ASHRAE Publishes First Zero Net Energy and Zero Net Carbon Standard

Net carbon represents a comprehensive approach to addressing climate change by reducing carbon emissions, removing carbon from the atmosphere, and contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future for our planet and its inhabitants.

Recently ASHREA has issued a Zero Net Carbon Standard number 228 which sets requirements for evaluating whether a building or group of buildings meets a definition of “zero net energy” or a definition of “zero net carbon” during building operation. 

Zero Net Carbon (ZNC) Standard, is a set of guidelines or criteria aimed at achieving carbon neutrality, which is defined as the balance between the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions released into the atmosphere and the amount removed or offset. The Zero Net Carbon Standard is usually applied to buildings, infrastructure, or organizations, and it aims to reduce or offset all or most of the carbon emissions related with their operations, products, or services. The Zero Net Carbon Standard is typically used as a voluntary or aspirational goal for organizations or projects to mitigate their climate impact and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change. It is often adopted by governments, industry associations, or organizations as part of their sustainability or climate action initiatives, and may be accompanied by incentives, certifications, or recognition for those who achieve or exceed the standard.

Several major factors are commonly included in the Zero Net Carbon Standard:

1. Carbon Reduction: It requires organizations to actively reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through various means, such as improving energy efficiency, using on site renewable energy, and reducing or eliminating the use of fossil fuels. most of entities jump directly to renewable energy, while great opportunity lies in improving energy utilization and energy efficiency with up to 30% reduction potential on the overall energy consumption.

2. Carbon Offsetting: It may allow for a limited amount of carbon offsetting, which involves investing in projects or activities that remove or reduce GHG emissions from the atmosphere, such as reforestation, Carbon capture and storage (CCS), Methane capture and utilization or off site renewable energy projects, to compensate for any remaining emissions that cannot be eliminated through reduction measures. 

3. Reporting and Verification: It often requires organizations to measure, report, and verify their GHG emissions and reduction efforts in a transparent and credible manner, using recognized standards or methodologies. in Jordan a national MRV system is registering some of the large GHG emitting entities and Renewable energy projects.

4. Timeframe: It may set a specific timeframe or deadline for achieving carbon neutrality, such as 2030, 2040, or 2050, depending on the organization or sector. it's important to note that this timeframe could be subject to change based on a variety of factors, including political, economic, and technological developments. Jordan has set a goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 as part of its commitment to the Paris Agreement