Carbon Neutrality

At its core, this is a simple concept – - for every carbon atom that is emitted into the atmosphere, one must be sequestered to another phase of the carbon cycle, a form of credit-debit accounting, if you will. However, within the green building movement, the emphasis has been focused on the operations side of the whole equation. That is to say, in combination with low energy design, energy services are implemented on-site primarily through solar thermal and photovoltaic systems, yielding buildings that are commonly referred to as “zero-net energy” and/or “carbon neutral”. While this stratagem has its benefits and long-term value, the reality is not neutrality but a “low carbon” outcome. In order for a true balance of the equation to occur, all upstream inputs and their embodied energy must be offset by some form of short-term sequestration (i.e. not tree planting).