Carbon offsetting in the framework of Net Zero Carbon Buildings

According to the World Green Building Council, buildings and construction are responsible for 39% of the global carbon emissions related to energy generation. In Europe, buildings account for 40% of the energy demand and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions. Consequently, several frameworks and guidelines have been developed to achieve Net Zero Carbon Buildings in recent years. The term Net Zero Carbon describes a scenario in which anthropogenic removals of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere equal the amount of anthropogenic carbon dioxide emitted within a certain time frame. To achieve this state, emissions must be reduced and avoided, and those that remain must be captured at the source or removed from the atmosphere. In this context, uncertainty has arisen about how to compensate or offset the remaining emissions to reach Net Zero, which underlines the need for further clarification and guidance. This study examines the role of carbon offsetting in achieving Net Zero Carbon Buildings. In particular, the report analyses the voluntary and compliance carbon markets, the standards available in this field, and the principles that should be followed when offsetting GHG emissions. It will also present criteria for ensuring the use of high quality offset credits, an overview of carbon offsetting programmes available at national and international level, and existing projects eligible for carbon credit issuance. Based on the embodied and operational emissions resulting from Life-Cycle Assessments carried out for real cases, an offset strategy that follows the “Oxford Principles for Zero Net Carbon Offsetting” will be applied. This strategy will be implemented for a residential, an office, and an industrial building. Cost projections related with this solution will also be evaluated based on forecasted prices for carbon offsets. Additionally, it will be assessed how the specific use of the building influenced the total amount of emissions that need to be compensated to achieve Net Zero Carbon Buildings. Finally, two scenarios in which the number of photovoltaic panels is increased with respect to the minimum requirements established by the Italian Legislative Decree n.199 will be hypothesised, with the aim of highlighting the benefits of reducing emissions from an economic point of view.