Dispatches in Decarbonization: Breaking down net zero barriers for buildings, portfolios and businesses
This article first appeared in Mahesh Ramanujam’s monthly LinkedIn newsletter, Dispatches in Decarbonization, on December 18, 2024. Subscribe on LinkedIn to receive these updates.
With the end of the year quickly approaching, I wanted to take a moment to share some exciting [tag] GNFZ updates with you coming up at the beginning of 2025 as we continue to break down net zero barriers across sectors.
You’re likely already familiar with our Net Zero Certification for Existing Buildings. This past year, globally renowned natural diamond crafting company [tag] Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt. Ltd. (SRK) was able to accelerate the net zero certification of its two flagship crafting facilities more than six years ahead of their scheduled delivery by working with us and pursuing our certification.
We've spent 2024 talking to green building leaders with decades of experience from all over the world — from the US, Latin America, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, India, and beyond — and we’ve been asked over and over again for a solution for new construction given our background and expertise in developing scalable solutions. We've listened and have been developing a comprehensive solution for new and existing buildings to provide these leaders with guidance for buildings at any stage, whether that’s design, construction, commissioning, or operations, that also aligns with Paris Agreement goals, SBTi, ESG requirements, and regulatory compliance. And in the first few months of 2025, we are excited to share that we will have fully launched four certification options for new and existing buildings.
BUILDINGS
GNFZ’s Net Zero Certification for Buildings offers the following certifications across four categories – energy, water, waste, and/or emissions:
Net Zero Design Certification: offered during the design phase and given to projects that have been designed to deliver net zero operations by mitigating Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions
Net Zero Construction Certification: offered during the construction phase and given to projects that have been constructed to deliver net zero operations by mitigating Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions
Net Zero Design + Construction Certification: offered for projects who want to either do a combined review of their design and construction phase or automatically given to projects who achieve both of the categories above
Net Zero Operations Certification: offered to new and existing buildings that are operational and given to projects that have achieved net zero by mitigating Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. Projects need to assess their emissions, establish a net zero plan, and implement the plan.
PORTFOLIOS
There is growing demand from investors and tenants for low-carbon spaces. This is why developers need to start planning to transition their portfolios to net zero starting now.
GNFZ’s Net Zero Certification for Portfolios allows you to create a roadmap and plan to transition your full portfolio of buildings to net zero. Our data-driven platform allows you to assess the performance of your portfolio at the asset level or at the full portfolio level. In addition to this, you can also slice and examine performance data by geography, by asset class, by building size, by building type and more. This certification is also offered across emissions, energy, water, and/or waste categories.
All of our certifications are structured around an incremental approach that enables buildings (both new and existing), portfolios, and businesses to get to net zero:
Receive end-to-end support in creating a net zero plan to transition to net zero
Accelerate your journey and implement best in class practices
Feel confident knowing our certifications are based on the industry-leading GHG Protocol
Our building certification is recognized by GRESB and are aligned with international ESG and green building regulations
Our certifications empower companies to achieve their SBTi targets and accelerate their progress towards them
BUSINESSES
GNFZ offers a structured, stepwise pathway for businesses to reach net zero while aligning with international standards. This framework simplifies the process with clear, actionable steps – from setting baselines and conducting assessments to implementing robust mitigation strategies and fostering continuous improvement. By adopting GNFZ’s framework, businesses can achieve regulatory compliance, operational efficiencies, and long-term sustainability leadership.
GNFZ’s Net Zero Certification for Businesses is offered across four categories – energy, water, waste, and/or emissions.
In 2025, it will be more important than ever to build out and accelerate the global net zero movement. Reach out to learn more about our new or existing offerings, or if you have ideas for how to best work together to achieve this net zero future. We look forward to working with you.