We are well versed in using this data to evaluate, improve and continuously review our projects.

It’s also important to remember that the challenge of turning the climate crisis around rests solely on the shoulders of our working generation.Although future timescales can sometimes feel abstract, 2050 really isn’t far away and our net zero deadline is looming.

In fact, half of the emissions in the atmosphere today were emitted in the last thirty years, so we’re going to have to think really expansively on the issue.One of the greatest challenges we have is finance, because there’s still a lot of prejudice against nuclear power in the finance market.The World Bank, for example, won’t finance nuclear projects.

In addition, despite the fact that all of the science repeatedly tells us that nuclear is the lowest carbon, clean energy source available, the European sustainable finance taxonomy has remained in a state of consideration for years about whether nuclear energy actually qualifies as green..Still, despite the challenges ahead, it’s clear to see that the tide is turning and, of course, urgency related to the climate crisis will only continue to increase.

We must be ready to act and put the right strategies into place globally: licensing, siting, public acceptability, supply chain strategies etc.

All of these elements need to be designed and ready to go as soon as the world is ready for them.Be Lean (passive): minimise the use of energy via passive design measures such as optimised form, orientation and window-to-wall ratio (WWR); design energy efficient facades that incorporate thermal insulation, high airtightness, external shading and solar control glazing; use of natural ventilation and thermal mass and design transitional spaces and low thermal expectation spaces.. Be Lean (active): minimise the use of energy via energy efficient lighting (LED, daylight and presence control sensors) and ventilation systems (demand control ventilation, low SFPs, heat recovery); use technologies such as waste-water heat recovery and specify energy efficient lifts and appliances/equipment.. Be Clean: connect to district heating networks that have plans for decarbonisation; explore plans and feasibility of local hydrogen district networks.. Be Green: use onsite low and zero carbon technologies such as air source heat pumps (ASHP), ground source heat pumps (GSHP), photovoltaic panels, solar collectors for domestic hot water and wind generation among others.. Be Smart: implement innovative technologies such as electric batteries, heat storage, post-occupancy evaluation and develop smart-metering systems..

Offset: any remaining carbon should be offset via Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) or recognised carbon offset schemes.Offsets used should be publicly disclosed.. An example of specific design strategies that Bryden Wood have adopted follow the proposed operational carbon hierarchy is shown in Figure 5 and is demonstrated with examples below..

Step-by-step hierarchy for net zero operational carbon.In order to substantially reduce embodied carbon, our designs will adopt the following hierarchy:.