SUSTAINABILITY 077 DEFINING THE OBJECTIVES
Many of the terms surrounding the climate emergency are widely used but all too often misunderstood. Here are some of the key definitions.
has agreed will be the most it will produce in a specified period to meet emission reduction commitments. Globally, it eff ectively marks the amount of CO2
Carbon budget The amount of CO2
a likely chance of keeping warming within the 2°C limit.
separated (captured), conditioned, compressed and transported to a storage location for long-term isolation from the atmosphere.
Carbon capture A process in which a relatively pure stream of CO2
Carbon neutral Globally, this is defined by the IPCC as the state in which CO2
over a specific period. Carbon negative
emissions are balanced by CO2
An activity that goes beyond achieving net-zero carbon emissions to create and environmental benefit by removing additional carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Carbon off setting A way to compensate for carbon emissions by funding an equivalent carbon dioxide saving elsewhere. Seen by some as part of the ‘greenwashing’ problem in allowing organisations to pollute the environment conscience-free knowing that they are doing some good elsewhere.
Net-zero CO2 emissions
balanced globally by human CO2 specified period. Net-zero CO2
referred to as carbon neutrality.
Net-zero GHG emissions Often confused with net-zero carbon emissions, but more accurately this means reducing all greenhouse gas emissions to zero – not just carbon dioxide.
Net-zero carbon dioxide emissions are achieved when CO2
emissions caused by human activity are removals over a emissions are also
removals from industrial and energy-related sources is that a country or organisation the world can emit while still having
Build schemes are continually evolving, and from my perspective the demands placed on manufacturers are increasing. T is in part may be as a result of owners and specifi ers wanting to deliver more sustainable, healthy buildings, but we also need to factor in the thought that better buildings help retain and attract staff , positively impact on health and wellbeing, and attract better returns on investment by way of increased rents. T is requires us to further improve the way in which we design, source, produce and deliver products, so that they are more sustainable, have lower embodied carbon, lower VOCs and enhanced acoustic performance, for example.
Does price currently act as a major break on the speed of progress? For example, are specifiers having to compromise on sustainability objectives because of a higher cost for the most sustainably manufactured products? T ere are numerous examples of last-minute specifi cation changes that are forced because of price considerations. However, this does not mean that sustainability objectives are compromised.
I think there is a baseline. Looking at our product portfolio, the vast majority of our products are supported
Above Buhais Geology Park Interpretive Centre and Museum in the UAE was designed to integrate with the natural landscape
by EPDs. In terms of indoor air quality they will all be tested to the relevant standards, on top of fi re, acoustics, wear and performance, of course. So, irrespective of price, they meet requirements of the main build schemes (BREEAM, WELL, LEED and SKA).
Supported by:
As a global brand, what is your perspective on where the UK stands on the path to progress on carbon neutrality when set against the worldwide backdrop? I think the UK would like to consider itself as a leader (in soundbites) but in reality we are probably, at best, in the pack when it comes to delivering a coherent, inclusive strategy that ‘UK PLC’ can buy into collectively. We do deliver in terms of policy: in 2019 we were fi rst country to pass laws committing the country to carbon neutrality by 2050, but this needs buy in by all stakeholders, especially politicians – we cannot aff ord to change direction if the government of the day changes, and of course resources need to be found and eff ectively spent. T e importance of the COP26 summit increases with every new report of wildfi res, continued droughts and ice sheets melting, and this may be the last opportunity for a global response to be formulated and acted upon.
MARC GOODWIN
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