Currently, the world is facing a severe global warming crisis. According to a report by McKinsey & Company (2022), the construction and real estate sector contribute approximately 40% of greenhouse gas emissions from fuel combustion?. This has led many countries and organizations worldwide to accelerate the focus on developing buildings with net-zero carbon emissions, or Net Zero Buildings. Today, OPEN-TEC (Tech Knowledge Sharing Platform), powered by TCC TECHNOLOGY GROUP, will introduce the concept that is becoming the new standard for building development in the future.
What is a Net Zero Building?
A Net Zero Building is a building designed and managed to use energy efficiently, consuming less than or equal to the clean energy it produces itself. It also promotes the use of environmentally friendly materials and the installation of automated energy monitoring and control systems to ensure that the building truly achieves net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, the Net Zero concept also includes reducing carbon emissions from the production of building materials and construction processes (embodied carbon), which is gaining increasing attention. According to the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC), new buildings should reduce emissions from this aspect by at least 40% by 2030 and aim to reach zero by 2050?.
Technologies That Make a Building Truly Net Zero
As the Net Zero Building concept becomes widely adopted, technology has become a key factor in helping buildings reduce carbon emissions and use energy efficiently, such as:
- Renewable Energy: Rooftop solar panels and small wind turbines serve as the main energy sources.
- Energy Storage Systems: Enable continuous electricity usage even when sunlight is insufficient.
- IoT Sensors: Collect data on temperature, lighting, and electricity usage in different areas of the building, working with automated control systems to optimize energy consumption.
- Modern Building Materials: Heat-reflective glass or high-performance insulation reduces the load on air conditioning systems.
- Digital Twin: Creates a virtual model of the building for designers and engineers to evaluate energy performance and improve designs before construction.
These technologies help buildings approach the Net Zero goal from the very beginning.
Net Zero Building and the Business World
In business, designing buildings in line with Net Zero demonstrates environmental responsibility and clear economic benefits. Although construction costs are higher than conventional buildings, energy expenses can be significantly reduced in the long term, resulting in a worthwhile return on investment. Additionally, Net Zero buildings as the standard enhance organizational reputation, aligning with the ESG practices many organizations prioritize today.
Net Zero Building Trends in Thailand
Thailand is beginning to show a clear trend in Net Zero building development, with several major projects adopting sustainable technologies and concepts, setting new standards for real estate and business. Examples include:
Lastly, Net Zero Buildings are gradually becoming a tangible practice and a standard in the business and real estate sectors. These buildings are not only symbols of sustainability but also reflect careful planning and worthwhile investment in energy, reputation, and future readiness.
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