Taking action on climate change - Revision history

Editor at 15:30, 11 February 2022

2022-02-11T15:30:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:30, 11 February 2022
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	--[[User:BSRIA\|BSRIA]]		--[[User:BSRIA\|BSRIA]]

−	= Related articles on Designing Buildings ~~Wiki~~ =	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =

	* BREEAM USA and Fitwel.		* BREEAM USA and Fitwel.
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	* Climate Change Act.		* Climate Change Act.
	* Climate change science.		* Climate change science.
		+	* Global overheating.
	* Maintenance.		* Maintenance.
	* Net zero carbon buildings.		* Net zero carbon buildings.

Editor at 12:13, 6 October 2020

2020-10-06T12:13:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:13, 6 October 2020
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	* Climate change science.		* Climate change science.
	* Maintenance.		* Maintenance.
−	* Net zero carbon ~~building~~.	+	* Net zero carbon buildings.
	* Soft landings.		* Soft landings.
	* UK Green Building Council.		* UK Green Building Council.

Editor at 12:05, 6 October 2020

2020-10-06T12:05:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:05, 6 October 2020
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	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

		+	* BREEAM USA and Fitwel.
	* BSRIA articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.		* BSRIA articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
		+	* Building failure.
		+	* Climate Change Act.
		+	* Climate change science.
		+	* Maintenance.
		+	* Net zero carbon building.
		+	* Soft landings.
		+	* UK Green Building Council.
		+	* WELL Building Standard.

	[[Category:DCN_Commentary]] [[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]]		[[Category:DCN_Commentary]] [[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]]

Editor at 11:50, 6 October 2020

2020-10-06T11:50:02Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:50, 6 October 2020
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−	[[File:ClimateChange.BSRIA.jpg]]	+	[[File:ClimateChange.BSRIA.jpg\|link=File:ClimateChange.BSRIA.jpg]]

	= Introduction =		= Introduction =
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	Most nations now recognise climate change as an established, perturbing fact that needs immediate attention. We can see the effects in the worsening and more frequent extremes of weather: flash floods, droughts, strong winds, heavy snow, heat waves and so on.		Most nations now recognise climate change as an established, perturbing fact that needs immediate attention. We can see the effects in the worsening and more frequent extremes of weather: flash floods, droughts, strong winds, heavy snow, heat waves and so on.

−	UK temperatures in 2019 were 1.1°C above the 1961-1990 long-term average and it was a particularly wet year across parts of central and northern England. Still fresh in the memory are storms Ciara and Dennis in February 2020 with strong winds and heavy rain that caused significant damage to homes and commercial buildings. There is growing evidence that periods of intensely strong winds and heavy rain are likely to increase in the future.	+	= Natural signals =

−	~~The~~ UK ~~is not~~ the ~~only country affected by climate change~~. ~~Many other countries~~ are (and ~~will be) suffering disproportionately. The world’s leading climate scientists have warned~~ that ~~we might have just 12 years~~ to ~~keep global warming at a maximum of 1.5°C~~. ~~After this point, the risk~~ of ~~extreme weather conditions will significantly increase. The increased frequency~~ and ~~intensity of extreme weather will affect all but is most~~ likely to ~~bring catastrophic consequences~~ in ~~many less economically developed countries, where food shortages and water scarcity can trigger deep social changes~~.	+	UK temperatures in 2019 were 1.1°C above the 1961-1990 long-term average, and it was a particularly wet year across parts of central and northern England. Still fresh in the memory are storms Ciara and Dennis in February 2020, with strong winds and heavy rain that caused significant damage to homes and commercial buildings. There is growing evidence that periods of intensely strong winds and heavy rain are likely to increase in the future.

−	Immediate radical action is required to limit carbon emissions, and the built environment industry can play a crucial role by changing the prevailing culture.	+	The UK is not the only country affected by climate change. Many other countries are (and will be) suffering disproportionately.
		+
		+	The world’s leading climate scientists have warned that we might have just 12 years to keep global warming at a maximum of 1.5°C. After this point, the risk of extreme weather conditions will significantly increase.
		+
		+	The increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather will affect all, but is most likely to bring catastrophic consequences in many less economically developed countries, where food shortages and water scarcity can trigger deep social changes. Immediate radical action is required to limit carbon emissions, and the built environment industry can play a crucial role by changing the prevailing culture.
		+
		+	= Energy use and buildings =

	Most building-related carbon emissions are generated from energy use in buildings. However, there are choices that building owners/operators can make and initiatives that they can undertake to lessen the related negative impact on the environment:		Most building-related carbon emissions are generated from energy use in buildings. However, there are choices that building owners/operators can make and initiatives that they can undertake to lessen the related negative impact on the environment:
Line 15:		Line 21:
	In brand new buildings, the most effective way for addressing emissions is reducing consumption through energy efficient design. In existing buildings, the issue can be addressed by efficient retrofitting and effective maintenance strategy. Adopting renewable energy technologies in both cases can significantly reduce building emissions.		In brand new buildings, the most effective way for addressing emissions is reducing consumption through energy efficient design. In existing buildings, the issue can be addressed by efficient retrofitting and effective maintenance strategy. Adopting renewable energy technologies in both cases can significantly reduce building emissions.

