Howcto achieve net zero carbon emissions in Middle East buildings?
As signatories to the World Green Building Council’s ‘Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment’ and to further the net zero agenda under this commitment, AESG, a world leading Specialist Consulting, Engineering and Advisory firm, today unveiled its new ‘Pathway to Net Zero’ tool. Designed to determine and evaluate the options available for reducing both the embodied and operational Carbon footprint of buildings, this tool conveniently provides AESG’s clients with an optional pathway to achieving net zero carbon buildings.
With buildings contributing upwards of 40% of global CO2 emissions, the widescale adoption of net zero principles by the sector has the potential to reduce worldwide emission by up to 43% within the next decade[1]. However, perceived costs, extreme climatic conditions and a general lack of expertise in design and implementation are currently key factors incumbering net zero projects in the Middle East. By applying its new Pathway to Net Zero tool free of charge to all its design projects from 2020 onwards, AESG hopes to address most misconceptions around the concept and thereby incentivize its clients.
“Much of the resistance to change can be eliminated by providing developers with a clear picture of their journey to net zero, the short-term investments it will entail, and the many long-term operational and commercial benefits they’re likely to enjoy. As industry leaders within sustainable development, and a signatory to the WorldGBC’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment, AESG acknowledges its responsibility to facilitating a more sustainable future. We hope that by providing a convenient and well-defined pathway to net zero on all our projects, we will be able to stimulate the transition to decarbonising the construction sector,” said Phillipa Grant – Head of Energy & Sustainable Development at AESG.
AESG has meticulously followed key industry standards in the development of its tool. These include EN standards for the embodied carbon assessment, as well as the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) standards for the operational carbon assessment. The tool assesses buildings based on a myriad of factors such as the typology and planned usage, and location and size, along with any additional project requirements specified during the briefing stage.
AESG has successfully provided construction support for the Sustainability Pavilion at Expo 2020, which will be a net zero building, and enabled Multiplex, a premier global construction company, to achieve nearly zero energy consumption at its construction site offices. Based on this proven track record, AESG is confident of its Pathway to Net Zero tool’s applicability to all design projects that it provides services for.
About AESG
AESG is a world leading Specialist Consultancy, Engineering and Advisory firm headquartered in London and Dubai, working throughout the Middle East, Europe and Asia. Our areas of expertise are represented in four core verticals: Building Engineering & Design, Land Development & Infrastructure, Commissioning & Innovation and Strategy & Advisory.
We pride ourselves in being leaders in the industry in each of the services that we offer. We have one of the largest dedicated team with decades of cumulative experience in sustainable building design, fire and life safety, façade engineering, commissioning, waste management, environmental consultancy and energy management.
With unparalleled experience, gained from working on hundreds of iconic developments, our multi-disciplinary team of Architects, Engineers, Scientists, Modellers and Commissioning Managers work alongside our Clients to deliver effective solutions that stand the test of time. Our prestigious portfolio demonstrates our extensive capabilities and our ability to consistently deliver best in class solutions to some of the industry’s most complex technical challenges.
Phillipa Grant – Head of Energy & Sustainable Development at AESG
