Net Zero Buildings

Delivering building efficiency services and decarbonisation tools for the built environment

Pressure is mounting on the race to zero carbon. Science-based targets demand significant emissions reductions by as soon as 2030. However, with energy cost still the number one issue for many organisations, and concerns around energy resilience and security on the rise, it can be hard to know how to tackle all of these problems at once. Particularly when it comes to our buildings.

Legislation and policies introduced in major cities and regions across the US have imposed emission limits to encourage building owners to implement energy efficiency building interventions. But how do you de-risk these investments and calculate the long-term cost and carbon returns to build a fully informed business case for moving towards net zero?

This is where IES Digital Twin technology is uniquely positioned to help.

We can provide the energy use clarity your organisation needs to take control and make the highest impact decisions to reduce energy consumption, greenhouse emissions and costs. Following the five steps outlined below, we’ll help you identify affordable net zero interventions that will help build resilience and futureproof your buildings for years to come.

We can even create a detailed net zero roadmap to help you understand the current performance of your building, community, portfolio or city, and simulate the impact of various changes and investments over time. Helping you meet targets for 2030, 2050 and beyond, tracking progress and providing a dynamic approach that is able to adapt to any unforeseen challenges along the way.

5 Steps to Net Zero

  • Step 1

    Data Gathering

    Together, we will identify and gather energy consumption and metering data,  system performance data and building use data including occupancy profiles.

  • Step 2

    Identify & Cut Energy Waste

    We put the available data sets through our digital twinning software to provide insights into energy wastage and reduce energy costs. We then identify key energy saving measures with accurate forecasting of potential savings and payback periods. 

  • Step 3

    Affordable Net Zero Interventions

    We can then further develop the digital twin to take you to the next stage and test scenarios that move you towards net zero. Potential building retrofit options for the envelope or energy systems can be identified and modelled to see if energy efficiency and emissions can be improved.

  • Step 4

    Energy Sharing & Resilience

    We can then incorporate energy network information into the digital twin to work out how to reduce grid imports and make your building(s) more energy self sufficient. Firstly considering how to meet as much of your energy demand from local sharing or waste heat reuse, before exploring where onsite renewables can be deployed to meet your remaining energy needs.

  • Step 5

    Create Net Zero Roadmap

    We can combine all of the above as part of one integrated digital twin solution to create a live, interactive roadmap to net zero. Allowing you to continually test, compare, visualise and communicate the impact of different decisions, track progress and refine action plans as you go. Providing an invaluable digital asset to support better, more confident decisions at every step in your decarbonisation journey.

Sleeping Digital Twins

IES can re-awaken existing 3D design, compliance or BIM models of your building as an intelligent performance digital twin that can be used across your building's entire lifecycle. Your performance digital twin can maximise the performance of your buildings and de-risk decision making, allowing you to make better decisions for the future.

  • Monitor and optimise building performance in real time
  • Simulate future 'what-if' scenarios and technologies to map your route to zero carbon
  • Analyse a range of performance metrics such as energy and costs
  • Improve the comfort, health and wellbeing of building occupants
Awaken your Sleeping Digital Twin
Free Model Audit

Digital Twins for Zero Carbon Roadmapping

Our digital twin solutions help to formulate and refine decarbonisation strategies. Compare different options, simulate the outcomes and track progress in real time to ensure your plans deliver on expectations.

  • Identify a clear path to deliver on net zero obligations
  • Audit existing plans to ensure they are adequate to meet your goals
  • Make informed retrofit / renovation / rebuild decisions
  • Balance net zero plans against other priorities (costs, health & wellbeing, energy security, etc.)
  • Safeguard your reputation and enhance your ESG reporting
  • Communicate net zero plans & progress using visually engaging 3D models
Our Digital Twin Solutions
View Example Roadmap

Free Download: edie Net-Zero November Summary Report 2023

Covering all net-zero facets, from green policy and innovation, to energy security and the built environment, the edie Net-Zero November 2023 Summary Report, delivered in partnership with IES, is designed to act as a blueprint for business leadership as we move from ambition into action in the race to zero emissions.

Download Report

Net Zero Compliance

Our digital twin technology can help you comply with local legislation and policies across the U.S.

Helping with Local Law compliance

To help with meeting emissions limits for Local Law 97, compiling energy benchmarking reports and energy audits for Local Law 84 and 87, or improving a building's Energy Star Score in line with Local Law 95, our digital twin building analytics software can help:

  • Identify retrofit or retrocommissioning opportunities for improved energy efficiency
  • Automate energy data collection and analysis for energy audits
  • Carry out performance benchmarking against similar buildings
  • Monitor progress towards net zero carbon over time by tracking emissions

Reducing emissions for commercial buildings

With buildings accounting for nearly 70% of greenhouse gas emissions in Boston, BERDO (the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance) has been introduced to reduce all building emissions to net zero by 2050. Our digital twins can help you report and reduce your building energy usage by:

  • Adpoting energy optimisation programs by using real-time metering and IES' APACHE software to optimise energy flows throughout the building
  • Highlighting retrofit opportunities to increase energy efficiency
  • Developing a facility energy master plan to monitor energy use reduction
  • Verification of energy use readings through automated data collection

Green Building energy services

Aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050, Denver has implemented both its Green Building Ordinance (GBO) and its Energize Denver Benchmarking Ordinance. IES' digital twin software can be used to help you:

  • Establish which green building requirements are most effective for improving energy use intensity (EUI)
  • Identify energy efficiency opportunities to achieve green building certifications
  • Collect and verify energy data required for benchmarking
  • De-risk potential renewable energy options, such as onsite solar panels or offsite energy purchases

Decarbonisation planning on the road to net zero

Adopted in 2013, the Seattle Climate Action Plan aims to bring greenhouse gas emissions in the city to net zero by 2050. To meet this target, the Seattle Buildings Tune Up Ordinance and the Energy Benchmarking Law were both introduced. IES' range of digital twin tools can help you on the road to net zero through:

  • Developing energy master plans focusing on low carbon solutions
  • Analysing energy data collected from smart meters for energy audits
  • Exploring retrofit or retrocommissioning plans by highlighting emissions-reduction benefits
  • Highlighting areas of energy use and wastage through benchmarking

Customisable Net Zero Roadmaps

Whether it's an individual building or multiple buildings across a campus, city or portfolio, our technology can be used to create a custom net zero carbon roadmap specifically designed to achieve zero carbon targets for your buildings and energy networks.

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Building Level
Net Zero Roadmap

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Campus Level
Net Zero Roadmap

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City Level
Net Zero Roadmap

Our Clients Include

Looking for a cost effective net zero solution for your buildings?

If you are responsible for a building (or group for buildings) and concerned about your energy costs or how to deliver on zero carbon goals, we are here to help. Don’t leave it up to guesswork. Get in touch with our team today to find out how our digital twin solutions and science based approach can help you on your way.

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Helix Building, Kelvin Campus, West of Scotland Science Park, Glasgow G20 0SP UK
Tel: +44 (0) 141 945 8500 Email: enquiries@iesve.com
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