−	Steps building owners and operators can take ~~today.~~	+	= Steps building owners and operators can take now =

	There are several initiatives/activities that can help building owners/operators combat climate change:		There are several initiatives/activities that can help building owners/operators combat climate change:

−	Consider ‘net-zero carbon’ targets for your building: UKGBC launched its Advancing Net Zero programme in 2018 and published the ‘Net Zero Carbon Buildings: A Framework Definition’ in 2019. The framework provides the construction industry with clarity on the outcomes required for a net zero carbon building.	+	== Consider ‘net-zero carbon’ targets for your building ==
		+
		+	UKGBC launched its Advancing Net Zero programme in 2018 and published the ‘Net Zero Carbon Buildings: A Framework Definition’ in 2019. The framework provides the construction industry with clarity on the outcomes required for a net zero carbon building.
		+
		+	== Ensure the required outcomes for a ‘net-zero carbon’ building are achieved ==
		+
		+	As advised by UKGBC in the framework definition, initiatives like BSRIA Soft Landings should be adopted in new build as well as in refurbishment projects to ensure a net zero carbon building will be achieved. The BSRIA Soft Landings framework provides a platform for project teams to understand the required outcomes for their project and ensure all decisions made during the project are based on meeting those outcomes.
		+
		+	== Maintain your net zero carbon building effectively ==
		+
		+	Business-focused maintenance is a methodology developed by BSRIA that can be adopted to help building operators maintain critical assets effectively and efficiently to sustain a net zero carbon building within budget.
		+
		+	== Investigate failure quickly ==
		+
		+	Is the energy bill for your building higher than it should be? Investigate the problem as soon as you can. The first and easiest step would be looking at the energy end use breakdown to see which areas are using more energy than expected. If the issue is related to the HVAC system, check the system’s setting points and monitor the indoor air temperature and relative humidity. Thermal imaging of the fabric of the building can also help to identify, thermal bridging, missing/damaged insulation and areas of excessive air leakage.
		+
		+	== Promote a healthy diet among building occupants ==

−	~~Ensure the required outcomes for~~ a ~~‘net~~-~~zero carbon’~~ building ~~are achieved: As advised by UKGBC~~ in ~~the framework definition,~~ initiatives ~~like BSRIA Soft Landings should be adopted in new build~~ as ~~well as in refurbishment projects~~ to ~~ensure a net zero carbon~~ building ~~will be achieved~~. ~~The BSRIA Soft Landings framework provides a platform for project teams~~ to ~~understand the required outcomes for their project~~ and ~~ensure all decisions made during~~ the ~~project are based on meeting those outcomes~~.	+	This is a non-technical initiative that building owners/operators can adopt in their buildings. Eating less meat and gradually shifting to more plant-based foods is vital for keeping us and our planet healthy. It is important to think about initiatives such as using signage or lunchtime talks, to educate building occupants about healthy diets and encourage them to eat more fruit and vegetables. Research has shown that adhering to health guidelines on meat consumption could cut global food-related emissions by nearly a third by 2050. Healthy diet is also supported by Fitwel and the WELL building standard.

−	~~Maintain your net zero carbon building effectively: Business~~-~~focused maintenance is a methodology developed~~ by BSRIA ~~that can be adopted to help building operators maintain critical assets effectively~~ and ~~efficiently to sustain a net zero carbon building within budget~~.	+	-----
		+	This article originally appeared on the [https://blogs.bsria.co.uk/ BSRIA website]. It was written by Michelle Agha-Hossein, BSRIA Building Performance Lead, and published on by 29 September 2020.

−	~~Investigate failure quickly~~: Is the energy bill for your building higher than it should be? Investigate the problem as soon as you can. The first and easiest step would be looking at the energy end use breakdown to see which areas are using more energy than expected. If the issue is related to the HVAC system, check the system’s setting points and monitor the indoor air temperature and relative humidity. Thermal imaging of the fabric of the building can also help to identify, thermal bridging, missing/damaged insulation and areas of excessive air leakage.	+	--[[User:BSRIA\|BSRIA]]

−	Promote a healthy diet among building occupants: This is a non-technical initiative that building owners/operators can adopt in their buildings. Eating less meat and gradually shifting to more plant-based foods is vital for keeping us and our planet healthy. It is important to think about initiatives such as using signage or lunchtime talks, to educate building occupants about healthy diets and encourage them to eat more fruit and vegetables. Research has shown that adhering to health guidelines on ~~meat consumption could cut global food-related emissions by nearly a third by 2050. Healthy diet is also supported by Fitwel and the WELL building standard.~~	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

−	~~SEPTEMBER 29, 2020 BY~~ BSRIA ~~LEAVE A COMMENT~~	+	* BSRIA articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.

