Data key to reducing building emissions, IMechE report says

The government should require all building owners and operators to regularly report energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, a new IMechE report has recommended.

Standardised data – alongside ‘smart’ technologies such as sensors, digital twins and the Internet of Things (IoT) – would help reduce emissions from the ‘built environment’, according to Decarbonising building operations: Data as a driving force in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  

Published today (11 November) to coincide with Cities and the Built Environment Day at Cop26, the report highlights the sector’s huge contribution to global emissions – in 2019, building operation and the construction industry accounted for 38% of global energy-related CO₂ emissions. Non-residential buildings such as offices and schools often continue to cause emissions even when they are empty, with lights left on and water heated.  

Possible data types that could be recorded and reported include energy consumption by floor, room or type of space, occupancy levels, and utilisation of spaces. Other parameters could include natural and artificial lighting, ventilation and air conditioning, and weather conditions such as temperature and wind. 

The recommendations included in the report are: 

1. “The government should collaborate with industry to define the specific information required when reporting on building energy emissions and subsequently create a common set of information requirements to support informed decision making on the reduction of carbon emissions within the built environment
2. “The government should introduce a requirement for building owners or operators to report regularly and publicly, in a standard format, on energy usage and GHG emissions. 
3. “The government and engineering institutions should collaborate with public and private sector organisations to produce operational guidelines and common data set requirements for the adoption of data-driven technologies, such as digital twins, IoT and smart grids with respect to the built environment. 
4. “The government should continue to develop and support centres of knowledge and businesses in adopting data-driven technology within both new-build and refurbished residential and commercial building stock. 
5. “The government should support the development of an open-source platform for the exchange of information regarding the use of indoor and outdoor spaces outside conventional operating hours.” 

Better data reporting and analysis could also identify spaces that could be used when a building is un- or under-occupied, maximising their value to the local community.  

“Improving energy efficiency of buildings has long been associated with low-tech solutions like insulation and more efficient appliances,” said Matt Rooney, IMechE head of policy. “Opportunities to implement new advanced technology in addition to these gives the potential to accelerate progress in decarbonising buildings. 

“By standardising and sharing data on building use, while also enforcing strict privacy rules, the increased employment of methods like digital twins and cyber-physical systems can both reduce emissions and make more productive use of our physical spaces.” 

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Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.