Green Building Insights from REDAS GREEN REAL ESTATE TRENDS CONFERENCE 2024
16 Aug 2024
Last, week, JEB ESG team had the privilege of attending the Singapore Green Building Council’s REDAS GREEN REAL ESTATE TRENDS CONFERENCE 2024. While the image of green buildings often conjures up visions of plant-covered facades and solar-powered rooftops, the conference highlighted a crucial aspect often overlooked: embodied carbon.
Locked within the design, materials, and construction of buildings, embodied carbon accounts for over 50% of a building’s total lifecycle carbon emissions. This stark reality underscores the urgent need for innovative and sustainable building practices. The conference delved into a wealth of insights, covering everything from cutting-edge green technologies to the critical role of ESG in the real estate sector.
Key Takeaways
1) Innovative Green Technologies: The conference showcased the latest advancements in green building technologies, from energy-efficient building envelopes and smart HVAC systems to renewable energy integration and sustainable materials. These innovations are not only reducing carbon footprints but also enhancing occupant well-being and operational efficiency.
2) ESG Integration: The importance of integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria into real estate investment decisions was a recurring theme. Beyond financial returns, investors are increasingly recognizing the value of sustainable practices in mitigating risks, enhancing reputation, and attracting responsible investors.
3) Collaboration and Partnerships: The conference emphasised the need for a collaborative approach to address the complexities of sustainable development. Successful green building projects often involve partnerships between developers, architects, engineers, policymakers, and the community.
4) Policy and Regulations: The role of government policies and regulations in driving sustainable building practices was highlighted. The conference discussed the impact of various green building certifications and incentives on the industry, as well as the need for consistent and ambitious policy frameworks.
5) Embodied Carbon Reduction: A significant focus was placed on strategies to reduce embodied carbon in buildings. This includes material selection, design optimisation, and the circular economy principles. The conference showcased case studies of projects that have successfully implemented low-carbon construction methods.
As we reflect on the conference and its insights, we at JEB Group and Sustainable Office Solutions (SOS) recognise the significant challenges ahead in the journey towards decarbonisation. However, we are committed to playing our part in creating a more sustainable built environment.
Credit to: Lim Shu Xin | Regional Sustainability, ESG & Carbon Specialist @ JEB Group
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