Why we must improve today's buildings
- ~37%
of CO₂ emissions are attributable to buildings1
- >30%
of the energy in buildings is wasted2
- ~50%
of today's buildings will still be in use in 20503
What Are Sustainable Buildings?
Sustainable buildings are designed to reduce environmental impact through energy efficiency, resource optimization, and smarter use of technology. They support carbon reduction, improve occupant well-being, and use smart building solutions to create efficient, resilient, and future-ready spaces.
Buildings consume about 30% of the world’s energy and account for almost 40% of annual CO 2 emissions. To be sustainable, buildings need to change. To limit global warming to 1.5°C by 2050, as specified by the IPCC, we must work to decarbonise buildings.
Together with our EcoXpert partners, we are combatting these complex challenges with innovative solutions for a more sustainable future.
Explore more insights on sustainable buildings
Retrofit your building for sustainability
Half of today’s buildings will be used in 2050. Sustainably retrofitting current buildings is a must for a net-zero future.
Learn how
Three step guide to net-zero building strategy
As companies face increased pressure to fight the climate crisis, we've developed a three-step process for executing a net-zero building strategy.
Access the guide
A greenprint for a sustainable future
We've partnered with CNBC for a special series covering the latest trends in sustainable buildings and the greenprint to achieve net-zero carbon.
View our series with CNBC
Decarbonise the office
Learn how digital solutions can be quickly implemented to deliver a faster return on investment (ROI) with minimal impact on building operations and occupants.
Download our guide
Explore our solutions for your business
Commercial Real Estate
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Healthcare
Discover our Healthcare IoT solutions
Hotels
Learn about our Hotels IoT solutions
Retail
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Explore our latest insights on Buildings of the Future
The fastest path to net-zero buildings
Facility managers can become the net-zero champions of their organisation. We've developed a three-step process for their next retrofit project.
Read more
Five ways to make cities more sustainable
Cities are where the climate change battle will be primarily won or lost. Here are five ways to ensure the battle is won.
Explore now
How microgrids meet global energy challenges
Learn how the use of microgrids continues to increase and the impact it's having on trends such as Electricity 4.0.
Find out more
How facility managers can lead the journey to net-zero
Learn how facility managers can lead the journey to net-zero by retrofitting their current buildings for more efficient and sustainable operations.
Learn how
Resilience and sustainability in buildings
Smart building systems require reliable power to ensure infrastructure uptime. Learn how digital services and power digitalisation can help.
Read more
Net-zero buildings: Sustainable real estate
Learn how transforming your buildings into all-electric, all-digital buildings can help meet your sustainability, regulatory, and financial goals.
Discover more
Achieve your net-zero goals with connected BMS
To deliver sustainable, net-zero carbon buildings, today's next-generation building management systems are crucial.
Learn more
Digital services: Enhance building sustainability
Learn how digital services help today's buildings meet global sustainability goals and expectations.
Read the blog
Decarbonise the office
Learn how digital solutions can be quickly implemented to deliver a faster ROI with minimal impact on building operations and occupants.
Download our e-guide
Accelerate with electrification
Learn how digital solutions and on-site power generation can help your building's decarbonisation journey.
Read our white paper
A guide to decarbonisation for real estate
Discover our 6-step process for real estate teams to reference when prioritising sustainability in brownfield modernisation projects.
Facility manager's guide to net-zero buildings
Facility managers can become the net-zero champions of their organisation. We've developed a three-step process for their next retrofit project.
Download the guide
How building controls can help decarbonise buildings
Understand the role of building management and distributed energy resources in the building decarbonisation roadmap.
Read the Power Magazine article
Overcoming barriers to microgrid adoption
Discover why energy management systems and the energy-as-a-service model are vital to net-zero Buildings of the Future.
Read the Forbes article
The future of power digitalisation
Understand the value of Electricity 4.0 — the convergence of digitisation and electrification in buildings, in creating sustainable buildings.
Explore the Forbes article
CNBC Series: Greenprint for a sustainable future
Check out our series of videos covering the latest trending topics on sustainable buildings and the greenprint to achieve net-zero carbon.
Watch the videos
How to decarbonise your whole building portfolio
The race to net-zero carbon presents many challenges for building owners — notably how decarbonisation can be achieved across a whole portfolio.
Watch the webinar from WSP
Achieve net-zero in three steps
Our experts discuss how facility professionals can increase energy efficiency and decarbonise your building to become net-zero.
Register to watch the webinar
Augmenting hospitals with secure and resilient power
Our experts describe how standardising modular ICU rooms enables remote maintenance, management, and risk mitigation.
New technologies to meet new building demands
Our experts explain why ensuring buildings are resilient and sustainable is paramount to providing a safe environment for their occupants.
Monitor building networks with remote operations
Modernising obsolete electrical distribution installations by replacing and upgrading critical assets is a necessity for business continuity.
Sources
1UN Environment Programme (UNEP), “2022 Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction”2United States Environmental Protection Agency3United States Environmental Protection Agency
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1. What are sustainable buildings?
Sustainable buildings are designed and constructed to minimize environmental impact while maximizing energy efficiency and occupant well-being. They use eco-friendly materials, renewable energy sources, and smart technologies to reduce waste, conserve resources, and promote healthier living spaces.
2. Why are sustainable buildings important?
Sustainable buildings reduce carbon footprints by lowering energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. They enhance indoor air quality and comfort, conserve natural resources, and contribute to long-term economic savings. They also support global efforts to combat climate change and promote healthier communities.
3. What features make a building sustainable?
Key features include energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems, use of renewable energy, water conservation techniques, sustainable building materials, waste reduction strategies, and smart technology integration. These elements work together to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
4. How do sustainable buildings save money?
Sustainable buildings save money through reduced energy and water bills, lower maintenance costs, and increased durability. Efficient systems and materials decrease resource consumption, while improved indoor environments can boost productivity, making sustainable buildings economically beneficial over time.
5. Can existing buildings be made sustainable?
Yes, existing buildings can be retrofitted with energy-efficient upgrades, improved insulation, renewable energy installations, and smart controls. These improvements enhance performance, reduce operational costs, and lower environmental impact, making sustainability achievable for older structures.
6. Are sustainable buildings more expensive to build?
While initial costs may be higher due to specialized materials and technology, sustainable buildings offer significant long-term savings through energy efficiency, reduced maintenance, and durability. Incentives and rebates often offset upfront expenses, making them cost-effective over time.
7. How do sustainable buildings impact the environment?
Sustainable buildings reduce pollution, conserve water and energy, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. By using renewable resources and minimizing waste, they help protect ecosystems and promote biodiversity, contributing to a healthier planet and mitigating climate change.