Build Beyond Zero: New Ideas for Carbon-Smart Architecture

Build Beyond Zero reimagines buildings as one of our most practical and affordable climate solutions, providing a snapshot of a beginning and a map towards a carbon-smart built environment. It examines the components of an efficient building, materials, biological architecture, education, policy, governance, circular economy, and where we go in the next three decades.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 30 August 2022
Publisher: Island Press

“Net Zero” has emerged as a powerful rallying cry for the green building movement, serving as a clear objective to achieve a net balance of energy generation and consumption for every building. Remarkable progress has been made in enhancing the energy efficiency of newly constructed structures, as well as in revitalizing the vast and energy-inefficient stock of existing buildings across nations. However, achieving net-zero energy use for all buildings within the next few decades alone will not be sufficient. In their book titled "Build Beyond Zero," carbon pioneers Bruce King and Chris Magwood redefine buildings as one of the most practical and affordable climate solutions, rather than being the primary drivers of climate change. They offer a glimpse into the beginnings and provide a roadmap toward a carbon-smart built environment that functions as a carbon dioxide filter. Professional engineers, designers, and developers are invited to envision the immense potential of our built environment to become a site of net carbon storage, acting as a significant drawdown pool that can aid in healing our climate. The authors, in collaboration with other industry experts, highlight the significance of examining the materials and supply chains used in efficient buildings, from windows to solar photovoltaics. "Build Beyond Zero" delves into various aspects, including the benefits and challenges of tracking carbon (Life Cycle Assessment), exploring materials such as steel and concrete, and examining biological architecture. It concludes with discussions on education, policy, governance, circular economy, and the direction we should take in the next three decades. Through their book, King and Magwood demonstrate that buildings can be both culprits and agents of climate healing. They present an exhilarating vision of climate-friendly architecture, accompanied by practical insights and actionable recommendations for building a more sustainable and resilient future.

Dimension: 254 x 216 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781642832112