The Smart Future
Net Zero Toolkit

Achieving Net Zero Carbon Buildings

The Smart Future HVAC framework set out below is intended as a first step towards delivering sustainable objectives that are in line with the aims of the Paris Agreement: net zero carbon across buildings. This framework can be adopted by any organisation that is serious about reducing its impact on climate change.

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Monitor & Measure

Understand where and when energy is being used in real-time. Our energy management platform will collect and analyse your data and deliver this in a clear and simple format allowing you to:
• View your energy intensity (kWh/m‘) for each asset
• Benchmark your buildings against others
• Create energy and carbon reports for legislation compliance
• Create an 'Energy Policy’ based on your target energy intensity
• Engage with tenants to get buy-in, and build targets

Reduce Operational Energy Use

Building a dynamic model of key assets to measure the impact and cost of mitigation measures to identify a pathway to meet increasing legislative performance targets. This can be done through:

• Ensure Planned Preventive Maintenance is integral to the evolution of the estate’s efficiency rating
• Identify areas of waste such as poor energy management or poor control settings
• Install energy efficiency measures, track the impact, and verify returns.
• Use the dynamic model to evaluate the energy/environmental impact of tenant fit-out works to overall building ratings, and ensure compliance with the property’s energy targets
• Create a green fit-out standard with tighter control measures to protect/enhance the buildings efficiency rating and ensure continued performance
• When buildings are bought or sold due diligence should include identifying a property’s net zero pathway and the cost of compliance, to avoid acquiring properties with costly energy upgrades.
• Model the impact of planned refurbishments
• Support tenants reduction emissions by installing Electric Vehicle charging points reducing Scope 3 emissions

On Site/Off Site Renewable Energy

On-site Renewable Energy generation of electricity and heat should be optimised as far as practically possible through the application of Solar PV and Heat Pumps.

Additionally, procurement of renewable energy from off-site renewables either through private arrangements or Corporate Power Purchase Agreements with renewable energy generators can help to meet Scope 3 emissions

Whilst Government subsidies are no more, on-site renewable energy generation to off-set imported electricity and heat will :
• provide a positive return,
• hedge against future energy cost inflation
• help achieve compliance, and
• reduce emissions

Offset

Any remaining carbon should be offset using a recognised offsetting framework.
Investment in carbon offsetting projects should be in the relevant jurisdiction and the amount of offsets used should be publicly disclosed

Tools & Services

Net Zero Carbon – Construction:

When the amount of carbon emissions associated with a building’s construction stages up to practical completion is zero or negative, through the use of offsets or the net export of on-site renewable energy.

Net Zero Carbon – Operational Energy:

When the amount of carbon emissions associated with the building’s operational in use energy on an annual basis is zero or negative. A net zero carbon building is highly energy efficient and powered from on-site and/or off-site renewable energy sources, with any remaining carbon balance offset.

The Smart Future Net Zero Toolkit