Early planning phase is crucial for net zero in real estate
The most effective levers for decarbonising buildings lie in the early planning phase, above all in the choice of location. This is the key finding of a portfolio study by the construction company Implenia. It shows which parameters have the greatest influence on emissions targets.
A broad-based portfolio study by Implenia shows how climate-neutral buildings can be realised. For this study, the construction company’s Real Estate Division examined 36 of its own development projects in Switzerland. According to a press release, this study reveals the most important levers for decarbonising buildings over their entire life cycle, both in terms of emissions during their construction and during operation.
Implenia has compiled these influencing factors in a white paper. It is aimed at investors, developers and clients who want to bring their project onto a net-zero target path.
According to this analysis, the most effective levers for decarbonisation can be found in the early planning phase, starting with site selection. This is because if the site conditions are unfavourable in terms of renewable energies, it is much more difficult to achieve net-zero use.
In addition, building parameters set early on also have “a significant impact on emissions targets”. These include shape, compactness, orientation, basement and support structure. “With the right combination of location, design, the use of renewable energies, intelligent systems and ecological materials, we develop buildings in which future generations can live and work sustainably,” says Marc Lyon, Head Real Estate Development Switzerland at Implenia.