Hey Everyone!
We are delighted to share a major milestone in our commitment to sustainable design. After two+ years of intensive research, refining, and internal application, NBBJ is thrilled to announce the external launch of ZeroGuide, an innovative tool for early-phase carbon estimation, now available to the entire AEC community!
Navigating the complexities of carbon estimation in our industry can be daunting, particularly in the early project phases where data is limited, yet the impact of design decisions is paramount. This is where ZeroGuide comes in! By delivering rapid, usable feedback to designers and owners, this tool provides practical guidance for estimating embodied, operational, and often-overlooked transportation carbon. Best of all, it's FREE TO USE!
Our colleagues in the industry have already shown great strides in carbon estimation with their impressive tools and commitment to this cause, as seen in the recent updates to EHDD's EPIC tool and Architecture 2030’s CARE tool. We're enthusiastic about this growing focus on whole-life carbon in AEC and thrilled to contribute ZeroGuide as another resource to drive carbon reduction.
Let's leverage these tools collectively to create a more sustainable future. We look forward to hearing your feedback and impressions as you begin your journey with ZeroGuide.
ZeroGuide works by posing a series of questions to steer design decisions and considerations at the outset of projects. The tool then estimates the carbon equivalent of emissions associated with all aspects of a project, provides real-time data analysis, and generates clear, actionable (and exportable) recommendations to steer your project on the path to zero.
Here are some of the core features of ZeroGuide:
- Design Decision Impact: ZeroGuide visually represents the impact of crucial design choices in real-time, allowing for swift, informed modifications.
- Holistic Carbon Estimation: The tool accounts for embodied, operational, and the frequently disregarded transportation carbon, giving users a comprehensive view of their project's carbon footprint.
- Path to Zero Carbon: ZeroGuide generates clear, actionable, and exportable recommendations, guiding your project towards achieving net-zero carbon.
- Preliminary Checks: ZeroGuide serves as an efficient preliminary check for key certifications like ILFI Zero Carbon and LEED Zero Carbon.
- Integrations: The tool utilizes ZeroTool and PV Watts APIs to build on industry-vetted data and methodologies.
- Long-term Considerations: ZeroGuide's estimations incorporate forecasting – such as EV adoption and grid greening – providing more relevant 50-year estimates.
As such, ZeroGuide doesn't just attempt to estimate carbon emissions - it facilitates crucial conversations and encourages a commitment to carbon reduction. With this launch, we hope to extend these benefits across the industry and to support you in your mission to create a more sustainable built environment.
We invite you to explore ZeroGuide: www.zeroguide.nbbj.com
We welcome any feedback and questions you might have. Reach out to me or email zeroguide@nbbj.com to discuss how to best utilize ZeroGuide in your projects.
As mentioned above, ZeroGuide integrates industry-vetted APIs like ZeroTool and PV Watts, alongside input from both in-house and external experts. I'd also like to thank some of our collaborators who shared data and wisdom, especially on the embodied carbon side - Magnusson Klemencic Associates and Arup in particular. Thank You!
