Energy efficiency
Building and infrastructure account for a whopping 41% of global energy use (compared to 29% for transport and 30% for industry). The simple truth is that a reliance on fossil fuels at this level represents an existential threat to us all.
According to the World Bank, the Real Estate industry must achieve a 36% reduction in emissions by 2030 if the Paris Climate Change Conference target of keeping global warming below 2 degrees is to be met. This translates into an annual decrease of 1.25% in energy consumption across the sector.
So, what does that mean on the ground? It means that our buildings need to be more efficient, use less energy and create less emissions.
Thankfully, there are many ways we can design these benefits into our projects.
Optimising natural light and ventilation can reduce the need for heating, air conditioning and artificial lighting. When required however, we can use efficient and carefully controlled systems to deliver these in a more sustainable way.
The adoption of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, good insulation and smart technologies to monitor and control our internal environments are fundamental to meeting our goals for the wider, global environment.
By utilising the latest technology and best architectural and M&E practice it is possible to reduce a building’s energy consumption by up to two thirds. Think about the benefits of that to both business and the environment.
We’ve long been strong advocates for energy efficiency in office design and delivery. It was what drove us to create Europe’s largest photovoltaic wall (646m2 and generating 55,000 kWh per year) on our Solar Building in Sunderland, way back in 1997 and it’s still a fundamental driver of our design philosophy today.