The building sector contributes nearly 40 % of all global greenhouse gas emissions, representing a significant challenge in the race against climate change. If we can achieve net-zero in buildings, then it could change the world. Yes, it is possible, and new guidance has just been published to show us how.
ISO/TS 23764, Methodology for achieving non-residential zero-energy buildings (ZEBs), outlines a step-by-step approach that organizations can follow to reduce the energy consumption of buildings they occupy and counter it with renewable sources. The technical specification considers elements such as heating, cooling, hot water, lighting, elevators, the use of renewable energy, energy management and more.
Dr Toshihiro Nonaka, Convenor of the group of experts that developed the guidance, said that, as we approach COP26, more and more leaders and organizations are looking for solutions to the climate challenge.
“The building sector represents a huge opportunity to reduce carbon emissions and meet the world’s many climate change targets such as the Paris Agreement,” he said.
“ISO/TS 23764 will not only help organizations reduce their carbon emissions, but it will also support the market for new products and technologies that facilitate this and attract investment in this area.”
The guidance also contributes to making many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) a reality. These include the Goals addressing affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11) and climate action (SDG 13).
ISO/TS 23764 was developed by ISO technical committee ISO/TC 205, Building environment design, whose secretariat is held by ANSI, ISO’s member for the USA. It can be purchased from your national ISO member or the ISO Store.