Towards renewable energies and sustainable practices
Decarbonizing real estate means reducing its carbon emissions, mainly by improving its energy efficiency, using renewable energies and adopting sustainable practices. Here is a detailed guide to the steps to follow to decarbonize real estate:
1. Initial assessment and energy audit
- Energy audit : Conduct an energy audit to identify the main sources of energy consumption and carbon emissions in the building. The audit will make it possible to determine weak points (insulation, heating systems, lighting, etc.) and to prioritize actions.
- Life cycle assessment (LCA) : Analyze the entire building life cycle, including construction, operation, and end of life, to identify carbon impacts at each stage.
2. Improving energy efficiency
- Thermal insulation : Improve the insulation of walls, roofs, windows and floors to reduce heating and cooling needs. Insulation is often one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce energy consumption.
- Window renovation : Replace single-glazed windows with double- or triple-glazed windows to improve thermal and acoustic insulation.
- Reduction of thermal bridges : Identify and correct thermal bridges, which are areas where heat escapes more easily, such as junctions between walls and roofs.
- Airtightness : Improve the tightness of the building to prevent air leaks, especially around windows, doors, and ducts.
3. Optimization of energy systems
- Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) : Replace old heating and air conditioning systems with energy-efficient equipment, such as heat pumps, which consume less energy.
- Lighting : Install LED lights, which consume much less energy than traditional lightbulbs, and consider using presence sensors to optimize the use of lights.
- Automation and control : Use building management systems (BMS) to control and optimize the use of HVAC systems, lighting, and other equipment according to occupancy and real needs.
4. Transition to renewable energies
- Photovoltaic solar : Install solar panels to produce electricity on site, which can cover a significant portion of the building's energy consumption.
- Solar thermal : Use solar thermal panels to heat sanitary water or for heating, thus reducing dependence on fossil energy sources.
- Geothermal or air-water heat pumps : These systems use renewable energy found in the ground or the air for heating and air conditioning.
- Green energy supply : If on-site production is limited, opt for an electricity supplier that offers energy from certified renewable sources.
5. Water and waste management
- Rainwater harvesting : Install a rainwater harvesting system for irrigation or toilets, which reduces the consumption of drinking water and the energy associated with its treatment.
- Waste reduction : Implement recycling and composting programs, and adopt sustainable building practices to minimize construction waste.
- Greywater reuse systems : Greywater (uncontaminated domestic wastewater) can be treated and reused for certain applications, such as irrigation, which reduces water consumption.
6. Low carbon impact building materials
- Recycled or biobased materials : Use building materials with a low carbon footprint, such as wood, recycled brick, or insulation based on natural materials (wood wool, hemp, etc.).
- Low carbon concrete : Replace traditional concrete with low-carbon alternatives, such as low-clinker concrete or alternative concretes that use fly ash or slag.
- Concrete reduction : Reduce the amount of concrete used in construction, for example by opting for lighter structures or by integrating elements made of wood or recycled steel.
7. Adoption of sustainable management practices
- Proactive maintenance : Adopt a proactive maintenance strategy to keep equipment in optimal condition and extend its lifespan, reducing replacement needs and associated emissions.
- Occupant engagement : Raise awareness and involve building occupants in reducing energy consumption and adopting environmentally friendly behaviors (turning off lights, adjusting thermostats, etc.).
- Continuous monitoring and optimization : Use energy monitoring tools to monitor energy consumption in real time and adjust it continuously to optimize performance.
8. Certification and labelling
- Environmental certifications : Obtain certifications such as LEED, BREEAM, HQE or BBC (Low Consumption Building) to attest to the environmental performance of the building and promote your decarbonization efforts.
- Energy Performance Diagnosis (DPE) : Update the building's DPE after decarbonization work to reflect improvements in energy efficiency.
9. Reduction of indirect emissions
- Sustainable mobility : Encourage the use of sustainable means of transport by occupants (bicycles, public transport, electric vehicles) by installing infrastructures such as charging stations or bicycle parking lots.
- Responsible purchasing : Choose suppliers and products with a low carbon footprint and that respect sustainability criteria (ecological labels, recycled materials, etc.).
- Local procurement : Reduce transport emissions by using local materials and services.
10. Use of carbon credits (as a last resort)
- Carbon compensation : If all actions to reduce direct and indirect emissions have been implemented, you can offset the remaining emissions by investing in certified carbon offset projects (reforestation, renewable energies, etc.). However, this should only be used as a complement to efforts to reduce emissions.
Conclusion
Decarbonizing real estate requires a comprehensive approach that combines technical improvements, sustainable material choices, changes in management practices, and the engagement of occupants. By integrating these strategies, you can not only reduce the carbon footprint of the building, but also improve its comfort, reduce operating costs, and increase its market value.
