In a significant step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, energy and automation digital solutions provider Schneider Electric has launched its Building Decarbonization Calculator. This innovative tool is designed to empower building owners and operators to swiftly assess and explore various energy and carbon conservation measures (ECCMs), addressing the urgent need for sustainability in the built environment.
Buildings are among the leading contributors to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, making their decarbonization a critical challenge. According to the European Commission, buildings account for 40% of energy consumption in the EU and contribute to 36% of energy-related GHG emissions. As regulatory pressures intensify, particularly from local governments and environmental stakeholders, building owners are compelled to take meaningful action to mitigate their emissions impact.
The Building Decarbonization Calculator is based on an extensive dataset that profiles nearly 500,000 building performance models. This advanced system provides recommendations for best practices and viable options related to construction, energy efficiency, and decarbonization strategies. Notably, it aids compliance with increasingly stringent regulations, such as New York City’s Local Law 97, which will impose penalties starting in 2025 on buildings exceeding specified emissions limits. Other US cities, including Boston, San Francisco, and Austin, are also implementing similar decarbonization standards, while the European Union has mandated that all new buildings achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
In addition to regulatory compliance, the calculator helps builders and property managers identify options that deliver the best return on investment. Mike Kazmierczak, Global Vice President of Digital Energy for Schneider Electric, emphasizes the tool’s dual role: “As regulatory requirements tighten, especially in cities like New York and Boston as well as in countries like France and the UK, the Building Decarbonization Calculator is a powerful consultative tool that supports compliance with local mandates, while providing a clear path for operational improvements.”
A compelling case study from Boston demonstrates the calculator’s effectiveness. During a large office retrofit project, the calculator estimated potential savings of $3.7 million in energy costs and $1 million in avoided fines over the next decade, resulting in a seven-year return on investment. The project incorporated modern building management systems, power monitoring software, LED upgrades, power factor correction, and the integration of photovoltaic systems with battery energy storage and microgrid technology.
The Building Decarbonization Calculator not only aids in compliance but also helps users prioritize their retrofit plans based on both carbon reduction and financial metrics. It features the ability to simulate different scenarios, allowing for light interventions, medium retrofits, and deep renovations tailored to individual buildings or entire portfolios across various sectors, including retail, hospitality, healthcare, and office spaces.
This innovative calculator was developed in partnership with JLL, a commercial real estate and investment management company, and C.scale, a building carbon data analytics firm. JLL contributed building performance modeling expertise, while C.scale assisted in creating machine-learning models to expedite climate action.
In summary, Schneider Electric’s Building Decarbonization Calculator represents a crucial advancement in the push for sustainable buildings. By enabling property owners and operators to make informed decisions about energy conservation and carbon reduction, this tool is poised to significantly contribute to global decarbonization efforts and facilitate compliance with evolving regulatory frameworks.
SOURCE: ESGToday
Featured Image: Credit: Schneider Electric
