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As for construction , over a third of global energy consumption comes from buildings , making the built environment one of the key elements in the climate fight . Many leaders are already seeing the potential – transforming the construction of their buildings from a burden on the balance sheet to a strategic process that can not only contribute to net- zero goals but save money along the way .

So , how can construction companies help on this path to a net-zero future ? The answer is smarter , decarbonised buildings .

The creation of smart buildings

The good news is that the technology exists today to make a real impact . We need to consider smart technology from the design and implementation stages of a building . Smart technology utilised early in the construction process can help deliver commissioning and energy spend benefits – which can reduce physical installation and cost .

From the design perspective we want to avoid overly specified plant systems that result in a lower coefficient of performance , so using a centralised plant twin that models the demand enables the comparison of different options and selection of the right design with the highest efficiency .

Adding in a digital commissioning phase from construction can reduce snagging issues with the control and operation of the building and enables the reduction of energy in the construction phase . The results of having a digital building where fault detection and equipment performance automation are already deployed can significantly reduce day two delays for client operations .

Once this has been implemented from the beginning of the construction process and integrated into every aspect of a building , it can leverage information from various connected systems in a facility such as HVAC , lighting , and security and provide datadriven insights regarding energy efficiency , emissions , or air quality , for example . This data can then be shared across multiple operational technology ( OT ) and information technology ( IT ) systems , ensuring that energy use is optimised in real time across the built environment .

The role of construction companies is to support the creation of smart buildings with the right infrastructure . By ensuring that the green basics are correct , businesses and tenants can save money in the future , demonstrating that climate action can unlock capital for other vital investments .

The magic trifecta

We have the opportunity to knock down the global emissions that come from buildings

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