−	~~by Michelle Agha-Hossein, BSRIA Building Performance Lead~~	+	[[Category:DCN_Commentary]] [[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]]

Editor: Created page with "File:ClimateChange.BSRIA.jpg = Introduction = Most nations now recognise climate change as an established, perturbing fact that needs immediate attention. We can see the ef..."

2020-10-06T11:03:40Z

Created page with "File:ClimateChange.BSRIA.jpg = Introduction = Most nations now recognise climate change as an established, perturbing fact that needs immediate attention. We can see the ef..."

New page

[[File:ClimateChange.BSRIA.jpg]]

= Introduction =

Most nations now recognise climate change as an established, perturbing fact that needs immediate attention. We can see the effects in the worsening and more frequent extremes of weather: flash floods, droughts, strong winds, heavy snow, heat waves and so on.

UK temperatures in 2019 were 1.1°C above the 1961-1990 long-term average and it was a particularly wet year across parts of central and northern England. Still fresh in the memory are storms Ciara and Dennis in February 2020 with strong winds and heavy rain that caused significant damage to homes and commercial buildings. There is growing evidence that periods of intensely strong winds and heavy rain are likely to increase in the future.

The UK is not the only country affected by climate change. Many other countries are (and will be) suffering disproportionately. The world’s leading climate scientists have warned that we might have just 12 years to keep global warming at a maximum of 1.5°C. After this point, the risk of extreme weather conditions will significantly increase. The increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather will affect all but is most likely to bring catastrophic consequences in many less economically developed countries, where food shortages and water scarcity can trigger deep social changes.

Immediate radical action is required to limit carbon emissions, and the built environment industry can play a crucial role by changing the prevailing culture.

Most building-related carbon emissions are generated from energy use in buildings. However, there are choices that building owners/operators can make and initiatives that they can undertake to lessen the related negative impact on the environment:

In brand new buildings, the most effective way for addressing emissions is reducing consumption through energy efficient design. In existing buildings, the issue can be addressed by efficient retrofitting and effective maintenance strategy. Adopting renewable energy technologies in both cases can significantly reduce building emissions.

Steps building owners and operators can take today.

There are several initiatives/activities that can help building owners/operators combat climate change:

Consider ‘net-zero carbon’ targets for your building: UKGBC launched its Advancing Net Zero programme in 2018 and published the ‘Net Zero Carbon Buildings: A Framework Definition’ in 2019. The framework provides the construction industry with clarity on the outcomes required for a net zero carbon building.

Ensure the required outcomes for a ‘net-zero carbon’ building are achieved: As advised by UKGBC in the framework definition, initiatives like BSRIA Soft Landings should be adopted in new build as well as in refurbishment projects to ensure a net zero carbon building will be achieved. The BSRIA Soft Landings framework provides a platform for project teams to understand the required outcomes for their project and ensure all decisions made during the project are based on meeting those outcomes.

Maintain your net zero carbon building effectively: Business-focused maintenance is a methodology developed by BSRIA that can be adopted to help building operators maintain critical assets effectively and efficiently to sustain a net zero carbon building within budget.

Investigate failure quickly: Is the energy bill for your building higher than it should be? Investigate the problem as soon as you can. The first and easiest step would be looking at the energy end use breakdown to see which areas are using more energy than expected. If the issue is related to the HVAC system, check the system’s setting points and monitor the indoor air temperature and relative humidity. Thermal imaging of the fabric of the building can also help to identify, thermal bridging, missing/damaged insulation and areas of excessive air leakage.

Promote a healthy diet among building occupants: This is a non-technical initiative that building owners/operators can adopt in their buildings. Eating less meat and gradually shifting to more plant-based foods is vital for keeping us and our planet healthy. It is important to think about initiatives such as using signage or lunchtime talks, to educate building occupants about healthy diets and encourage them to eat more fruit and vegetables. Research has shown that adhering to health guidelines on meat consumption could cut global food-related emissions by nearly a third by 2050. Healthy diet is also supported by Fitwel and the WELL building standard.

SEPTEMBER 29, 2020 BY BSRIA LEAVE A COMMENT

by Michelle Agha-Hossein, BSRIA Building Performance Lead