Tech Help for Zero Carbon Homes

If you believe that transport, manufacturing and energy generation are the biggest sources of carbon emissions, think again. Buildings and construction together account for 36 per cent of global final energy use and 39 per cent of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions, according to the International Energy Agency's Global Status Report 2017 prepared for the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction.

While rising awareness about climate change and its impact on lives and livelihoods is encouraging more and more people and companies to build sustainable, net zero energy and zero carbon buildings, the trend, say experts, is not catching on fast enough to make a meaningful difference. According to the World Economic Forum, less than 1 per cent new buildings are constructed as zero carbon today, though a number of cities, companies and real estate organisations have committed to having a 100 per cent zero carbon portfolio by 2030. "The concept of net zero carbon (buildings) is at a very nascent stage but certainly gaining importance at the corporate level. Housing projects may take some time to chase net zero carbon status," says S. Karthikeyan, Principal Counsellor, CII Indian Green Building Council. The reason is simple - building a zero carbon home is not an easy task.