Carbon Emissions in Buildings and Offices Can Be Reduced by 70%

Carbon Emissions in Buildings and Offices Can Be Reduced by 70 Percent New research from Schneider Electric shows that it is possible to reduce carbon emissions in buildings and offices by up to 70 percent through digital technologies. Schneider Electric, which leads digital transformation in energy management and automation, has published new research demonstrating that retrofitting buildings using digital technologies is the most effective way to reduce carbon emissions. The research, conducted with global consulting firm WSP, is based on modeling the energy performance and carbon emissions of a large office building and shows that digital solutions can reduce carbon emissions in buildings by up to 70 percent. Today's buildings account for an average of 37 percent of global carbon emissions. Approximately half of these structures are expected to still be in use by 2050. Therefore, reducing carbon emissions by improving energy efficiency in buildings is of critical importance. In comments included in the statement, Schneider Electric Digital Energy Business Unit Vice President Mike Kazmierczak said, 'Addressing carbon emissions from operations is the most effective method in scaling existing buildings and achieving net-zero carbon targets by 2050. Our research shows that transforming existing buildings into energy-efficient, fully electric, and digitalized assets makes it possible to reduce carbon emissions by up to 70 percent, offering a strong roadmap for a net-zero carbon world.'

Reducing carbon emissions makes buildings more attractive and valuable

The research findings show that using Schneider Electric's digital building and power management solutions in existing buildings and offices can reduce operational carbon emissions by up to 42 percent with a payback period of less than three years. If fossil fuel-based heating technologies are replaced with electric alternatives and a microgrid with access to local renewable energy sources is established, fully electric, digital buildings will see an additional 28 percent reduction in operational carbon emissions, providing a total reduction of up to 70 percent. Retrofitting and strengthening buildings with digital technologies prevents operational disruptions while extending building lifespan and supporting its lifecycle. Meanwhile, reducing carbon emissions makes buildings more attractive and valuable for both investors and users. Additionally, separate research conducted by Boston University's Institute for Global Sustainability and the Schneider Electric Institute for Sustainability shows that the transition to low-carbon buildings will create new employment that adds value to the environment as much as to the economy and society. Schneider Electric, a leading impact company in sustainability and carbon emission reduction, uses its connected products, software, and sustainability services to lead efforts in increasing energy efficiency for organizations, reducing energy waste, and implementing net-zero carbon strategies across all sectors from buildings and factories to data centers, infrastructure, and homes.   Source