Briefing: Delivering buildings and infrastructure towards zero carbon

Abstract

Buildings and infrastructure are the most significant parts to address in the global sweeping agenda of reducing carbon emissions. However, debate in the literature reveals not only the inconsistent definitions and specifications of boundaries of their carbon reductions but also the associated uncertain policies and fragmented practices. This paper reviews the principles and policies of low or zero carbon buildings (L/ZCB) and infrastructure and examines the practices and priorities for management. The findings suggest a significant knowledge gap in delivering L/ZCB and infrastructure in subtropical urban environments. A requisite holistic approach is recommended for delivering buildings and infrastructure towards zero carbon. This approach should be embedded in the pertinent practices and policies to address the system boundaries of buildings and infrastructure, the multiple stakeholders and the life cycle of the constructed assets within their relevant political, socio-technical and climatic contexts.