Feature
The Retrofit Revolution: A Smarter Path To Net Zero
One of the biggest hidden challenges for businesses on the road to sustainability is the very buildings they operate in. Currently consuming around 30% of the world’s energy1 accounting for almost 40% of annual CO2
and emissions, the built
environment provides one of our largest opportunities to address the climate crisis.
Despite this, many businesses are failing to consider buildings in
this could be due to the fear of disruption when undertaking a
their wider sustainability retrofitting
transformation. today’s tough economic
climate, every second counts and it’s easy to see why a loss of productivity over a period of weeks, months or even years would be seen as off-putting.
Building more sustainable structures is a crucial step towards achieving net zero. For businesses, the long-term benefits often outweigh the initial costs. When executed effectively, decarbonising office spaces can lead to substantial financial savings alongside positive environmental impacts.
With reports estimating still be in use in 20502
Bringing Legacy Buildings Into The Present that 80% of
today’s buildings will , it’s clear that simply commissioning an
increasing number of new eco-buildings is not the solution. While new builds can be designed with green credentials in mind, many older buildings are not fit
for purpose when it comes to implementing environmental strategies.
Instead of looking to new builds, businesses should focus on retrofitting
existing journey to net buildings
retrofitting office buildings3 to 70%.
22 fmuk to make them more energy-
efficient and reduce the carbon emissions that come from them. Being aware of this could be a game changer for businesses on the
zero, with recent research finding that can slash carbon emissions by up Retrofitting will soon be legally required, as the Minimum
Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) will mandate improved energy performance ratings. Currently, the legal minimum Energy Performance Certificate for non-domestic properties is E, but businesses and building managers must improve this to C by 2027 and B by 2030. This underscores the urgency in the push to retrofit.
goals and strategies. For some, In
By Kas Mohammed, VP of Digital Energy at Schneider Electric Retrofitting
offers more than just emissions reduction.
Upgrading office spaces enhances employee comfort, health, and well-being, lowers energy costs, and meets the increasing demand for stronger sustainability practices from employees.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
