What is carbon neutrality, Energy expert guide, climate change design, Green architecture
What is carbon neutrality"
December 14, 2021
An Energy Expert Answers the Question: What Is Carbon Neutrality"
Written by Tim Johnson, Mechanical Engineer, Cushing Terrell

What is carbon neutrality – built environment
We?ve seen big companies and organizations in the headlines lately as they make carbon neutral pledges, publicly stating their commitment to slowing the effects of climate change. These goals are admirable, but are they attainable" And perhaps more importantly, do we really understand what it means to be carbon neutral"
In the building industry, the carbon conversation has been ongoing for years. Those who study carbon emissions are keenly aware that the built environment is a major contributor to a warming planet. Organizations such as Architecture 2030, American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Carbon Leadership Forum, and American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) are working toward common definitions, but in the meantime, as we seek a universal standard, there are meaningful steps we can take toward carbon reduction now ? and maybe, eventually, carbon neutrality. As an engineer immersed in energy modeling and research, the carbon issue is always on my mind and a big part of my work. In this blog post, I hope to help clear up some common misconceptions about carbon accounting methods, as well as layou...