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How Real Estate Technology Suites Can Help Achieve Net-Zero Buildings

Sep 02, 2024
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Real Estate sector plays a pivotal and undeniably large role in climate change and consequently the fight against it. At the forefront of this major transformation is the ability to utilize energy that has been consumed and vice versa; in other words Net-Zero buildings.  

Achieving net-zero status involves a comprehensive approach to managing carbon emissions throughout a building's lifecycle, from construction to operation. Real estate technology suites like RealCube are essential tools in this effort, providing integrated solutions that streamline property, facility and financial management. This blog explores how RealCube can help reach closer to the net-zero building goal, incorporating current industry statistics, projections, and strategies for managing carbon emissions. 

Understanding Net-Zero Carbon in Real Estate 

In the context of real estate, net-zero carbon refers to achieving zero or negative carbon emissions across all stages of a building’s lifecycle. This includes emissions from construction, operation, maintenance, and servicing. The goal is to minimize the carbon footprint through: 

  1. Maximizing Energy Efficiency: Reducing energy use through advanced design and technologies. 

  1. Using Renewable Energy Sources: Integrating on-site renewable energy generation, such as solar or wind. 

  1. Minimizing Embodied Carbon: Reducing emissions associated with the production and transportation of construction materials. 

  1. Offsetting Remaining Emissions: Employing carbon sequestration methods to counterbalance any residual emissions. 

Embodied carbon refers to emissions generated during the construction and material production phases, while operational carbon encompasses emissions from the building’s ongoing operation, servicing, and maintenance. Real estate emissions are categorized into three scopes: 

  • Scope 1: Direct emissions from sources owned by the building, such as company vehicles and diesel generators. 

  • Scope 2: Indirect emissions from purchased energy, including electricity, steam, heating, and cooling. 

  • Scope 3: All other indirect emissions in a building’s value chain, such as tenant operations, waste management, and supply chain activities. 

A true net-zero strategy addresses all three scopes to the greatest extent possible, aligning with global commitments and investor expectations for carbon neutrality. 

The Real Estate Sector’s Environmental Impact 

Current Contribution 

The real estate sector significantly influences global energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Buildings are responsible for approximately 30% of global energy use and 28% of CO2 emissions, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). This underscores the sector's crucial role in mitigating climate change. 

Projected Changes 

The industry is making strides towards sustainability: 

  • Energy Efficiency Improvements: The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects a 1.3% annual improvement in energy efficiency in buildings from 2020 to 2050, driven by advancements in technology and stricter efficiency standards. 

  • Renewable Energy Adoption: The Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction 2021 predicts a 30% increase in renewable energy use in buildings by 2030, supported by falling costs of renewable technologies and enhanced regulatory frameworks. 

  • Net-Zero Targets: Nearly 50% of global real estate firms have committed to achieving net-zero carbon by 2050, reflecting a significant shift towards sustainability. 

Net Zero in Real Estate – How can it be done? 

  1. Generation of Energy on site: Producing energy on-site and opting for renewable sources of energy, wherever possible, such as solar and wind. 

  1. Energy Management and tracking: Energy monitors can track consumption and identify causes of excessive usage, thus eliminating over consumption at source and early on.  

  1. Supply-demand balance: Create the exact amount of energy as is required, monitor and control consumption further by billing/ penalizing. 

  1. Create a circular economy: Inculcate recycling by treating all forms of waste as raw material for newer products.  

  1. Green building practices: Right from building design to construction and operation, there is an avenue to reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption by incorporating sustainable practices.  

The World Green Building Council’s Net-Zero Carbon Building Commitment is urging business operations to reach net-zero by 2030 and all buildings to be net-zero carbon by 2050. By future proofing, builders and property developers comply with the stringent regulations and thus avoid penalties.  

How Technology Suites Facilitate Net-Zero Goals 

1. Centralized Data Management 

Effective management of energy and emissions data is critical for achieving net-zero status. RealCube provides a centralized property management platform that integrates data from various sources, offering a comprehensive view of building performance. 

A recent research by McKinsey & Company indicates that buildings with advanced data management systems can reduce energy consumption by up to 20%. RealCube’s real-time monitoring allows property managers to identify inefficiencies promptly and take corrective action, thus supporting net-zero objectives. 

2. Advanced Energy Management 

Energy management is crucial for reducing consumption and meeting net-zero targets. Technology suites can offer robust tools for monitoring, analyzing, and optimizing energy use in the form of inefficiencies in HVAC systems, faulty appliances consuming additional energy and so on.  

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) reports that advanced energy management systems can lead to energy savings of 15-25%. With the potential to integrate with building management systems (BMS) and energy management systems (EMS), RealCube can help facility managers implement energy-saving measures effectively. 

3. Streamlined Facility Management 

Effective facility management contributes to energy efficiency and sustainability. RealCube integrates various facility management functions, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing energy waste. 

According to the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International, predictive maintenance can cut equipment-related energy consumption by up to 25%. Predictive maintenance features help facility managers address potential issues before they lead to significant energy waste, aiding in net-zero goals. 

4. Financial Optimization and Reporting 

Financial planning and management are vital for achieving and maintaining net-zero status. RealCube offers tools for budgeting, expense tracking, and ROI measurement. 

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) estimates that energy-efficient upgrades can provide a 20-30% return on investment (ROI). RealCube’s financial reporting capabilities assist property owners and managers in making informed decisions about sustainability investments, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to achieve net-zero goals. 

5. Integration with Renewable Energy Sources 

Renewable energy integration is essential for net-zero buildings. Integrated solutions should support the incorporation of renewable energy sources and optimize their performance. 

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reports that renewable energy accounted for 11% of global building energy consumption in 2020, with projections indicating growth to 20% by 2030.  

6. Enhancing Occupant Engagement 

Engaging building occupants in sustainability efforts is crucial for reducing energy consumption. RealCube’s features improve user experience and promote energy-conscious behaviors. 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that occupant engagement programs can reduce energy use by 5-15%. An integrated solution such as RealCube can be customized to help occupants understand their energy impact and encourage participation in energy-saving initiatives, leading to overall reductions in consumption. 

7. Compliance and Certification Support 

Meeting regulatory requirements and obtaining certifications are important for achieving net-zero status.  

The World Green Building Council reports that green building certifications like LEED can lead to energy use reductions of 25-30% compared to non-certified buildings. 

Achieving net-zero buildings is a complex but essential goal for mitigating climate change. It requires a comprehensive strategy that addresses all aspects of a building’s lifecycle, including embodied and operational carbon, and all three scopes of emissions: direct, indirect from purchased energy, and other indirect emissions. 

RealCube’s technology suite plays a crucial role in this transformation by integrating data management, facility management, financial oversight, and relevant integrations into a unified platform. By leveraging RealCube’s advanced features, property managers and facility operators can streamline operations, enhance energy efficiency, and engage occupants in sustainability efforts. 

In a global landscape increasingly committed to reducing carbon emissions, RealCube is a powerful ally in achieving net-zero building goals. By providing the tools and insights needed to manage every aspect of building performance, RealCube helps turn ambitious sustainability targets into reality, paving the way for a greener, more energy-efficient future.  

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