The Road to Net Zero: Start with Paris Proof
The Path to a Sustainable Future Begins with Our Buildings. With the climate goals of the Paris Agreement in mind, it is now essential to invest in energy-efficient and climate-neutral solutions. While Paris Proof is not a mandatory standard, it is an ambitious goal that helps drastically reduce CO₂ emissions and contribute to a greener world.
Are you curious about:
Why a Paris Proof building is important
What constitues a Paris Proof building
The benefits of a Paris Proof building
Whether a Paris Proof building is mandatory
Whether there is a certification for a Paris Proof building
The roadmap to achieve a Paris Proof building
The added value of EYE Real Estate is
Then this blog is especially for you!
Why a Paris Proof building
Paris Proof refers to the ambition to make the built environment completely climate neutral by 2050. This means that a building is so energy-efficient that it can operate without fossil fuels, or energy neutral.
The importance of Paris Proof buildings is significant in the context of the climate goals set by the Paris Agreement. This agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, with a clear target of 1.5 degrees Celsius. The main climate objectives are:
- At least 55% reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2030
- 95% reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2050
As of January 1, 2023, the built environment in the Netherlands was responsible for:
- 37% of energy consumption
- 40% of CO2 emissions, of which 29% comes from operational energy use and 11% from material-related emissions.
- 50% of raw material consumption
Given that the built environment significantly contributes to these figures, it plays a crucial role in achieving the climate targets. In this context, Paris Proof means that a building is designed and managed to be fully CO₂-neutral by utilizing sustainable energy sources and advanced energy-efficiency technologies.
What is a Paris Proof building
Paris Proof refers to the ambition to make the built environment fully climate neutral by 2050. This means that greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), resulting from energy use and construction processes are fully offset. This can be achieved by either removing an equivalent amount of CO₂ from the atmosphere or by using sustainable solutions that do not produce CO₂ emissions. A climate-neutral built environment balances carbon emissions and absorption to ensure there is no negative impact on the climate.
The key aspects of a climate-neutral building are:
- Energy Efficiency: Reduction of energy consumption through high-quality insulation, energy-efficient equipment, and smart building designs.
- Sustainable Energy Sources: Utilization of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal energy instead of fossil fuels.
- Materials and Construction Methods: Use of sustainable materials and techniques that result in lower CO₂ emissions during production, construction, and the building's lifecycle.
- Offset Measures: When complete elimination of emissions is not feasible, compensation strategies such as CO₂ storage, reforestation, or purchasing CO₂ certificates are employed.
- Circular Economy: Promotion of reuse, recycling, and waste reduction to extend the lifecycle of materials and decrease the demand for new resources.
For existing office buildings, the WEii (Actual Energy Intensity Indicator) stipulates that by 2040, energy consumption must not exceed 70 kWh/m² per year, preferably sourced from CO₂-neutral sources. This represents a two-thirds reduction compared to the average building and user-related energy consumption in 2023.
For new construction, the WENG (Actual Energy Neutral Building) guideline can be used, where energy consumption of less than 7 kWh/m² is considered energy-neutral.
However, note that the WEii and WENG currently do not account for material-related emissions. Therefore, a shift towards a 'Whole Life Carbon' approach is necessary, which considers both operational emissions and the impact of materials and techniques throughout the building's lifecycle. This leads towards the goal of Net Zero Carbon Buildings. In an upcoming blog, we will delve deeper into Net Zero Carbon Buildings.
Interested in a Paris Proof building? Be sure to read the following blogs:
What does a Paris Proof building deliver
Investing in a Paris Proof building offers both economic and environmental benefits and plays a crucial role in the transition to a more sustainable future. The advantages can be categorized as follows:
Environmental benefits
- Positive Environmental Impact: The building helps the CO2 emissions and reduces other environmental impacts, contributing to the fight against climate change.
- Healthier Working and Living Environments: By focusing on proper ventilation, natural light and the use of non-toxic materials, the building promotes better air quality and a healthier environment.
Economic Benefits
- Lower Energy Costs: Efficient energy use and renewable energy sources significantly reduce operational costs.
- Reduced Operational Costs: The initial investment in sustainable technologies can lead to long-term savings through lower maintenance costs and reduced energy requirements. This can also result in a more stable revenue stream.
- Increased (Real Estate) Value: Sustainable buildings are increasingly valuable and attractive to tenants and buyers, which can lead to a higher market value and improved rental potential.
Market and image benefits
- Enhanced Appeal: Meeting sustainability requirements attracts tenants, investors, and stakeholders, particularly those for whom sustainability is a key part of their CSR objectives.
- Stronger Customer Relationships: A responsible and engaged image can lead to stronger relationships with customers, employees, suppliers, and communities.
- Positive Reputation: Enhancing the company's image and becoming more attractive to stakeholders through a commitment to sustainability.
Regulation and Innovation
- Compliance with Regulations: Adhering to the highest sustainability standards helps meet future regulations and requirements, such as CSRD and ESRS reporting requirements.
