This report puts forward a set of innovative ideas to design and operate zero energy buildings for 2050. The purpose of this report is to inspire and challenge the built environment industry to acknowledge the current ‘signals of change’; look forward to 2050 and build capacity for zero energy buildings.
Current signals of change estimate the global population exceeding 9 billion, with 75% of people living in cities, by 2050. Future generations will have expectations for a connected, adaptable and efficient built environment where all industry roles are entwined and professionals engage in sustainable design practices. People and businesses will also seek solutions for rising energy prices and efficient methods to cut carbon emissions. Consequently, there will be a need for innovative solutions designed to tackle the increasing energy demand, and deliver zero energy buildings.
Within this report a number of innovative ideas will be identified for the built environment industry to deliver zero energy buildings. The ideas have stemmed from industry professionals coming together in a ‘futures workshop’ facilitated by UK-GBC. They relate to the experience, design and operation of a building, all of which could be enablers to reach zero energy by 2050.
As the sponsor for this ‘futures workshop’, Heathrow Airport will use its own terminal buildings as case studies, and explore innovations in energy reduction that could be considered in the design of new airport buildings. The ideas will expand on the energy efficiency measures designed into Terminal 2, which is Heathrow’s latest and most efficient BREEAM-certified terminal building.
The innovative ideas within this report draw on the knowledge of cross-industry experts to inspire the industry to set challenging long term strategies and strive to design zero energy buildings for 2050.
*Credit to UK Green Building Council
