Building Sustainable Homes of the Future: Schneider Electric's Vision for a Net Zero World

As the construction industry continues to evolve, sustainability is emerging as a dominant force, with clean energy transition and green net zero homes set to revolutionize the way we live and work. Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, is at the forefront of this movement, guiding house builders towards a more sustainable future. According to the European Union, existing buildings are responsible for approximately 40% of EU energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, well-designed net zero homes of the future will produce as much renewable energy as they consume, reducing carbon footprints and energy bills.

Key Takeaways:

• Schneider Electric's mission is to support house builders in transitioning to a sustainable future, with a focus on accelerating electrification and decarbonization, ensuring active energy management, retrofitting, and increasing the use of recycled materials.
• The construction industry must adapt to changing rules and regulations, with the European Union setting targets for a 32.5% improvement in energy efficiency and 40% cuts in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
• Home builders must prioritize designing homes with electric vehicle charging infrastructure and consider the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar rooftop systems, to reduce carbon emissions.
• According to the National Association of Homebuilders, homebuyers, especially younger generations, are willing to pay more for sustainable features like energy-efficient appliances, demonstrating a growing market opportunity for sustainable buildings.
• Schneider Electric's home energy management systems can provide residents with full visibility and control of their home energy use, and smart home solutions can help meet sustainability goals while engaging environmentally conscious buyers.

Statistics:

• Existing buildings are responsible for approximately 40% of EU energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions.
• The National Association of Homebuilders states that homebuyers are willing to pay more for sustainable features.
• According to the European Union, the target is to improve energy efficiency by 32.5% and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030.
• Two-thirds of the world's current buildings do not fit their respective energy efficiency and consumption standards.
• Half the world's current buildings will still be in use in 2050, making retrofitting and improving energy efficiency critical for reducing carbon emissions.

Sources:

• Schneider Electric: M2 PressWIRE-November 2, 2020-
• European Union: ("near-zero energy buildings" and "buildings to achieve a 32.5% improvement in energy efficiency and 40% cuts in greenhouse gas emissions")
• National Association of Homebuilders ("homebuyers are willing to pay more for sustainable features")
• International Energy Agency ("half the world's current buildings will still be in use in 2050")