Buildings Are the Key to Achieving Net-Zero Emissions
Buildings are becoming a central element in the transition to net-zero emissions—a fact that is increasingly evident in today’s energy landscape. Emission-free buildings, which actively reduce greenhouse gas emissions, are now a critical part of the path toward a sustainable future. Through careful energy management, the use of renewable energy sources, and advanced technologies, we can significantly reduce emissions and improve the energy efficiency of buildings.
Emission-free buildings are those that virtually eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from their operations by balancing output with emission-reduction measures or by using renewable energy sources. The goal is to achieve net-zero emissions, where renewable energy production covers or exceeds the energy the building consumes.
An energy management system plays a vital role in achieving emission-free building goals. It enables efficient energy use, optimization of resources, and coordination between energy consumption and renewable energy production—contributing to responsible resource use and a reduced carbon footprint.
Buildings Must Become Active Players in the Energy System
Energy Efficiency of Buildings.
Energy efficiency in buildings is a fundamental component of the net-zero pathway. Buildings account for 40% of final energy consumption and 36% of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions in the EU. Reducing these emissions—through improved energy efficiency or reduced consumption—is essential for achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
There is enormous potential for improvement: around 75 % of existing buildings are energy-inefficient and will require substantial renovation.
Less Energy Use + More Green Energy = Fewer Emissions
It is essential to make buildings more energy-efficient. Implementing measures such as reducing energy consumption, using renewable energy, energy management systems, thermal insulation, energy-efficient windows, and advanced heating and cooling technologies is key. Only with this approach can we reduce energy use and associated greenhouse gas emissions.
The EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive mandates that all new buildings must be zero-emission: starting from 2028 for public buildings and from 2030 for all new buildings. Additionally, from 2030, energy performance certificates will be mandatory for all new buildings. (European Council, 2023)
Renewable Energy in Buildings.
The use of renewable electricity generated onsite is a key element in achieving net-zero emissions. Solar energy is one of the most important sources in this regard.
In Slovenia, 2022 saw a significant surge in solar power installations. A record 12,231 solar power plants were commissioned—almost double the number from 2021, which saw 6,307 installations. Looking further back, the increase is even more dramatic compared to 3,961 installations in 2020. While the majority of these plants serve household self-sufficiency, their rapid growth has also increased the overall share of solar power in the national energy mix. (Varčevanje energije, 2023)
In 2022, Slovenia generated 4,308 GWh of electricity from renewable energy sources (RES), representing a 25% decrease compared to 2021. The decline was due to poor hydrological conditions, which led to a 25 % reduction in hydroelectric output. Despite this, the increase in solar power generation is encouraging, especially thanks to growing self-consumption initiatives. Solar electricity production increased by 49 % in 2022 compared to 2021. Still, hydroelectric plants remain the dominant source of renewable electricity in Slovenia. (AGEN RS, 2023)
The introduction of an incentive scheme for RES and high-efficiency cogeneration (CHP) in 2009, alongside measures to boost self-sufficiency from RES, spurred investments in solar power, biomass, and biogas—sources less dependent on weather. In contrast, solar and hydro production remain weather-dependent and can fluctuate significantly from year to year. (AGEN RS, 2023)
Renewable Electricity Production in 2005 and 2012–2022
Energy Management in Buildings: Benefits for Efficiency, Productivity, and Sustainability.
Buildings have evolved into active components of smart grids, allowing better energy consumption management. Smart grids enable two-way communication between buildings and the grid, allowing consumption to be adjusted in real-time. The introduction of energy storage systems (e.g., batteries) makes it possible to store surplus energy and use it during peak demand, improving energy supply reliability, reducing grid stress, and increasing renewable integration.
Implementing an energy management system (EMS) in buildings delivers a wide range of benefits, including greater energy efficiency, productivity, and adaptability to changing energy demands.
It is crucial that energy use is made visible and actively monitored. One such monitoring tool is GemaLogic —an advanced platform for monitoring and analyzing energy and water consumption data. It allows building owners and managers to easily track usage and optimize their energy systems, resulting in energy savings, lower costs, and greater building sustainability.
Advantages of Implementing an Energy Management System.
✅ Comprehensive Energy Oversight
- Energy use must be visible and actively monitored.
- GemaLogic provides real-time data analysis on energy and water consumption, helping optimize system performance and enhance sustainability.
✅ Digitalization of Energy Data
- Track and analyze energy use to identify inefficiencies—many of which can be addressed with minimal or no investment.
- Provides transparency in energy-saving measures.
✅ Lower Energy Costs
- Reduced energy consumption leads to lower energy costs.
- Financial incentives are available for EMS implementation or equipment replacement to reduce energy usage.
- Lower maintenance costs due to decreased system load.
- Alarms enable early detection of system errors and quicker response to faults.
✅ Reduced Emissions and Carbon Footprint
- Lower energy use = lower carbon footprint.
- More efficient devices = lower emissions.
- Installing renewable sources = self-sufficiency, less dependence on fossil fuels, and lower carbon footprint.
✅ Compliance with the Latest Energy Standards
- ISO 50001 certification—an internationally recognized standard that boosts your company’s image and credibility with clients, partners, and stakeholders.
- Contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Tracks performance in line with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol).
Solvera Lynx - Energy Management Solution Provider.
📧 info@solvera-lynx.com │📞 01 40 12 860
Sources:
- IEA. (15. 2. 2023). There’s more to buildings than meets the eye: They hold a key to net zero emissions. Pridobljeno na https://www.iea.org/commentaries/there-s-more-to-buildings-than-meets-the-eye-they-hold-a-key-to-net-zero-emissions
- Evropski svet. (2. 6. 2023). Fit for 55: making buildings in the EU greener. Pridobljeno na https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/infographics/fit-for-55-making-buildings-in-the-eu-greener/
- Agencija za energijo [AGEN RS]. (2023). Poročilo o stanju na področju energetike v Sloveniji. Ljubljana: AGEN RS. Pridobljeno na https://www.agen-rs.si/documents/10926/38704/AZE_Poro%C4%8Dilo_o_stanju_energetike_v_Sloveniji_2022-final3/a85b584b-ca2b-481f-bb84-a396bc4e2dba
- Solvera Lynx d.o.o. (25. 7. 2023). Solvera Lynx – Postavitev prve sončne elektrarne s partnerji, Ljubljana [Video]. Solvera Lynx. Pridobljeno na https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELWwTdCE8zo
- Varčevanje energije. (25.5.2023). Sončne elektrarne v Sloveniji – pregled trga. Pridobljeno na https://www.varcevanje-energije.si/fotovoltaicne-elektrarne/soncne-elektrarne-pregled-trga-v-sloveniji.html