SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS

Asset Classes

Focus Area

Energy and Carbon

Topic

Planning

Question #

E2.1a — Net-Zero Transition Plan

Question

Is there a Net-Zero Transition Plan or Decarbonization Roadmap with specific carbon reduction targets?

Applicability

All asset classes
Owner/landlord occupied building
Tenant occupied building – all systems managed by the owner/landlord

Answer & Scoring

Select one of the following:

    • Yes – Net-Zero Transition Plan = 4 points
    • Yes – Net-Zero Transition Plan instead of Energy Management Plan (see Question E2.0) = 4 points
    • No = 0 points
    • Not Applicable – Tenant occupied building: Some or no systems managed by the owner/landlord = 0/0

Max of 4 points

Requirements

The Net-Zero Transition Plan or Decarbonization Roadmap must include the following for each of the Carbon Reduction Measures (CRMs) listed in the assessment:

    1. If it will be implemented (if not, explain why)
    2. The associated budget (implementation cost, savings, cost of carbon abatement ($/tCO2e lifetime), incentives
    3. An overview of the metrics to be used to measure progress
    4. A timeline for completion (one-year, five-year and 10-year)
    5. The person responsible for implementation

Documentation

  • Net-Zero Transition Plan

OR

  • Decarbonization Roadmap

Suggested Lead

In-house, with third-party support

Value

  • A net-zero carbon building is a building that produces zero carbon emissions or offsets its carbon emissions by investing in carbon removal activities (i.e. tree planting, carbon capture technologies)
  • Achieving net-zero is a substantial goal and for most buildings is a long-term goal
  • Create a net-zero transition plan (aka. decarbonization roadmap) – a building-specific program for reducing carbon emissions with specific interim milestones to keep the building on track
  • Prioritize reducing carbon emissions by implementing energy and carbon reduction measures
  • Achieving net-zero may require significant operational changes and major building system upgrades

*Note that by completing the requirements of this question, a building will also meet requirements of Baseline Practice E2.0 – Energy Management Plan

RELATED Questions:

Description

Net-Zero Transition Plans include prioritized energy and carbon reduction measures to be implemented to reach net-zero carbon emissions by a date established by the organization, with periodic milestones included. Update previous energy management practices by including carbon specific goals and strategies.

Plans may incorporate assessment of indirect emissions from tenant operations and investigate additional sources of carbon emissions, such as employee commuting, business travel, purchased materials and embodied carbon of materials included in retrofit projects.

References

Adapted BB 3.0 Question

New in BOMA BEST 4.0