Energy consumption is shockingly unequal across the globe.  The average global consumption is 2000 watt/capita – this amount is 10 times greater in Canada and Russia and in some part of the US, and 6 times greater in Western Europe and the rest of the US whereas, in most developing countries, the rate ranges from half this amount for most of people to nearly 10 times less for 100 million people.  Sustainability requires a clear vision with precise and comprehensive criteria.  Two thirds of primary energy is lost via poor conversion and low efficiency of energy technologies.  The “2000-Watt Society” platform offers a new and reliable perspective on natural resources as the key to sustainable development.

Objectives and target audience

The idea of a 2000-Watt-Society supports technical innovations that maintain our present average energy consumption rate and reduces the inequity in usage and maintains an increase in global prosperity.

Financial Resources and Partners involved

City of Zürich offers incentives for the implementation of sustainable policies in urban planning, mobility, building and services. Zürich takes a leading role in sustainable design, construction methods and standards for public and subsidized buildings.  Swiss Re is greenhouse neutral by the end of 2015, as part of its commitment to abate climate change – by reducing physical emissions by 15%, and by investing in the World Bank’s Community Development Carbon Fund.
Partners involved:-

• ETH – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich;
• Novatlantis – Sustainability at the ETH domain;
• Stadt Zürich – City of Zürich;
• Swiss Re.

Process

Improvement in materials and energy usage, replacement of fossil fuel with renewable sources, and smarter business practices will all contribute to a better urban environment. Cooperation with the scientific community and private partners employing advanced technologies to promote sustainability in the construction market.

Results

In Zürich, new  “2000-Watt-Society” buildings require only ten percent of the energy of an average building. A 2000-Watt-Society hospital project with factor 10 criteria is planned for implementation by 2012.

Critical Success Factors / Challenges

• To achieve “best-in-class” building targets via intelligent architectural concepts and simple but effective technical solutions;
• To reach longer leasing cycles and lower maintenance building costs;
• To go beyond governmental regulations by entering voluntary agreements to reduce the environmental footprint.