“Sustainability” – is it another buzzword that’s going to cost you in the built environment money?
No, quite the opposite.
During a global cost of living crisis- there couldn’t be a better moment to start changing the way we build for the better.
Buildings are responsible for approximately 40% of global energy consumption and 33% of greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, it is essential to take sustainability and energy management seriously when designing, constructing, and managing buildings to reduce the impacts of climate change.
Along with transport, the built environment contributes the most to climate change.
Whether it is manufacturing products that consume unfathomable amounts of energy, or heating and lighting residential and commercial spaces worldwide, we can make an immediate impact by reducing our energy consumption.
Renewable energy sources, energy-efficient technologies, and energy conservation practices are all part of energy management in the built environment.
The above graph shows that electricity and heating are the most significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Fortunately, this is also the area the built environment can make an immediate impact by reducing consumption and introducing greener alternatives.
Why should you care?
Energy-efficient buildings are not only environmentally friendly but also economically beneficial. By reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, energy-efficient buildings can lower operating costs, increase property value, and attract tenants who prioritise sustainability.
Whether you are a two-person organisation, or 1,000, the way you work, directly and indirectly, has a more significant impact on the environment than you realise. We must take this seriously to mitigate climate change, conserve natural resources, promote a circular economy, and improve human health and well-being. At home or work, we must work together to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
Contact Craig Douglas for more information.