Green Building Council Brasil (GBC Brasil) has launched a new net zero building certification scheme, which aims to reduce carbon emissions from new and existing buildings to meet the Paris Agreement and supports WorldGBC’s goal to ensure all buildings are net zero carbon by 2050.

The new standard – the Zero Energy Building Certification – will be given to ‘self sufficient energy’ buildings, those which prioritise energy efficiency and use renewable energy which is generated on-site or off-site to achieve net zero carbon emissions annually in operation. Any remaining energy demand for the building not met through energy efficiency or renewables, can be offset using Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). The certification is in line with the principles set out in WorldGBC’s Advancing Net Zero project, on which GBC Brasil is a participant.

Even before the official launch earlier this week, GBC Brasil already registered 11 pioneering projects in the states of São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina, Minas Gerais and Mato Grosso, and has certified two of these projects: the Sebrae Centre for Sustainability in the city of Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, and the Geo Thermal Energy Headquarters in Tamboará, Paraná.

Felipe Faria, Executive Director of GBC Brasil and Chair of WorldGBC’s Americas Regional Network, said:

“We will be rewarding the best buildings in the market which demonstrate excellence in planning, integrated project conception, team communication, automation, technology, renewable energy stimulation, occupant awareness and excellence in the operation.

“We already have several projects registered in Brazil – houses, a public nursery, a commercial building, a research centre and others.”

Brazil is the second country in the world to implement a new net zero building certification process, following Canada Green Building Council which launched its Zero Carbon Building Standard in May this year. Under the Advancing Net Zero project, 10 Green Building Councils have committed to introduce certification systems to ensure that all buildings operate at net zero carbon emissions by 2050 to limit the damaging effects of climate change.

Terri Wills, CEO of the World Green Building Council, said:

“As one of the largest building markets in the world, Brazil has a vital role to play in reducing carbon emissions from buildings.

“By launching its Zero Energy Standard, GBC Brasil is not only sending a clear message that net zero emissions buildings are achievable today, but is also providing the framework for businesses to invest in, build and occupy them. It is only through strong leadership like this that we will ensure the building sector can deliver on the Paris Agreement and help avoid the worst impacts of climate change.”

The Zero Energy Building Certification was launched at the 8th Greenbuilding Brasil International Conference and Expo, the largest sustainable construction event in Latin America, held between 8 and 10 August, in São Paulo, which saw attendance from over 10,000 visitors, 1,200 conference attendees, 40 exhibitors and 130 speakers from more than 20 countries.

To find out more about GBC Brasil’s Zero Energy Building Certification, click here.