DEEPINDER SINGH CEO , 75F
Buildings are the fourth-leading contributor to greenhouse gas emissions globally , and approximately half of a commercial building ’ s energy consumption stems from heating and cooling . Building management systems can control these systems and dramatically reduce their energy consumption . However , most existing commercial buildings in the U . S . are not using HVAC controls , because many of the solutions available are expensive and complex to install and maintain .
BRAD DOCKSER Founder and CEO , GreenGen
When we speak about decarbonization , it ’ s important to keep in mind that there are four levers to achieve net-zero : energy efficiency , on-site renewables , off-site renewables , and carbon offsets . Of these four , only one — energy efficiency — is guaranteed to show a return on investment . Focusing on this space is guaranteed to provide a net return through reduced operating costs that lead to an increase in an asset ’ s value . The ESG strategy brings sustainability and profitability together . Energy-saving technologies — LED lights , efficient HVAC , and improved building envelope — are a good start , but it ’ s not enough .
Companies and occupiers must go a step further with mindful conservation . By this , I mean those LED lights are on only when they need to be and they ’ re off when people aren ’ t there . It ’ s ensuring the air conditioning isn ’ t cooling an empty room . It ’ s consuming less with smarter technology — that ’ s the winning strategy . By embracing smart technology and acting on the data it produces , companies will see opportunities for continuous improvement
TECH ’ S BOOST TO CRE SUSTAINABILITY
Building management can control systems and dramatically reduce their energy consumption .
Reducing embodied carbon by decarbonizing construction materials and equipment is an urgent opportunity because building material manufacturing makes up at least 10 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions .
Focusing on this space is guaranteed to provide a net return through reduced operating costs that lead to an increase in an asset ’ s value . based on real-time analytics and automated decision-making . Through this , companies can see a real return on investment while also moving closer to the goal of complete decarbonization .
Commercial real estate owners , developers , investors , occupiers , and state and local governments must all work together toward common sustainable targets in the race to net-zero . Energy efficiency , through technology and mindful conservation , should always be the first , but not only , step we take .
STACY SMEDLEY Executive Director , Building Transparency
Reducing embodied carbon by decarbonizing construction materials and equipment is an urgent opportunity because building material manufacturing makes up at least 10 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions and will account for more than half of total new construction emissions between now and 2050 . To effectively reduce the embodied carbon of our buildings at scale , building owners and designers , construction companies , material suppliers , and policymakers should directly measure , compare , and reduce the embodied carbon emissions of their buildings and materials .
MARTA SCHANTZ Senior Vice President , Greenprint Center for Building Performance , ULI
Urban Land Institute is dedicated to creating healthy , resilient , and high-performance communities around the world . Through the work of its Greenprint , Building Healthy Places , and Urban Resilience programs , ULI provides leadership and support to real estate and land use professionals to invest in
34 COMMERCIAL INVESTMENT REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE FALL 2021