{"id":17516,"date":"2020-01-22T11:00:18","date_gmt":"2020-01-22T19:00:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.palada.net\/index.php\/2020\/01\/22\/news-11251\/"},"modified":"2020-01-22T11:00:18","modified_gmt":"2020-01-22T19:00:18","slug":"news-11251","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.palada.net\/index.php\/2020\/01\/22\/news-11251\/","title":{"rendered":"To achieve net-zero carbon cities and buildings we need systemic efficiency"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Credit to Author: Jean-Pascal Tricoire| Date: Wed, 22 Jan 2020 06:05:30 +0000<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"st__content-block st__content-block--list\">\n<ul>\n<li>Decarbonizing our cities and buildings is both necessary and very complex.<\/li>\n<li>Digitalization will be a key enabler of this transformation.<\/li>\n<li>It can be &#8211; and is being &#8211; achieved with existing technologies.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<div class=\"st__content-block st__content-block--text\">\n<p>We cannot solve climate change without transforming our cities and buildings. This requires massive efforts from the private and public sectors, but it is possible with today\u2019s technologies.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"st__content-block st__content-block--text\">\n<p>Cities are the bedrock of global decarbonization for two main reasons. First, they account for\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.c40.org\/why_cities\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">70% of worldwide emissions<\/a>. Buildings alone account for around\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.iea.org\/topics\/buildings\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">40%<\/a>, or 50% if the construction industry and its upstream value chain are included. Second, urbanization is increasing at lightning speed, up to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.un.org\/development\/desa\/en\/news\/population\/2018-revision-of-world-urbanization-prospects.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">68% by 2050 versus 55% today<\/a>, which represents nearly a doubling of existing building stock.<\/p>\n<div class=\"st__content-block st__content-block--text\">\n<p>The decarbonization of cities and buildings is also tremendously complex. Because of the inherent diversity of archetypes and industry fragmentation, one could say the sector is harder to abate than many heavy industries, especially in the short timeframe that we have ahead of us. This is less a technological problem than a value-chain alignment and organization issue.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"st__content-block st__content-block--text\">\n<p>It is paramount that cities and buildings address the challenge immediately, otherwise we will likely miss the overall decarbonization targets. Cities and buildings are where the fight against climate change will be won or lost. Yet, this is a topic that has surprisingly been left rather unattended in recent years. It is time that we refocus our efforts. This is a challenge all businesses must confront and assist with, but at the same time it is a promising area for innovation. Decarbonizing cities and buildings at scale requires us to redefine a vision of their role in the future. And we believe it is doable.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p id=\"the-race-toward-zero-carbon-buildings\" class=\"st__content-block st__content-block--heading st__content-block--heading-1\"><strong>The race toward zero-carbon buildings<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"st__content-block st__content-block--text\">\n<p>All buildings must be net\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wri.org\/news\/2019\/09\/release-wri-leads-zero-carbon-buildings-all-initiative-launched-un-climate-action\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">zero-carbon by 2050<\/a>, meaning they are zero-carbon throughout their entire lifecycles. This will spur a revolution in the construction industry, which needs to rethink buildings for optimal performance while embracing zero-embodied emissions materials.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"st__content-block st__content-block--text\">\n<p>Optimizing the performance of these zero-carbon buildings will be based on several critical patterns.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"st__content-block st__content-block--text\">\n<p>1. First, buildings must become ultra-efficient. Average energy intensity of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iea.org\/reports\/energy-efficiency-2019\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">building stock is 150 kilowatt hours per square metre per year (kWh\/m2\/year<\/a>), while optimum benchmarks are\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.iea.org\/news\/iea-unveils-global-high-level-commission-for-urgent-action-on-energy-efficiency\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">around 50 kWh\/m2\/year<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 three times less.<\/p>\n<p>2. Second, buildings must become fully electric. Heating electrification has proven to be many times more efficient than traditional fossil-fuel based systems, and ultimately economically competitive in most regions of the world, <a href=\"https:\/\/rmi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/RMI_Economics_of_Electrifying_Buildings_2018.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">particularly when associated with air-conditioning.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<p>3. Third, systems will have to be ready to rely on local (renewable) generation and work with flexible residential-owned energy sources, connected to modern and digitalized grids, to <a href=\"https:\/\/rmi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Energy-Efficiency-and-Electric-Vehicles-2018-final-v2.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">increase overall system resiliency<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"st__content-block st__content-block--text\">\n<p>Digitalization is a key enabler of this transformation. It redefines the way we produce, distribute and consume electricity &#8211; as the following two case studies demonstrate:<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p id=\"1-t-mobile-arena-efficiency-and-sustainability-through-connec\" class=\"st__content-block st__content-block--heading st__content-block--heading-1\"><strong>1) T-Mobile Arena: Efficiency and sustainability through connected technologies<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"st__content-block st__content-block--text\">\n<p>T-Mobile Arena, a joint project of AEG and MGM Resorts International together with Schneider Electric, is a state-of-the-art entertainment facility in Las Vegas that\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/1UBAHZTGeQQ?list=PLa7UGrWOTyjkmA3_Qn8IHA1UDVWsj1SWI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">epitomizes the ultra-efficient electric and digital future of cities<\/a>. This urban facility in the heart of the Vegas Strip was custom-designed with connected technology solutions to make it one of the world\u2019s most automated and energy-efficient entertainment, sporting and concert venues. A LEED Gold Certified facility, it utilizes Schneider Electric\u2019s EcoStruxure throughout to create a digitally-connected entertainment venue with full connectivity and 24\/7 control, from air conditioning and lighting to access control, energy management and building operation. In its first 12 months in operation, T-Mobile Arena\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.se.com\/us\/en\/work\/campaign\/life-is-on\/case-study\/tmobile-arena.jsp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">saved 18%<\/a>\u00a0on their energy costs and the flagship venue is a model in sustainability for the neighbouring community to follow.