Net-zero carbon and circular

The built environment has to reduce its impact on the natural world, in construction and operation. Buildings should generate their own energy on-site, use renewable sources and capture and treat water to cover consumption. During construction, the focus should be given to non-toxic, decarbonized and sustainable materials, as well as recovering and repurposing used resources (on-site or from another site). Attention should also be given to ensuring that buildings are designed for longevity, flexibility adaptability and recoverability, striving toward total decarbonization.

Principles:

• Whole life cycle carbon emissions (embodied and operational) reach net zero. 

• Energy consumption is reduced by increasing efficiency and buildings are powered by on-site or off-site renewables.
  • Buildings are operated by on-site generated energy from renewable sources.  
  • Energy efficiency and renewable production are implemented. 

• Building materials are decarbonized: 
  • Focus on materials that reduce the overall carbon footprint of a built structure (design, material choice and efficiency)
  • Materials and building elements are reused, repaired and recycled.
  • Renewable and secondary materials are used. 
  • Buildings are constructed with non-toxic, durable, and sustainably sourced materials. 
  • More sustainable use of materials and resources is achieved, considering life cycle, embodied impacts, sourcing, conservation and reuse. 

• No waste is generated: 
  • The generation of waste associated with demolition, excavation and construction is minimized. 
  • Waste is diverted from landfills. 
  • Developments that provide efficient systems for waste management during operation is delivered. 
  • Materials and resource efficiency is promoted. 
  • Buildings are designed for deconstruction, longevity, adaptability and disassembly, repair, maintenance and maximized reuse. 

• Public transport and active mobility are prioritized, traffic congestion addressed, and emissions reduced. Mobility is electrified, shared and electricity is generated preferably on-site.