- Promoting Innovation: Integrating sustainable solutions and new technologies fosters innovation and efficiency.
Transparency and Trust
- Increased Transparency: Greater transparency regarding sustainability claims enhances credibility and builds trust with stakeholders.
- Improved Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating environmental and social risks contributes to robust risk management.
By choosing a Paris Proof building, you not only position yourself as a responsible and forward-thinking player in the market but also actively contribute to a more sustainable future.
Is a Paris Proof building mandatory
A Paris Proof building is currently not mandatory. It is a voluntary standard developed to help buildings meet the climate goals of the Paris Agreement, with the aim of drastically reducing energy consumption and CO₂ emissions.
Current sustainability obligations in the built environment primarily focus on energy performance, as outlined in European directives and national building regulations, including the Dutch Nearly Zero Energy Building (BENG) requirements. However, the Paris Proof label goes beyond these minimum requirements by setting stricter standards for energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources.
Many organizations and developers voluntarily choose to make their buildings Paris Proof because it can contribute to lower energy costs, higher property values, and better preparation for future regulations. Although it is not mandatory at present, Paris Proof could become a significant competitive advantage in the future and potentially even part of stricter regulations.
Is there a certification for a Paris Proof building
The short answer is: no, there is no specific certification for a Paris Proof building. Paris Proof is a concept referring to buildings that meet the energy efficiency and CO₂ reduction targets of the Paris Agreement, rather than a formal certification.
In the Netherlands, the term Paris Proof is used by organizations such as the Dutch Green Building Council (DGBC) to indicate that a building meets the energy performance requirements necessary to achieve the Paris climate goals. However, it remains more of a guideline or ambition level rather than an official certification.
There are, however, certifications focused on sustainability and energy efficiency, such as:
- BREEAM: An internationally recognized sustainability standard that assesses the environmental performance of buildings.
- LEED: An American sustainability label used globally to evaluate buildings based on energy efficiency and environmental friendliness.
- Energy Label: This label indicates how energy-efficient a building is and contributes to reducing CO₂ emissions.
Paris Proof can currently be seen as an ambition level within these existing certifications or as an additional, voluntary standard for buildings aiming to make further contributions to achieving the Paris climate goals.
The Roadmap to a Paris Proof building
There are various definitions, tools, and guidelines available for achieving a climate-efficient or even climate-neutral building, such as WEii, WENG, BENG, CRREM tool, EU taxonomy, and ESG criteria. This can sometimes be overwhelming. However, we are here to assist you with our systematic approach, regardless of where you are on your journey, to help you see the forest for the trees. With over 15 years of comprehensive development experience, we know what works and makes the most significant impact. To achieve your sustainability goals and ambitions, the following steps can be taken:
Step 1: Inventory of Ambitions and Goals
Determine which sustainability goals you want to achieve and how they align with your broader business strategy.
Step 2: Inventory of the Existing Property Portfolio
Analyze your current buildings to see what opportunities and challenges there are for sustainability.
Step 3: Conduct building analysis (baseline measurement)
Conduct a thorough analysis of the current condition of your buildings, including energy consumption and CO₂ emissions.
Step 4: Develop a Sustainability Plan
Develop a plan with specific measures to make your buildings more sustainable and meet the Paris Proof standards.
Step 5: Conduct a Feasibility Study
Assess the feasibility of the proposed measures, both technically and financially.
Step 6: Simulation and Design Phase
Conduct simulations to test the impact of various sustainability measures and design the optimal solutions.
Step 7: Financing, Tendering and Contracting
Organize the financing and select the appropriate partners and contractors for the implementation of the measures.
Step 8: Implementation and Completion
Implement the selected measures and ensure a thorough completion of the upgraded buildings.
Step 9: Management and Monitoring of the Operational Phase
Ensure continuous management and monitoring to guarantee that the buildings continue to meet the "Paris Proof" standards.
Need assistance or advice in following these steps? We are ready to support you at every stage of the process. Contact us today to schedule an initial meeting and start your sustainability journey!
In conclusion
A Paris Proof building is a crucial step towards climate neutrality and achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. This concept provides a clear guideline for significantly reducing energy consumption and CO₂ emissions, resulting in lower energy costs and higher property values, as well as a positive environmental impact.
Paris Proof is not the end goal but the starting point on the journey to Net Zero Carbon Buildings.
EYE Real Estate: Your partner for sustainable and profitable real estate
Ready to take the step towards a Paris Proof building and reap the benefits of sustainable real estate solutions? EYE Real Estate provides the expertise and solutions you need to successfully enhance the sustainability of your real estate projects. From strategic planning to execution and optimization, we are your partner in achieving ambitious climate goals.
Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation and discover how we can transform your real estate challenges into sustainable and future-proof solutions. Start realizing your sustainability ambitions today and take the first step towards a greener future with EYE Real Estate!
