Varming Consulting Engineers has become the first dedicated building services consultancy in Ireland to join the World Green Building Council’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment.
As part of the commitment, Varming has pledged to only occupy assets that are net zero carbon in operation by 2030. Net zero carbon buildings are buildings that are highly energy efficient and fully powered from renewable energy sources, with any remaining carbon balance offset.

In welcoming the announcement Cristina Gamboa, CEO World Green Building Council said: “We are delighted to welcome Varming as signatories to the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment. They join a global cohort of leaders taking action to reduce the impact of their own assets but crucially, advocating for industry transition to net zero. By engaging their clients, sharing knowledge, and encouraging the uptake of net zero they are supporting a growing movement in Ireland towards sustainable buildings for everyone, everywhere.”

Declan Alcock, Executive Director of Sustainability at Varming added: “Through Varming Consulting Engineers 75 year history we have been at the forefront of building services design with a portfolio of landmark and award winning projects. As we move towards COP26, being fully cognisant of the impact of the built environment in achieving the UNFCCC target of limiting global warming to 1.5oC above pre-industrial levels, and it’s contribution to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, this initiative shows our commitment to act on climate in our own operations, along with limiting the impact of our clients’ developments, and using our influence to facilitate transformation in the wider industry”

The Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment, which aims to see 100% uptake of net zero carbon buildings by 2050, challenges businesses, cities and states to ensure that all buildings they own, occupy and/or develop operate at net zero carbon by 2030. Varming Consulting Engineers has joined the ranks of over 100 organisations globally, in becoming signatories of the commitment.

Pat Barry, CEO of the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC) said: “Varming had already joined the IGBC’s Environmental Product Declarations campaign, and I am thrilled they have now committed to net zero by 2030. We cannot limit global warming to 1.5°C by 2050, unless we tackle the carbon impacts of buildings across their entire lifecycle. I hope Varming’s ambition will inspire others in the industry”. The built environment sector represents 39% of total emissions globally. Of this sector contribution, 28% comes from operational carbon with 11% arising from the energy used to produce building and construction materials, usually referred to as embodied carbon.

Further information on the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment and Varming’s commitment is available at https://www.worldgbc.org/thecommitment