[Podcast] Beyond the Scope of Net-Zero Buildings

There is a huge decarbonization potential in buildings that can significantly contribute to the fight against climate change. The sector itself represents 38% of global CO2 emissions, yet existing technologies have the capacity to reduce these emissions. The question is why have these building decarbonization solutions not been applied at scale already?

Beyond the Scope is a sustainability podcast series from Schneider Electric that goes beyond the obvious in support of positive and collective climate action. This episode reveals the answer to that question through the shared expertise of Sumit Bose, journalist and founder of future Net Zero, Remi Paccou, Director of Sustainability Research at Schneider Electric, and Victoria Burrows, Director of Advancing Net-Zero at the World Green Building Council.

Episode 2: Beyond the scope of net-zero buildings

The big challenges of building decarbonization are its fragmented nature and the complexity of finding the right combination of solutions and measures for different buildings. This is the case for both retrofitting existing buildings and building new constructions. However, we should rely more on retrofit strategies that will actually provide performance and economic benefits, especially for commercial and service buildings.

An important part of the push for decarbonization lies in ensuring there are proper incentives and policies in the public and private sectors that encourage building owners to renovate and adopt green technologies.

Guests

Rémi Paccou, Director of Sustainability Research, Schneider Electric

Rémi has been at Schneider Electric for over 17 years in different corporate and operations positions – R&D, startup creation, sales and marketing, and strategy – in India, Germany and France. In 2011, Rémi created the Shore Connection business, which enabled ships to connect to electricity from the grid at berth in ports and cities, thereby cutting emissions and protecting biodiversity. From 2017 to 2021, Rémi led the Digital Buildings marketing operations in France. As an expert in Buildings and Cities transformations, he is currently involved in several international organizations, think tanks or industry associations. Rémi holds a Master of Science in General Engineering from Arts et Métiers, France, as well as Executive Certification in leadership in innovation from INSEAD.

Victoria Burrows, Director of Advancing Net-Zero, World Green Building Council

Victoria is the Director of Advancing Net Zero, the pioneering WorldGBC global project to accelerate total decarbonisation of the built environment. In this role, Victoria oversees and supports Green Building Councils participating in the project, as well as a number of other partnerships which provide funding and support, marketing and communications, and the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment.

With a strong background in the sustainable development industry, ranging from client-side advisory services, green building rating tool consultancy, and an on-site Head of Sustainability for a major international contractor, Victoria brings a combination of technical and strategic expertise to the project.

Where to find Beyond the Scope

You can listen to Schneider Electric’s Podcast Beyond the Scope on all major podcast directories: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher.

Learn more about research reports conducted by the Schneider Electric™ Sustainability Research Institute on Insights.