COPP Net Zero

“If you are prioritizing the health of humans and the planet, natural fibers and textiles are always a better choice over their synthetic counterparts,” says architect and HML’s senior researcher Leila Diana Behjat in conversation with Laura Fenton in Business of Home. Are you wondering how to choose natural fiber textiles over petrochemical-based textiles like acrylics, polyester, nylon, and spandex? Leila notes, “A blend is still a better product [than an all-synthetic one], because any step taken toward a healthier environment is a great step.” Linen and hemp are among the best from a climate perspective because flax (the plant from which linen is derived) and hemp require less water, fertilizer, and pesticide usage than cotton. Read the full article to learn more about natural fibers>  https://lnkd.in/dgivf_bm Check out our Material Collection: Textiles, where we choose healthy alternatives considering the carbon footprint of fiber cultivation, production, and use, and the toxicity of any applied treatments. #naturaltextiles #hemp #organiccotton #noPFAS #flaxlinen #healthytextile Parsons School of Design - The New School The New School Alison Mears Jonsara Ruth

There is a world movement to reduce carbon emissions on buildings. Did you know that Switzerland, Germany and UK will require mandatory Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) for public buildings? Or that Denmark set carbon emissions limits for all new buildings over 1000 m2? Watch this video to know what is changing in your country. #reducecarbonemissions #sustainability #buildingindustry

Excited to chat with Sara and Rami two weeks from Wednesday (September 13) at 12 noon, ET. Questions for them are encouraged, both beforehand and live. Hope to see you then!

Excited to chat with Sara and Rami two weeks from Wednesday (September 13) at 12 noon, ET. Questions for them are encouraged, both beforehand and live. Hope to see you then!

EU Will Require Companies to Introduce Climate Transition Plans In a landmark decision, the European Parliament voted to mandate EU and non-EU companies of 500 employees or more operating within the EU to implement comprehensive climate transition plans. This move is part of the EU's ambitious efforts to combat climate change and transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy. The legislation will move to the European Council for final approval. The legislation recognizes the urgent need for businesses to take proactive measures in addressing climate change. The tabled legislation aims to ensure that businesses across various sectors actively contribute to the EU's climate targets and the broader global effort to combat climate change. It is seen as a crucial step towards aligning corporate practices with the goals of the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. New regulations would require companies to assess their carbon footprint, set specific reduction targets, and establish a timeline for achieving them. Moreover, companies will be required to report on their progress regularly and transparently. This will enable stakeholders, including investors and consumers, to evaluate their environmental performance and make informed decisions about supporting environmentally responsible businesses. The legislation also includes provisions for penalties and sanctions to ensure compliance. Members of the European Parliament have hailed the decision as a significant milestone in the fight against climate change. Environmental advocacy groups have also praised the move, seeing it as a step in the right direction. They believe that this legislation will encourage companies to make tangible changes in their operations, leading to a reduction in carbon emissions and a more sustainable business landscape. The European Council will need to provide final approval of the legislation. If passed, it will become binding across all EU member states. This would make the European Union one of the most proactive regions globally in terms of requiring businesses to actively contribute to the fight against climate change. The decision by the European Parliament underscores the growing recognition of the corporate sector's responsibility in addressing the climate crisis. It sets a precedent for other regions and countries to consider similar legislation, emphasizing the need for collective action to combat one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Sources: https://rb.gy/m3o12 and https://rb.gy/54nsi Should you have questions reach out to John.kocemba@coppnetzero.com #netzerocarbon #coppnetzero #sustainabledevelopment #EUtransition

Embracing Moral Responsibility: Builders and Contractors Driving the Shift to Low Carbon Building Materials The majority of respondents in a recent survey ranked “moral obligation to use low impact materials” as the biggest determinant of which building materials they were using in projects. Source: https://lnkd.in/e5t-PAfP Builders and contractors in the construction sector are recognizing a moral obligation to embrace environmentally friendly practices and materials. Five key reasons behind their commitment to creating a sustainable built environment: 1. Protecting the Planet: By choosing environmentally friendly building materials, builders and contractors are actively contributing to reducing the industry's ecological footprint. They acknowledge that the construction industry has a significant impact, if not the largest impact on natural resources, energy consumption, and carbon emissions.  2. Promoting Health and Well-being: The well-being of building occupants is a top priority for builders and contractors. They recognize that traditional building materials may contain harmful substances and emit pollutants that can detract from indoor air quality. By opting for environmentally friendly materials, they create healthier indoor environments, free from toxins and allergens, enhancing the overall quality of life for occupants. 3. Fostering Sustainability: Sustainability lies at the core of builders' and contractors' values and their organizational values. They aspire to construct structures that stand the test of time, minimizing the need for frequent reparation. Environmentally friendly materials, such as recycled or renewable resources, contribute to the longevity of buildings while simultaneously reducing waste and conserving valuable natural resources. 4. Responding to Market Demand: Builders and contractors are acutely aware of the evolving market dynamics; clients, investors, and end-users increasingly prioritize environmental stewardship. By incorporating environmentally friendly materials into their projects, they meet the growing demand for sustainable construction and position themselves as leaders in the industry. 5. Inspiring Positive Change: Builders and contractors recognize their responsibility in shaping industry practices; fostering a culture of environmental responsibility within the construction sector. In an era defined by global environmental challenges, certain builders and contractors are demonstrating their commitment to being agents of change. Their moral obligation drives them to seek out innovative, low-carbon, and sustainable building materials that align with their values. Should you have questions, please reach out to John.kocemba@coppnetzero.com #GreenBuildingMaterials #ConstructionIndustry #MoralResponsibility #ClimateAction #BuildingConstruction #SustainableFuture 

