Basic elements of a climate action strategy

How buildings become carbon neutral

If we are to make fundamental changes by 2045, we need to start now. A reliable framework that provides guidance on how to continuously reduce CO₂ emissions to the required level is essential. For this reason, the DGNB has developed a framework for carbon neutral buildings and sites that will make it possible to decarbonise the building stock by 2045. Four basic elements of a climate action strategy are addressed:

Part 1: CO₂ accounting for status assessment

On the basis of the measured consumption data, the building-specific CO₂ balance must be determined annually. This enables an assessment of whether building operation has been implemented as planned or whether and where action is required.

Part 2: Climate Action Roadmap

Climate action must be planned. Only those who define clear objectives for their buildings, sustain these and thereby also implement measures in a future-orientated manner can optimally combine climate action and economic efficiency.

Part 3: CO₂ reporting

Companies are responsible for disclosing their activities and decisions in the context of sustainability and climate action. Transparent communication of the actual CO2 emissions resulting from their own activities, including the consumption of their own building, is absolutely desirable.

Part 4: Quality assurance and verification

High building quality and recording the CO₂ emissions caused by the building are an important basis for any climate action strategy. Independent quality assurance is essential in order to be able to verify the effectiveness of the implemented climate action measures.

Publication|pdf|English|1 MB

Framework for carbon neutral buildings and sites

Publication: 13.08.2020

In the Framework, the DGNB has compiled its definition of carbon neutrality as well as the corresponding explanations regarding procedures. The aim is to create clarity on the market and to educate all stakeholders with regard to effective optimisation approaches for reducing the CO2 emissions of their properties. Among other things, the Framework describes the rules for CO2 accounting of buildings and sites. It also serves as a basis for developing building-specific climate action strategies. Additionally, requirements and possibilities for CO2 reporting and quality assurance are presented.

Download

View in Browser

Fields of action

In order to make our buildings carbon neutral, we have to take into account the overarching interrelationships. What we need is a sensible systematic approach. Every decision and measure must be assessed according to the following aspects
and orientated towards these:

1. Minimisation of the total energy consumption
2. Efficient energy generation
3. Selecting energy sources with the lowest possible CO2 intensity

The following fields of action are crucial for optimising the operation of buildings in use:

Five fields of action for optimising the operation of existing buildings: context, building energy, user energy, supply systems, renewable energy — © DGNB

With a perspective on new construction, these fields of action are coming into focus:

Five fields of action for optimisation in new construction: High space sufficiency, Recyclable construction, Flexible usem Low material consumption, Low CO2 footprint of materials — © DGNB

The optimisation of buildings towards carbon neutrality is not finally completed once these fields of action have been dealt with. Ongoing active efforts must be made to ensure that buildings and building operations remain carbon neutral. Continuous monitoring and regular assessments are necessary.

Back to the toolbox "carbon neutral building"