Net zero roadmaps
A costed, year-by-year plan that takes your building or plant to net zero energy, water, waste or carbon, in the order that makes financial sense.
- Scope
- Energy, water, waste and carbon
- Order of work
- Reduce, make efficient, then renew
- Recognition
- IGBC Net Zero ratings available
What net zero means for a building
A net zero energy building generates, over a year, as much renewable energy as it uses. The same idea applies to water, where treated and harvested water balances what is drawn, and to waste, where little or nothing goes to landfill. A carbon roadmap brings these together as emissions.
The order matters. Every unit you do not use is cheaper than a unit you have to generate, so efficiency comes before solar panels, and offsets come last.
What the roadmap covers
- Baseline. Metered energy, water and waste, with an emissions inventory.
- Demand reduction. Envelope, controls and operational changes.
- Efficiency upgrades. HVAC, lighting, motors and process equipment.
- On-site renewables. Rooftop and ground-mounted solar sized to the load.
- Off-site clean power. Open access, green tariffs and certificates where on-site space runs out.
- Water and waste loops. Recycling, rainwater harvesting and waste segregation.
How we build the roadmap
- MeasureBaseline from bills, meters and site data.
- Set the goalNet zero scope and target year agreed with you.
- Model the measuresSavings, capital cost and payback for each.
- SequenceA year-by-year plan that funds later steps from earlier savings.
- TrackMetering and an annual review against the plan.
Questions clients ask
Can an existing building reach net zero?
Many can, especially low-rise buildings with roof space for solar. Where on-site generation cannot cover the load, off-site renewable power closes the gap.
What is the difference between net zero energy and net zero carbon?
Net zero energy balances energy used with renewable energy produced. Net zero carbon accounts for emissions, so it also covers fuels, refrigerants and, in fuller scopes, embodied carbon.
Can the building be certified as net zero?
Yes. IGBC offers Net Zero Energy, Net Zero Water and Net Zero Waste ratings, and we can take a project through them once it performs.
Related services
Measure what a building or plant uses, cut it, and report it in the formats investors and customers ask for.
Talk to us about net zero roadmaps
Send us the project type, location and built-up area. We'll suggest the rating route that suits it and what it involves.