_How smart and flexible buildings can help our net zero targets

The Government recently published a paper titled ‘Transitioning to a net zero energy system: smart systems and flexibility plan 2021’. It focused on the ways in which our built environment could have a significant role in decarbonisation initiatives, whilst benefiting residents and businesses too.

What are smart and flexible buildings?

In this context, smart and flexible buildings can produce, store, and manage some of their own energy, and make intelligent requests for it. The alternative – which includes many of our existing buildings – can only receive energy, when needed, and it’s often delivered unintelligently. A network of smart, flexible buildings would have the power to talk to one another, talk to the grid and even talk to electric vehicles.

What are active buildings?

Joanna Clarke, an architect and design manager at Swansea University and Author of the Active Building Design Guide, explained at the event: “We have developed a concept called Active Buildings as one of the solutions to decarbonising the built environment. We’re all aware of the need to reduce the energy consumption and carbon emission from buildings, but as the UK progresses towards a decarbonised society, the need for energy flexibility between buildings and energy networks is also critical. We define active buildings as buildings that integrate renewable energy technologies for heat, power, and transport, supporting the wider grid network by combining energy generation, with energy storage and smart controls.

“By maximising locally generated energy and controlling when that energy is exported to the grid as well as when energy is exported from the grid, we’re able to achieve an energy balance between buildings and the wider energy network. This eases the strains put on the energy system by the increasing electricity demand for heating our buildings and for powering our vehicles, and also the strains imposed by the otherwise uncontrolled renewable energy that is fed into the grid.”

What are some of the complexities surrounding smart buildings?

Dr Kate Carter, a Member of Edinburgh Energy Group School of Architecture from the University of Edinburgh, explains: “When we’re talking about smart buildings, I think we need to understand that they’re not the same as fully automated buildings. Smart buildings and the people within them have got to be thought of as an equal system in terms of how the building is used and how it performs. So, we need to think carefully about technology [and] sensors…and make sure that they’re not imposed in a way that alienates people and perhaps prevents them from engaging in the idea of a smart and flexible building.

“So sensors that link lighting to occupation or heating to temperature need to be much more sophisticated to work well with shifting and changing conditions [for] how people use buildings, or what environments they desire or need to be able to operate safely. And also, [we need to think] about other uses of buildings, so buildings will be designed for one use, and they may in the future be used for something different.”

Homes, offices and public buildings account for 30% of the country’s CO2

Clean energy plays a pivotal role in working towards our net zero goals, too.

Emily Bourne, Director for Energy Systems and Networks Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS): “To reach our ambitious net zero goals, we need huge changes across the energy system, and buildings are a core part of this. Homes, offices and public buildings account for around 30% of our country’s CO2 emissions – most of which is heating.

“To reduce this and reach net zero, all buildings will need to transition to clean heat. Alongside the electrification of transport, this is anticipated to lead to a doubling of electricity use by 2050. This presents huge challenges for us all. To deliver this transition in a way that also delivers value to consumers, we need to take a system-wide approach. No longer can we depend on more piling coal onto the fire to turn up the system to meet demands. We need to be smarter.”

We are proud to announce that we are now a Gold Leaf member of the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC). With a mission of wanting to radically improve the sustainability of the built environment, this provides us with an exciting opportunity to collaborate and drive this agenda forwards together.

Read about how we can support your ESG strategy across the building lifecycle, or email esg@knightfrank.com.

You can also get in touch with our Energy & Sustainability Consultancy team or our Project & Building Consultancy team.