Associated Architects has unveiled plans for Curzon Wharf, a 53-storey development in Birmingham, UK, that it claims will be the first skyscraper to produce no net emissions in operation.
Curzon Wharf is being developed by Associated Architects with engineering consultancy Cundall using a "fabric-first approach", meaning the building fabric will be super-insulated to minimise energy consumption.
Energy will be supplied from renewable sources, meaning it will produce no greenhouse gas emissions in its day-to-day operation based on the UK Green Building Council's (UKGBC) definition, the consultant claimed.
"The project is designed to be 'net-zero carbon ready' in accordance with the UKGBC definition," said Cundall.
However, the development will not achieve net-zero emissions in its construction, which the UKGBC says is of "equal importance". "Net-zero carbon for both construction and operational energy represents the greatest level of commitment to the framework," says the UKGBC in its zero-carbon definition.
Above: Associated Architects has released visuals of Curzon Wharf. Top image: it will combine towers and low-rise blocks
Achieving net-zero involves eliminating all possible emissions and offsetting the remainder with schemes that actively remove carbon from the atmosphere.
According to the UN's Race to Zero campaign, this is essential if the world is to hit the targets set out in the Paris Agreement and keep global warming within ...