(NZ04) Getting to Zero Carbon at Scale: Move Fast and Don't Break Anything

A growing number of real estate companies are making zero carbon commitments that align with science base targets which commits to achieving portfolio carbon reductions of 50% by 2030 and zero emissions by 2050. This session presents the actions taken by one company to identify what activities and investments will be made to achieve the targets while generating the best return on capital.

Building on the well-attended and highly rated session from Greenbuild 2022 "Zero Carbon Transitions in Real Estate", we follow-up with a behind-the-scenes look into portfolio decarbonization from the #1 GRESB ranked diversified real estate company in North America. Practical and actionable content will be shared to accelerate the decarbonization of buildings and portfolios.

The presenters will outline the actions taken to create a detailed plan for a portfolio of 80 buildings (50% office and 50% multi-unit residential) including the corporate carbon reduction commitments that guided the work; the carbon audit process, and the data management integration that was used to compile the results of the audits and to support the investment decisions.

By the end of the session the participants will have a good understanding of the overarching plan that was created including the range of retrofit activities, the pace of activities required to achieve the carbon targets, the range of costs and expected paybacks, and the difference between an office and residential portfolio.

Finally, the presenters will share candidly the unexpected complications that arose; how the plan compares to the assumptions used to establish the corporate carbon commitments; and what the company will do differently as it moves forward on its carbon commitments.