We all know that the impact of construction on the environment is significant, but grasping the depth of that significance can be challenging. 

According to the United Nations (UN), the infrastructure and construction industry is responsible for 79 percent of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. In response to these emissions, we’ve seen the expansion of net-zero construction, which refers to building practices that aim to minimize a building’s environmental impact by producing as much energy as it consumes over its lifecycle, or having a net-zero or negative greenhouse gas emissions balance. 

One of net-zero construction’s greatest assets is its universal nature. From neighborhood park meeting places and IHG’s new British hotel to Boston’s large net-zero carbon office building and healthcare buildings, companies are eager to embrace net-zero construction as we actively move toward maintaining a greener planet. Here’s a look at how net-zero construction is making waves in the construction world today.

The Value of Net-Zero Construction

Net-zero construction has a variety of benefits that demonstrate why the practice is in demand. High-performance windows, advanced HVAC and lighting systems, efficient insulation, and smart appliances result in saving 50-70% of energy as a normal building, Construction 21 reports. Electricity bills are minimized, and greenhouse gas emissions are reduced, promoting long-term sustainability. Also, the people who spend time in the building find it to be particularly comfortable.

Naturally, there can be downsides to net-zero construction, and many of those have to do with money. Building a net-zero structure can be more expensive and complex than a traditional one, and it requires regular maintenance and operation. However, the knowledge base of net-zero construction has become so wide, and the demand for it has become so significant that the knowledge base of experts who specialize in the area is growing as well. Also, some areas are rewarding companies that build with sustainability in mind. In the case of housing, many cities like Boston are potentially rewarding the construction of net-zero affordable homes with cost offsets. 

Customer Demand for Sustainability is Strong

Real estate developers and construction experts are responsible for taking their business in the direction their customers demand. Across the globe, customers are demanding sustainable practices. 

“A lot of private clients that have long had standing sustainability commitments in their own portfolios, and to their own stakeholders and investors, are not changing their track,” Myrrh Caplan, vice president of sustainability for Skanska USA, whose corporate headquarters is in Sweden, told Construction Dive. “They are on the path to do what they said they were going to do, and so we are as well.” 

This is a strong example of how companies like Skanska are delivering the sustainable practices that clients want.

‘“Being in 13 countries, including the U.S., doesn’t mean that changes what we have to deliver on for our own internal efforts and policies, governance and all of that,” said Caplan.

Looking Toward the Future

In the future, net-zero construction will be less of a fantasy and more of a mandate. For example, in January, the Boston Zoning Commission approved the long-debated rules that require newly constructed buildings to reduce energy use and fossil fuel reliance. 

Starting July 1, all newly proposed real estate projects with more than 15 units of housing, spanning 20,000 square feet or more, or additions of at least 50,000 square feet will be required to meet the net-zero emissions standard. This development is particularly important in areas like Boston, where there is a massive housing shortage. If we can ever alleviate the housing shortage and keep businesses functioning, construction needs to continue. However, that means the climate needs to be taken into consideration.

The demand for sustainable working spaces is set to increase, as well. In 2024, Skanska predicted a 70% shortage of low-carbon offices by 2030.

“From a construction trend perspective, environmental sustainability will continue to be a long-term and immediate priority in construction projects,” Molinini told Construction Dive. “It’s reasonable to expect in 2025 that sustainable design and operations will continue to shape project requirements.” 

Even if the construction of a building isn’t net zero, it can still be done with measures that practice sustainability. While everyone may not be able to fully commit to net-zero construction quite yet, they can certainly integrate practices that recognize the importance of sustainability. 

Developers understand that to keep their clients happy, they need to follow a path that considers the climate. Ultimately, companies that avoid sustainable practices in the present will be cheating themselves in the future.