SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS

Asset Classes

Focus Area

Energy and Carbon

Topic

Planning

Question #

E2.1b — Net-Zero Transition Target

Question

Does your organization have a net zero carbon reduction target?

Applicability

All asset classes
Tenant occupied building – some or all systems managed by the tenant

Answer & Scoring

  • Yes = 4 points
  • No = 0 points
  • Not applicable – Owner/landlord occupied building OR Tenant occupied building: All systems managed by the owner/landlord = 0/0

Max of 4 points

Requirements

  1. A net-zero reduction target must be identified along with a timeframe for completion
  2. Targets must be put into writing, signed by senior management and reviewed annually.

The net-zero reduction target can be established to encompass either all utilities as a whole or divided into each type (electricity, gas etc.) of utility under the owner or landlord’s control.

Documentation

  • Building specific documentation that details your organization’s net-zero reduction target (how much CO2e by what year)

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

RELATED Questions:

Description

Net-zero transition plans include prioritized energy and carbon reduction measures to be implemented in order 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