A zero-carbon building does not waste energy, consumes less water, and generates as much energy as it consumes or uses renewables as their energy source. Transforming a building in this way may seem like an ambitious undertaking—but in León, México, architect Ramon Lopez eagerly took on the challenge.
Building decarbonization—eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from buildings—is essential. It involves two main types of carbon emissions:
- Operational Carbon: Emissions from heating, cooling, and day-to-day building functions.
- Embodied Carbon: Emissions from the production, transport, and construction of building materials.
The four-step approach to zero carbon buildings involves:
- Maximizing Energy Efficiency: Reducing the energy required for building operations through efficient design and upgrades.
- Minimizing Embodied Carbon: Using low-impact materials and designs that limit carbon emissions from the building process.
- Electrification and Eliminating Onsite Fossil Fuels: Switching buildings to electric power to capitalize on the decarbonizing grid.
- 100% Renewable Energy: Sourcing all power from renewable energy, whether generated onsite or purchased.
This strategy aims for buildings that contribute to zero greenhouse gas emissions, both operationally and through reduced embodied carbon in construction.
