Have you ever wondered what it takes to establish a modern built environment that has less impact on the planet? What are the benefits that a net zero building can provide your business?
In our recent webinar moderated by Matthias “The Greenman” Gelber, International Finance Corporation – World Bank Group’s Chief Industry Specialist, Prashant Kapoor together with NEO’s CEO, Raymond Rufino talked about the guidelines and the different key action areas to achieve net zero, as well as the green financing mechanisms and its impact on the growth of businesses, the economy and the environment.
The Role of Green Financing in Driving Positive Environmental and Economic Outcomes
Prashant Kapoor, Chief Industry Specialist of the International Finance Corporation – World Bank Group
During the session, Prashant discussed the fact that the CO2 challenge is higher in larger nations — with modern buildings, homes and cars spewing carbon and other greenhouse gasses, and that everyone must make the right real estate and construction investment choices, as this is the first way to make sure that we don’t lock into a high carbon urban built environment in the next 40 to 70 years.
Aiming for net zero is critical in mitigating climate change, and while many corporations are expressing their commitment towards a decarbonized world, the actions taken are nowhere near what we need to make the reduction happen and meet the global carbon agenda. To tackle this challenge and to rapidly increase the construction of green buildings in emerging markets, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) launched the Green Building Market Transformation Program.
IFC HAS A FOUR-PART STRATEGY TO SUPPORT GREATER INVESTMENT IN GREEN BUILDINGS.
This program focuses on four strategies to support greater investment in green buildings and create a harmonious cycle of demand and supply. International Finance Corporation (IFC) activates financing through its banking partners and by directly investing in IFC’s own balance sheet, encouraging the bank partners to provide better terms and products for green developers. They also responded to the need for a voluntary program that supports green building adoption through its EDGE green building software and certification. IFC is aware how necessary it is to provide expertise and support for policy reform through green building codes and government incentives.
The session provided an opportunity for us to have a look at the EDGE app that allows users to identify the optimum combination of building design and construction strategies, to ensure better ROI, and walked us through the 3 EDGE certification levels that green building owners and developers can secure.
To know more about EDGE building certification, click here.
The Know-Hows Towards Achieving a Net Zero Property
Raymond Rufino, CEO of NEO
Raymond highlighted NEO’s advocacy that is focused on the reciprocal balance of care for the people and the planet, and gave emphasis on the importance of promoting health, safety, wellbeing, productivity and happiness as these are the key aspects that building developers, owners and managers must observe to make offices relevant especially in this post-pandemic age.
Carbon emissions are one of the biggest problems we have in our world today; it directly affect temperature globally, which results in climate change. With buildings responsible for 30% to 40% of the world’s CO2 emissions, members of the real estate industry have a vital role to play in reducing carbon – and the journey begins by having commitment and by taking action.
By being committed and by participating in the World Green Building Council’s Net Zero Carbon goal that aims to achieve net zero carbon operations by 2030, and in the Urban Land Institute Greenprint’s carbon target by 2050, NEO were able to quickly achieve net zero for its entire portfolio in 2021
Raymond took us on a tour of the company’s six NEO buildings and shared the three main steps to net zero: (1) conserve energy (2) optimize your building, and (3) get renewable.
“The imminent climate catastrophe can only be averted through substantial commitment and action. We at NEO would like to invite all businesses, big or small, to join us on the Net Zero journey. Make that commitment today and take the first step!” – Raymond Rufino, NEO
This event is organized by uHoo to empower building owners, business leaders and all individuals to participate in the movement towards a healthier and a more sustainable planet by establishing green buildings. Watch this webinar on-demand now!
