https://sourceable.net/zero-carbon-buildings-but-are-we-ready/
This article, as well as many others I have seen, discusses the need and the logic to adapt sustainable measures in new buildings. Specifically, the buildings need to be designed to operate with no net energy or even positive energy.
According to Dr Prasad there are two barriers to adapting this measure: economics and human attitude. Even though in the long run running a zero carbon building means more savings or less money spent compared to a regular one there are still many who do not willing to spend more capital on the initial cost. It seems that significantly lower operating costs is not enough incentive economically. This makes sense, as sometimes one must ask where does the money come from? It is easier to spend more later along the way than one big bill in one go. The other factor, attitude, is perhaps simply our reluctance to adapt or maintain a significantly different environment than the ones we're used to. Most likely living in a sustainable home means we have to go without certain comforts such as 24/7 heating or cooling.
The suggested two ways to overcome this is to give both regulations and incentive. Compulsory vs voluntary. Of course we would prefer to make changes in our own pace. But considering the global climate crisis that we are getting ourselves into it seems good that we have something to nudge us loser to full sustainability.
This article, as well as many others I have seen, discusses the need and the logic to adapt sustainable measures in new buildings. Specifically, the buildings need to be designed to operate with no net energy or even positive energy.
According to Dr Prasad there are two barriers to adapting this measure: economics and human attitude. Even though in the long run running a zero carbon building means more savings or less money spent compared to a regular one there are still many who do not willing to spend more capital on the initial cost. It seems that significantly lower operating costs is not enough incentive economically. This makes sense, as sometimes one must ask where does the money come from? It is easier to spend more later along the way than one big bill in one go. The other factor, attitude, is perhaps simply our reluctance to adapt or maintain a significantly different environment than the ones we're used to. Most likely living in a sustainable home means we have to go without certain comforts such as 24/7 heating or cooling.
The suggested two ways to overcome this is to give both regulations and incentive. Compulsory vs voluntary. Of course we would prefer to make changes in our own pace. But considering the global climate crisis that we are getting ourselves into it seems good that we have something to nudge us loser to full sustainability.
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