5 Net Zero Building Examples (and How They Got There)
Wednesday, 29th June 2022
The idea of a net-zero building once seemed reserved to the world of fiction, and only a few ultra-high-tech buildings seemed to make the cut. But now this is changing rapidly, as an increasing number of net-zero buildings pop up across the globe. And of course they need to: building operations currently account for 30% of carbon emissions in the UK.
But the building sector is responding with innovative solutions. It’s creating buildings that generate their own power through on-site renewable resources and save energy by using ingenious passive design strategies. Many net zero buildings have taken things even further and are actively cultivating a greener-minded workforce.
In this article, we showcase five inspiring net-zero buildings from the UK, the USA, the Netherlands and Norway.
How do you create a net-zero building?
There are many routes to net zero, but the exact path will look different for every building, business, and location.
For example, it’s not hard to imagine how access to natural resources—such as potential access to solar, wind or geothermal energy—will impact your building’s carbon footprint. But your building’s design and your management of resources all make a significant difference too.
If you take a quick survey of those buildings that have achieved net zero status, they all tend to have these things in common:
Reliance on renewables. Buildings achieve net zero emissions by abandoning power sourced from fossil fuels and by using clean energy, sourced from renewables such as solar and wind. In many cases, this power is generated onsite.
Passive building design. Net-zero buildings use as little energy as possible by using passive building design. This strategy makes the most of natural sources of light, heat, and ventilation.
Effective resource management. Smart, integrated technology drives resources, such as heat, light and ventilation, to where they’re really needed. This way, less energy is wasted and carbon emissions are kept to a minimum.
People power. Net zero is not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about people too. To achieve net zero, businesses ensure their workforce is on board too—by championing the reduction of energy use and waste.
Track record. Net-zero businesses are organised and transparent about their ongoing carbon footprint. They also have a robust and accurate system to collect data on their carbon emissions and carbon offsetting.
Recognition. Achieving net zero is no easy task, for any building. That’s why businesses choose from a wide range of schemes to certify their building’s net zero status, for example, BREEAM and LEED.
Seems like a lot? No one’s saying reaching net zero emissions is easy. But there’s no doubt that it’s worth it. With mandatory ESG regulation and changes to building regulations just around the corner, it’s smart to get ahead of the game.
5 examples of net zero buildings (and how they got there)
We thought you might like some inspiration, so we’ve pulled together five examples of net zero buildings from around the world. Despite their different sizes and locations, these buildings have all found a way to make net zero work for them. Here’s how:
1. The Venus, Manchester, UK
Designed by Peel L&P, this striking glass-walled commercial building has been independently verified as net zero carbon according to the UK Green Building Council’s (UKGBC) definition.
The office block employs the ISO50001 Energy Management System and is working towards obtaining ISO20121 sustainable event management certification.
100% of its waste is either recycled or used for energy recovery.
With its BREEAM rating of ‘very good’, The Venus sits in the top 25% of UK non-domestic buildings in terms of its environmental performance.
2. The Unisphere, Maryland, United States
Dramatically curved, the glass-fronted, six-story ‘Unisphere’ calls itself the largest net-zero energy building in the world.
Winner of the USGBC National Capital Region Innovative Project of the Year.
An iconic ‘energy wheel’ uses real-time data to monitor net energy consumption.
Indoor pool for passive heat regulation.
Clean on-site energy is provided by 2976 solar panels that cover the exterior of the building.
Window design means the building ‘breathes’ to provide natural ventilation.
Smart, integrated systems target resources according to indoor occupancy levels.
3. The Forge, London, UK
Set for completion this year, this commercial development will be net zero carbon according to the framework set out by the UKGBC definition. With its innovative approach to reducing embodied carbon, this building really showcases a creative way to to reach net zero.
Uses a sustainable platform strategy (P-DfMA) which results in a 25% reduction in embodied carbon and 178 tonnes of steel.
300m2 green roof—encouraging biodiversity.
107 solar panels onsite generate renewable energy.
4. The Floating Office, Rotterdam, Netherlands
Designed by architects, ‘Powerhouse Company’, this three-storey wooden ark-like structure is built to adapt to the climate of the future. The Floating Office Rotterdam has been designed to take sea-level changes and even power outages in its stride.
Awarded a ‘BREEAM Outstanding’ certification.
Built from a sustainable wooden structure—can eventually be reused and recycled.
Solar panels on the roof generate more power than is used by the development.
Water from the harbour is used in an integrated system to cool the building.
5. Powerhouse Telemark, Porsgrunn, Norway
With its angular roof and glistening facade, this building makes a bold statement on the skyline of Porsgrunn. But its boldness goes beyond its looks. The building emits zero emissions and has been awarded a ‘BREEAM Excellent’ sustainability certificate.
Each year, the building’s solar panels generate 243,000 kilowatt-hours. That’s enough to run the building and offset the energy from building materials (after 60 years).
Comfortable indoor temperatures are maintained by heat pumps and onsite geothermal energy.
The whole building has been designed to run on less energy than other similar newbuilds—by a whopping 70%.
Infogrid can help your building get there too
Achieving net zero might seem a huge mountain to climb, but we can help you get there, step by step.
Here are just some of the ways Infogrid’s smart systems can help your building reach its net zero goal:
Measure your carbon footprint. Our best in class Internet of Things (IoT) sensors can measure everything from temperature and air quality to occupancy and cleanliness. Easy to install, our discrete sensors are fully automated and fuss-free.
Optimise efficiency. Our clever little sensors collect data across your whole site, 24/7. Then, using artificial intelligence, our proprietary platform provides you with actionable insights on how to optimise the energy consumption of your building—all accessible through our centralised dashboard.
Lower maintenance costs. Don’t just respond to maintenance issues when they arise. A better approach is to use our smart technology to prevent issues before they even happen. Just think about how much energy and carbon you could save with fewer engineer visits and fewer replacements needed for your equipment.
Share your performance. Your staff, your customers, and your investors want you to show your commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We can help you organise all the data you need to achieve a recognised certification.
Try our demo to see how Infogrid can help you on your journey to net zero.
