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Towards net-zero buildings: A quantitative study

Progress on energy and sustainability is at an all-time high. How will that momentum fare in a new decade and under radical new circumstances? In this study, we propose a new and innovative approach to the decarbonization of the building sector.

By

Vincent Petit
Remi Paccou
Vincent Minier

Towards Net-Zero Buildings: A Quantitative Study

It is our responsibility, as a large organization, to make a positive impact by reducing our energy consumption and CO2 emissions, and contributing to societal progress, while being profitable.

At Schneider Electric we have set ambitious targets with our 2021–2025 Schneider Sustainability Impact (SSI), in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals; our technologies reconcile growth, access to energy for all, and a carbon-free future for our planet. Our climate commitments aim to minimize carbon emissions for both our customers and our own company. For Schneider, this means the carbon neutral in our operations by 2025, 25% absolute reduction across our entire value chain and "Net-Zero ready" in our operations by 2030, and Net-Zero CO2 emissions across our entire value chain by 2050.

With pioneering technology and end-to-end solutions for sustainability, we’ve been building momentum.

The Schneider Electric™ Sustainability Research Institute examines the issues at hand and considers how the business community, as well as societies and government, can and should act. We seek to make sense of current trends and what must happen to maintain momentum, and preview the changes that we believe are yet to come.

In this study, we propose a new and innovative approach to the decarbonization of the building sector. Taking stock of the potential of modern technologies now available, we find that their combination offers two-thirds (or above) carbon abatement opportunity by 2030 while generating massive savings on annual energy spend for building dwellers (up to 70%), a positive equation which is, we argue, the only practical route to a rapid and successful decarbonization of the building sector. New constructions and service building retrofits are prime targets for rapid development while residential retrofits will require more policy focus and business innovation (notably for low-income households).

To achieve the sustainability goals set out by hundreds of global organizations, bold steps are required to reduce emissions and operate more sustainably.

Join us in this series where we explore compelling predictions and conclusions in the areas of energy management, digital innovation, climate action, goal setting and confidence, and fresh financing mechanisms.

A green plant growing from a dirt pile

Digital with impact

Towards a systemic approach to digitalization for a sustainable energy transition.
A city skyline with a boat in the water

Climate Horizon: Opportunities for a greener world in the Middle East

This paper explores two future perspectives for decarbonization in the Middle East by 2060.

Green digital solutions for corporate biodiversity action

The massive and accelerating loss of biodiversity is one of today’s key crises.

How Schneider Electric’s climate risks interact

And how the network view can help spot opportunities and avoid the biggest tragedies

Building a green future: Examining the job creation potential of electricity, heating, and storage in low-carbon buildings

A study reveals over 2 million new jobs can be created during the transition to net-zero buildings.

Addendum - Path to developed and decarbonized India

A focus on 2047 Net Zero

The why, what, and how of corporate biodiversity action

The approach towards corporate biodiversity action shows similarities with that of climate action at several points along the way.

Towards net-zero buildings: Exploring the IntenCity case

IntenCity has a cumulated carbon footprint 5 times less than an average European building on a 60-year life cycle.

Path to developed and decarbonized India

The choices India makes today will profoundly influence some of the world’s most pressing challenges like climate change. The good news is that these choices are yet to be made.

Road to a rapid transition to sustainable energy security in Europe

It is time to embrace sustainability as a business imperative and to capture the momentum now, for the future.