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given the impact existing certification schemes have had around the world. To date, Green Building Councils have registered an astonishing 1.2 billion square metres – almost twice the size of Singapore – of green buildings through certification schemes such as LEED, BREEAM, Green Star and DGNB. The introduction of specific net zero certification schemes is expected to drive the demand and supply of these highly efficient buildings and prove to regulators at all levels of government that the building sector is ready and willing to play its part towards achieving climate change goals. Green Building Councils have committed to establish these certification schemes by the end of 2017 or as soon as possible thereafter. It is also through our Green Building Councils on the ground‑ in these 10 countries that we will aim to train over 300,000 green building professionals on net zero building by 2050 – those workers who will be absolutely vital to deliver the scale of change required.And make no mistake, the scale of change will be challenging. Researchers estimate that there are currently only hundreds of commercial net zero buildings around the world, with the number of net zero homes in the thousands. These green shoots will undoubtedly blossom as the proven technology and infrastructure needed becomes both easier and cheaper to implement.Examples of flagship net zero buildings like Seattle’s Bullitt Center demonstrate why striving for net zero makes sense. This building is net zero energy, with 100 per cent of its energy needs generated by the 575 solar panels on its roof, and it is also net zero water, as all of its water requirements are provided by harvested rainwater. Yet its benefits go beyond environmental. One study estimated that just six of the building’s green features, such as energy efficiency, will produce up to US$18.5 million in public benefits over the 250-year life span of the building. And as one of the first offices in the world to earn the International Living Future Institute’s Living Building certification, it is naturally day-lit and ventilated to enhance the environment for its workers.It is not just office buildings that are aiming for, and achieving, net zero carbon. PNC Bank, part of one of the U.S.’ largest financial services organisations, opened a net zero energy branch in the US in 2013, with highly energy efficient LED lights and over 200 solar panels. And in the residential space, developer Lendlease is aiming for its flagship redevelopment of Elephant and Castle in London, UK, to be a net zero district heat network (with bio-methane being injected into the grid to offset). The scheme is part of C40’s Climate Positive Development programme which recognises the world’s most ambitious low-carbon projects.“ NET ZERO BUILDINGS WILL HELP INDIVIDUAL COUNTRIES TO ACHIEVE THEIR INDCS AND TO DELIVER ON THE PARIS AGREEMENT ”116 GREEN BUILDING