<\/p>\n<p id=\"2-the-urban-futurability-project-in-sao-paulo\" class=\"st__content-block st__content-block--heading st__content-block--heading-1\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/1UBAHZTGeQQ\" width=\"100%\" height=\"420\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" style=\"\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><strong>2) The Urban Futurability project in S\u00e3o Paulo<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"st__content-block st__content-block--text\">\n<p>At the heart of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.enel.com\/stories\/a\/2019\/10\/urban-futurability-vila-olimpia-enel-brazil\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Enel\u2019s Urban Futurability<\/a>\u00a0project is the creation of South America\u2019s very first Network Digital Twin. The Twin is a 3D digital model that replicates the local electricity infrastructure using thousands of sensors installed on the actual grid, each communicating information on grid status in real-time to both the distributor and the local stakeholders. Ultimately, the Digital Twin can be used to create greater awareness of energy use, efficiency and savings.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/9AW_lt3FAd8\" width=\"100%\" height=\"420\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" style=\"\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<div class=\"st__content-block st__content-block--text\">\n<p>This project demonstrates that digitalization of electricity networks, buildings and urban infrastructure can develop in a living laboratory. Citizens, entrepreneurs, municipalities and universities can co-create innovative solutions that connect infrastructure to local needs such as mobility, safety, waste reduction, security and the urban environment.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p id=\"creating-efficient-sustainable-cities\" class=\"st__content-block st__content-block--heading st__content-block--heading-1\"><strong>Creating efficient, sustainable cities<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"st__content-block st__content-block--text\">\n<p>The combination of efficient, fully electric and digitalized distribution networks, distributed generation, energy storage and electric mobility will help smooth and control energy demand, yielding a leap forward in terms of overall system efficiency. In this context, electricity grids are among the most important components of urban infrastructure. Their full digitalization will enhance cities\u2019 overall resilience through automation and real-time information. Digitalized grids will also facilitate the integration of renewable energy, smooth the transition to electric mobility, and ease the diffusion of batteries.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"st__content-block st__content-block--text\">\n<p>The decarbonization of cities is a multifaceted challenge and requires a holistic approach &#8212; systemic efficiency. Alongside buildings, the electrification of private and public transport plays a pivotal role in not only achieving net zero emission targets, but also improving urban air quality.<\/p>\n<p id=\"a-necessary-transition-for-a-low-carbon-world\" class=\"st__content-block st__content-block--heading st__content-block--heading-1\"><strong>A necessary transition for a low-carbon world<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"st__content-block st__content-block--text\">\n<p>The integration of smart buildings within a dynamic urban environment, the electrification of private and public transport, and the deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, will be paramount in designing a\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www3.weforum.org\/docs\/WEF_2018_%20Electric_For_Smarter_Cities.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">1.5\u00b0C pathway and reducing pollution in cities<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"st__content-block st__content-block--text\">\n<p>Thus, decarbonizing cities and buildings should be the highest priority for the public and private sectors. It needs to be done at scale, it needs to be done at pace, and it needs to be done using an integrated and digitalized approach. This will be the most cost-efficient route to success, bringing real systemic efficiency.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"st__content-block st__content-block--text\">\n<p>There is no excuse for letting this opportunity pass.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"st__content-block st__content-block--text\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.weforum.org\/projects\/systemic-efficiency\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Click here for more information<\/a>\u00a0on the World Economic Forum&#8217;s Systemic Efficiency project.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The post <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.se.com\/sustainability\/2020\/01\/22\/to-achieve-net-zero-carbon-cities-and-buildings-we-need-systemic-efficiency\/\">To achieve net-zero carbon cities and buildings we need systemic efficiency<\/a> appeared first on <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.se.com\">Schneider Electric Blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.se.com\/sustainability\/2020\/01\/22\/to-achieve-net-zero-carbon-cities-and-buildings-we-need-systemic-efficiency\/\" target=\"bwo\" >http:\/\/blog.schneider-electric.com\/feed\/<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Credit to Author: Jean-Pascal Tricoire| Date: Wed, 22 Jan 2020 06:05:30 +0000<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Decarbonizing our cities and buildings is both necessary and very complex. Digitalization will be a key enabler of this transformation. It can be &#8211; and is being &#8211; achieved with&#8230;  <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.se.com\/sustainability\/2020\/01\/22\/to-achieve-net-zero-carbon-cities-and-buildings-we-need-systemic-efficiency\/\" title=\"ReadTo achieve net-zero carbon cities and buildings we need systemic efficiency\">Read more &#187;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>The post <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.se.com\/sustainability\/2020\/01\/22\/to-achieve-net-zero-carbon-cities-and-buildings-we-need-systemic-efficiency\/\">To achieve net-zero carbon cities and buildings we need systemic efficiency<\/a> appeared first on <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.se.com\">Schneider Electric Blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"colormag_page_container_layout":"default_layout","colormag_page_sidebar_layout":"default_layout","footnotes":""},"categories":[12389,12388],"tags":[23989,20710,12426,23990,13078,13289,12906,12427,23991,23992],"class_list":["post-17516","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-scadaics","category-schneider","tag-decabornization-of-cities","tag-electricity-companies","tag-energy-managementenergy-efficiency","tag-net-zero-carbon-cities","tag-net-zero-energy","tag-smart-cities","tag-smart-grid","tag-sustainability","tag-t-mobile-arena","tag-vila-olimpia-sao-paulo"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.palada.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17516","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.palada.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.palada.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.palada.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.palada.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17516"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/www.palada.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17516\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.palada.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17516"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.palada.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17516"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.palada.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17516"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}