Construction Today - Vol 21 Issue 6 | Page 18

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THE FIRST

STEPS

Net-zero buildings require a shift to an efficiency first mindset
By Dan Diehl

The global push to meet aggressive decarbonization goals and achieve netzero emissions by 2050 is intensifying , and commercial buildings are at the forefront of this movement . As the built environment accounts for a substantial portion of global carbon emissions , there is a growing recognition that energy efficiency is the cornerstone of any effective decarbonization strategy . While advanced technologies like renewable energy , hydrogen , and carbon capture grab the spotlight , energy efficiency remains mostly as an unsung hero - a low-hanging fruit that not only reduces emissions but also slashes operational costs , paving the way for deeper decarbonization .

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