Unmasking the Embodied Carbon Footprint of Building Materials In the battle against climate change, approximately 50% of the carbon emissions associated with a new building can be traced back to 'embodied carbon' emissions. This eye-opening revelation shines a spotlight on the often-overlooked process of accounting for the 'embodied carbon' emissions generated from the manufacturing of equipment, intermediate transport, and other business activities involved in creating and installing building materials. Comprising three distinct stages – i) the upfront carbon, ii) use/replacement, and iii) end-of-life – the assessment of embodied carbon emissions unveils the true environmental cost of constructing buildings that shape our world. Leading the charge in evaluating embodied carbon emissions are globally recognized standards like ISO14044, ISO14067, and ISO21930 which provide a framework for scrutinizing the impact of materials used in the construction industry. The Footprint Company, a trailblazer in assessing embodied carbon emissions in the built environment employs a life cycle assessment approach, going beyond surface-level evaluations to delve into the full spectrum of a building's lifecycle. At the heart of The Footprint Company's arsenal lies the Building Life Cycle Assessment (BLCA) tool. This powerful instrument leaves no stone unturned as it meticulously analyzes the embodied carbon emissions of each material and component within a building. From extraction and manufacturing to transportation and installation, no aspect escapes its scrutiny. Even the energy consumed during construction and the emissions generated by the disposal of materials at the building's end-of-life are carefully considered. Armed with this knowledge, The Footprint Company spearheads efforts to identify opportunities for slashing embodied carbon emissions and paving the way toward a more sustainable future. Their insights provide a compass guiding us toward a world where sustainability and innovation go hand in hand. Hats off to Dr. Caroline Noller, Tanvi Patel and the rest of the The Footprint Company team for their groundbreaking work in demystifying embodied carbon. Learn more. See what the City of Toronto is doing to cap embodied carbon in public projects. Kelly Alvarez Doran University of Toronto City of Toronto https://lnkd.in/eqHFiGx6   #embodiedcarbon #sustainabledevelopment #coppnetzero  #netzero #thefootprintcompany

France Requiring All Large Parking Lots to Have Solar Panels New legislation approved by the French senate this February requires solar panels to be installed in all parking lots with a capacity of at least 80 vehicles. This includes both pre-existing and newly constructed parking lots. These new provisions are part of a large-scale renewable energy investment plan under French President Macron. A 10x increase in solar energy production in the country is planned, as well as double output in wind farm power. The new regulations will take effect on July 1, 2023, giving smaller lots with 80-400 spaces a mere five years to comply. Carparks with more than 400 spaces have a shorter timeline: Solar panels must cover at least half of the surface area of the parking lot within three years. It is estimated that this plan could generate 11 gigawatts, equal to the output of 10 nuclear reactors, which could power millions of homes. #embodiedcarbon #sustainabledevelopment #coppnetzero  #netzero Should you have questions reach out to John.kocemba@coppnetzero.com Sources: Forbes, John Byrne, The Washington Post, Engadget, Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists.

Un mélange de beauté historique et de durabilité moderne Comment une bibliothèque rénovée a-t-elle gagné un prix de design prestigieux? Le Prix Stirling de l’association RIBA est l’un des prix d’architecture les plus prestigieux de la Grande-Bretagne. Il est décerné aux projets dont la conception, l’innovation, la durabilité et la valeur sociale sont exceptionnelles. La bibliothèque du Magdalene College à Cambridge a reçu le prix RIBA East pour sa rénovation et son agrandissement qui avaient pour but d’offrir des installations améliorées aux étudiants et aux membres du personnel. Le projet a intégré diverses stratégies de conception durable, notamment les suivantes : 1. Conception de bâtiment solaire passif : l’orientation et la forme du bâtiment ont été optimisées afin de maximiser la quantité de lumière et de chaleur naturelles, réduisant ainsi le besoin en électricité pour alimenter les systèmes d’éclairage et de chauffage artificiels. 2. Efficacité énergétique : le projet incluait l’intégration d’un système de chauffage et de climatisation écoénergétique, des lumières à DEL et un vitrage à haute performance afin de réduire la consommation d’énergie. 3. Matériaux durables : des matériaux durables ont été utilisés, notamment du bois de source durable et du béton faible en carbone, afin de réduire l’empreinte carbone du projet. 4. Biodiversité : le bâtiment est doté d’un toit vert et d’un espace extérieur faisant la promotion de la biodiversité et permettant aux étudiants de profiter de la nature. Le projet de bibliothèque du Magdalene College à Cambridge est un exemple d’intégration des stratégies de conception durable aux magnifiques bâtiments historiques pour créer des installations modernes et écologiques. #matériauxfaiblesencarbone #netzéro #constructioncarboneutre  #coppnetzéro   Source : https://lnkd.in/ghzSNAdQ,