Electric meters in a row measuring power use. Electricity consumption concept. 3d illustration
2019 is the year of action, as leaders
in sustainable real estate take major steps toward zero – from zero waste to
zero carbon.
Ambitious organizations are aiming
for minimal—or even positive—impacts. The release of multiple zero carbon
standards in 2018, including CaGBC’s Zero Carbon Building (ZCB) Standard,
USGBC’s LEED
Zero and ILFI’s Zero
Carbon Certification, provide for an opportunity this year.
Growing interest in zero impact is
likely to culminate with a number of case studies and projects this year. San
Francisco introduced or updated several initiatives in 2018 that exemplify
changes in building management toward zero:
San Francisco’s Zero Waste Goal: The city of San Francisco has a goal of zero waste by
2020. While not on track to achieve this goal, the city
announced in 2018 that it will audit large waste generators,
including more than 400 buildings, on their practices every three years.
Properties that fail an audit will be required to hire a full-time trash
sorter. Facilities will need to innovate and improve practices to reduce
landfill waste leading up to the start of the audits in July.
San Francisco’s Zero Carbon Goal: In 2018 the city of San Francisco announced a goal to
become carbon neutral by 2050, with an interim goal that all
buildings constructed in 2030 or later will be net zero carbon.
Given that about half the city’s emissions come from electricity and gas used
in homes and office buildings, these structures are a major focus for the
city’s carbon neutral commitment. While the goal year is more than a decade
out, innovations for meeting this goal will likely grow in 2019.
San Francisco’s Sustainable Carpet
Regulation: In 2018, the city of San Francisco
also adopted sustainable
carpet purchasing requirements that will impact all city departments.
The regulation requires the use of carpet tiles, as opposed to broadloom
carpet, in most applications, which will enable partial floor replacement and ultimately
reduce material use. Chemicals of concern, such as flame retardants,
antimicrobials and poly- or per-fluorinated compounds are prohibited, which
improves the recyclability of carpet and reduces concerns around exposure to
toxins. As carpets are replaced and new buildings require flooring, this
regulation will help push flooring in the city toward the circular economy.
The time for action to get to zero
is now.
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