The OVS Guide to Net Zero Architecture [Part 1]

In the fight against climate change, achieving net zero is a crucial strategy. The UK government has committed to achieving this by 2050. According to The Economist, Britain’s net zero target is one of the world’s most ambitious.

But what is net zero, and why is it so important in the context of architecture and design?

What is Net Zero?

Net Zero project by OVS

The House of Commons Library states, “The UK is committed to reaching net zero by 2050. This means that the total greenhouse gas emissions would be equal to the emissions removed from the atmosphere, with the aim of limiting global warming and resultant climate change.”

A building is considered ‘net zero’ when it produces as much energy as it consumes over a year. To achieve this, there needs to be a dramatic reduction in energy consumption, followed by the use of renewable energy.

The equation is simple – build smart to reduce consumption and generate energy cleanly.

However, achieving net zero isn’t just about installing solar panels on the roof or making your own compost (although both of these actions are great); what is essential is a holistic approach to architecture, construction and design.

A building needs to be viewed in its entirety -  from the life-cycle of the materials used in its construction, to its insulation, orientation, glazing, shading, ventilation, future use and ultimate demolition and disposal.

At OVS, we’ve compiled a list of sustainable approaches that reduce environmental impact and pave the way to net zero.

Passive House

The world's first certified museum in Passive House construction - Kunstmuseum Ravensburg in Germany by Lederer Ragnarsdóttir Oei (LRO)

If Net Zero is the destination, then Passive House or Passivhaus is one route to get there. Originating in Germany, the Passive House standard centres on radically reducing the energy needed to heat and cool a building - by up to 90% compared to a typical structure according to the Passive House Institute.

How? Through a few key design principles:

• Very high levels of insulation.

  
  

• Airtight building fabric.

  
  

• Thermal bridge-free construction. Buildings are meticulously designed to prevent heat from escaping through weak points.

  
  

• High-performance windows and doors. Triple glazing, low-e coatings, insulated frames and smart orientation.

  
  

• Mechanical ventilation with highly efficient heat recovery (MVHR): Fresh air in, stale air out - with minimal energy loss.

A Passive House or PassivHaus is a building characterised by quiet comfort, clean air and a constant temperature all year round. Crucially, lower lifetime energy bills are accompanied by reduced environmental impact.

Designing for Longevity

The Passive House or PassivHaus approach is one example of designing for longevity.

Longevity in design focuses on creating buildings with a long life, thereby reducing resource consumption and spreading carbon emissions over a longer lifespan.

A lifecycle assessment (LCA) can assess the environmental impact of material extraction, construction, operation, demolition and disposal. Such a holistic assessment considers embodied carbon emissions - the carbon footprint of all materials and processes involved in every aspect of a building’s creation, from material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, construction, to its demolition and removal. As well as operational carbon emissions - the carbon released from using the building, such as heating, cooling, and electricity, over time

By considering the life cycle of a building, it is possible to build adaptability, resilience and longevity into design.

Adaptive Reuse

An adaptive reuse - a former bakery and warehouse transformed into a new headquarters for two local non-profits by OMA

When thinking about reducing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with a building and its construction, adaptive reuse is an essential strategy. Reusing existing structures or materials and designing for adaptability and disassembly extends a building’s life cycle and reduces the need for new materials.

Instead of tearing down and starting fresh (which means lots of new materials and waste), adaptive reuse saves the carbon already “invested” in the building and reduces the need for new, carbon-heavy materials. As an added bonus, this strategy also often means preserving the unique character and history of a site, leading to exciting design opportunities.

Stay tuned for The OVS Guide to Net Zero Architecture [Part 2] to find out how toilets, soil and sunshine can help a project reach net zero.

Your Project

Designing to achieve net zero involves technical expertise, creativity and strategic thinking. Get in touch with OVS today to see how we can help you reduce environmental impact and build sustainability into your project.