Efficiency: The First Renewable Energy

A global campaign “Efficiency: The First Renewable Energy” aims to raise awareness for the vital role energy-efficient buildings play in meeting climate goals AND demonstrate that they provide a comfortable, healthy and sustainable built environment. 

The United Nations IPCC highlights the action needed to limit global warming. Currently, 35% of global energy consumption comes from the building sector alone. The energy in use (to operate, heat, & cool buildings) is the largest contributor to carbon emissions, with the majority of this stemming from heating and cooling demand. The construction industry has a massive role in reducing this. Our buildings must go through a radical change to meet Net Zero targets and mitigate the worst of the Climate Crisis. We must transition away from fossil fuels to power the spaces where we live, work and play. Improved efficiency is critical.

It is far more cost-effective to save energy than to generate it. Therefore, think #EfficiencyFirst! Passivhaus is an international tool backed by 30 years of evidence and already available to address the Climate Emergency. It provides us with a range of proven approaches to deliver net-zero-ready new and existing buildings optimised for a decarbonised grid and augmented for occupant health and wellbeing. This is no time to reinvent the wheel – the tools we need to deliver on our climate pledges exist today, so let’s get to work!