Slowly but surely, home builders are trading out traditional construction techniques with net-zero building practices, but an array of ever-changing regulations are causing confusion and holding up progress. The U.S. lags behind other nations in terms of net-zero guidelines and legislations, and while the EU has codified some net-zero requirements into law, state governments are in control across the pond, leaving room for inconsistencies and uncertainty on what exactly constitutes net-zero state by state.
As a result, builders in the U.S. are left in the dark about the most efficient path toward sustainable building, but a solid first step is to baseline and benchmark carbon emissions in existing homes or new projects to determine a framework for success for each individual project, Forbes reports.
Following baselining and benchmarking, a framework for success can be built, retrofitting and capital improvements can be identified, and the reduction of energy supply and renewables can begin.
Technology is a critical tool in any building owner’s net-zero mission. The rapid evolution of smart building technology in the last decade has been groundbreaking, connecting systems to enhance productivity, building efficiency, workplaces and people. But how is smart building technology facilitating a net-zero action plan?
Related Stories
Jobsite Safety
Construction Companies Planning to Include Anti-Bias Clauses in Their Contracts
Construction jobsites are getting plenty of attention lately, but not all of it is positive
NAHB
High Court EPA Ruling Has Wider Ramifications for Regulations' Reach
NAHB Policy Briefing: Wider ramifications of Supreme Court's EPA ruling; number of Hispanic workers in construction is on the rise
Jobsite Safety
Rise in Trench-Related Fatalities Spurs Enhanced Nationwide Safety Enforcement
Following a sharp rise in the number of trench-related fatalities in the first six months of 2022, OSHA is increasing its worksite inspections and rolling out a number of new safety initiatives
