2022 Forecast Webinar: Net Zero Everything!

The trifecta of enhanced consumer awareness, bold corporate commitments, and ratcheted regulations are quickly shifting our economy to net zero energy, water, and carbon. How can you stay abreast of the rapidly evolving market?

The world is undeniably changing. Consumer demand for climate-positive products, homes, and policies is transforming the rules of engagement across all sectors of our economy. 

Within the building sector, the vernacular is moving from net zero energy, which focuses on operational efficiency, to full-scale decarbonization, addressing embodied carbon, or the total amount of emissions generated during the manufacturing, transportation, construction, operation, and end-of life-phases of the building process. 

Reaching net zero carbon will require us to rethink how we design and build structures and revamp land-use policies, codes, and regulations—a colossal task, no doubt, but one that is arguably essential for our very survival.

According to the United Nations, emissions from buildings must be reduced by 50 percent by 2030 and 100 percent by 2050 if we have a chance at staying under a 1.5-degree temperature rise. Unfortunately, we face a long road ahead: Not even 1 percent of existing buildings are considered net-zero carbon today.

Even so, building professionals and manufacturers are inexorably beginning to feel the sea change, as homebuyers—particularly eco-conscious millennials—demand urgent action in response to the intensifying impacts of climate change.

Not convinced yet? Take a look at the numbers: results from a recent Green Builder Media survey indicate that:

• 95 percent of Millennials say that sustainability is very important when making purchasing decisions.
• 79 percent of Millennials are concerned about the environmental impact of products they buy.
• 77 percent of Millennials are willing to spend more for sustainable products.
• 52 percent of remodeling projects implemented by Millennials enhance the sustainability of their homes.
• Nearly half of millennials cite corporate sustainability as their top consideration when selecting products, ranking it higher than quality, performance, cost, warranties, and other factors.

So, where does all this lead? To a wholly redesigned economy, with massive disruption and groundbreaking innovation on par with the Industrial Revolution and the Digitization Economy (driven by the advent of the Internet.) 

The decarbonization train is leaving the station, and it won’t wait for feet-draggers to decide whether or not to climb aboard. 

How can you ensure that you’re not left behind? Watch this recorded webinar to learn more about the factors and dynamics that are driving the transition to net zero energy, water, and carbon in the built environment, including consumer priorities, innovative technologies, building science best practices, advancements in energy efficiency and resource conservation, and renewable energy.