate the delivery of the strategy, BREEAM will be taking several additional steps, including:

Developing and testing proposals for a new ‘zero whole life carbon’ methodology; prioritising the new construction schemes
Mapping alignment between BREEAM schemes and carbon reduction pathways, i.e., the Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor (CRREM)
Developing and testing proposals for a new Net Zero carbon verification service, operationally as well as technically

Conclusion

Net Zero is an important milestone for decarbonisation and whilst for some 2050 might not be achievable, it is something that needs to be prioritised, especially in the construction sector, albeit with future challenges ahead. BREEAM is an invaluable tool as it already provides a basis for improved environmental performance for construction, but its ability to be adapted and changed in the future is the key to ensuring the construction industry does its part and consolidates why BREEAM assessments are vitally important.

If you need to discuss BREEAM with us, please contact us here or visit our BREEAM page here

References

BRE: Building back better - Building Back Better: Net zero carbon and BREEAM - Designing Buildings

BRE Net Zero carbon article - Net Zero Carbon – How BREEAM is leading on decarbonization of the built environment - BRE Group

BRE: The Next Generation - BREEAM: The Next Generation - Designing Buildings

Climate Reality Project article - Why Is 1.5 Degrees the Danger Line for Global Warming? | Climate Reality Project

Climate Tracker (ECIU) - Net zero targets | Climate Action Tracker

Institute for Government - UK net zero target | The Institute for Government

IPCC global warming summary statements - SR15_Headline-statements.pdf (ipcc.ch)

Net Zero Cliamte.org - What is Net Zero? - Net Zero Climate