6 tips for reducing your building’s carbon footprint
The 1.5°C climate targets are forcing companies across all sectors to take a critical look at their environmental impact. CO₂ emissions from buildings are primarily caused by two factors: operational emissions and embodied emissions.
Operational emissions result from energy consumption during the building’s use, such as heating, cooling and lighting. Embodied emissions, on the other hand, are related to the production, transport and installation of Building materials, as well as the construction activities themselves.
There are various stakeholders behind these emissions. The Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) has identified five key actors for whom it has developed a framework:
- Financial institutions
- Developer
- Owner-occupier
- Owner-lessor
- Property manager
There is a significant interplay between these different stakeholders. For example, developers are responsible for a building’s embodied emissions, whilst users generate operational emissions. The choices made by developers and building owners – such as the type of HVAC system – have a direct impact on those operational emissions.
With Encon’s expertise, organisations receive targeted advice on how to make their buildings more efficient, sustainable and future-proof. Here are six tips to reduce your building’s CO₂ emissions.
As a developer and building owner:
1. Smart energy management and renewable energy
Energy is often the largest source of emissions in office buildings. You can drastically reduce CO₂ emissions by:
- Switching to green electricity via an energy supplier that offers 100% renewable energy.
- Generating your own energy using solar panels or a (small) wind turbine.
- Using smart meters and building management systems to monitor and optimise energy consumption.
Combining energy efficiency with renewable energy sources can make a building not only low-carbon, but also energy-positive in the future.
2. Invest in good insulation
Poor insulation leads to unnecessary energy loss. By insulating buildings properly and making them airtight, you limit heat loss and make significant savings on heating and cooling costs.
- Tackle roof and cavity wall insulation.
- Install double or triple glazing to better regulate temperature.
- Use reflective sun blinds to reduce the need for air conditioning in summer.
3. Opt for sustainable renovation
Renovations offer an opportunity to make older buildings more sustainable. This can be achieved by:
- Electrifying heating and cooling with heat pumps instead of gas-fired systems.
- Using LED lighting and smart systems for energy efficiency.
- Choosing low-carbon materials such as recycled concrete or wood.
4. Use a practical tool such as CRREM
The Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor (CRREM) helps companies gain insight into their buildings’ emissions and the steps needed to align with the 1.5°C target.
- Set strategic priorities for sustainability.
- Avoid future financial risks due to stricter regulations.
- Communicate transparently about progress towards climate targets.
CRREM is a way to approach sustainability in a transparent and strategic manner.
As a building user:
5. Flexible use of workspace
More efficient use of office space helps reduce energy consumption. Consider:
- Activity-based working: Create multi-functional spaces to reduce the number of square metres per employee.
- Workplace optimisation using sensors to better configure spaces based on actual usage.
6. Engage employees in sustainable behaviour
Technology alone is not enough. Sustainability also requires conscious behaviour from employees:
- Establish energy-saving guidelines, such as switching off devices after use.
- Facilitate green mobility, such as cycling or electric driving, to limit commuting emissions.
- Communicate the impact of sustainability and encourage employees to contribute ideas for improvements.
Data sharing and regulations
We see challenges for companies in the property sector in sharing consumption data efficiently. With new regulations such as the CSRD, both users and owners of buildings must report on consumption and emissions across the value chain. A structured monitoring system is essential here for clear and accurate reporting.
Building a sustainable future together
The construction sector plays a key role in making buildings more sustainable, but change starts with the companies themselves. By investing in sustainable building solutions, you can not only reduce CO₂ emissions but also save costs and comply with future regulations.
With Encon as your partner, you have access to strategic advice and practical guidance. Whether you want to take steps in energy management, renovation or behavioural change, we help you achieve maximum impact.
Curious to find out how your organisation can make its office buildings more sustainable? Receive free advice and discover how much you can save – in both euros and CO₂ emissions!
