As is widely known, we are living in the age of the energy transition. It is a response to a range of global challenges related to environmental protection, climate change, the depletion of fossil fuel resources, and the need to build a more sustainable and secure energy system. This transition is a key element of the global strategy to combat climate change and build a sustainable future. But one question remains: why have we reached this point?
For many generations, we have witnessed unprecedented economic growth. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the global economy—as measured by GDP—has increased 35-fold, growing at an average rate of 3% per year. As a result of this economic growth, we now live significantly longer and more comfortably than our ancestors. Economic growth has created countless jobs and contributed to the overall wealth of society, leading to an increase in the number of people living in prosperity.
The global economy requires more and more energy to function, and the combustion of fossil fuels (i.e., coal, oil, and natural gas) accounts for 84% of all primary energy consumed by humanity. It's important to understand that energy management relies on three key concepts:
- Primaryenergy – the total energy content of fuels “at the input” of the energy system (contained in natural resources such as coal, oil, natural gas, solar, wind, or hydropower, before being converted or transformed into other forms of energy);
- Finalenergy – the energy available to end users after it has been processed and delivered to the consumer;
- Usefulenergy – the energy actually used by end users to perform specific tasks, such as heating, lighting, or cooking.
Global warming has now been officially recognized as a result of human activity, which has led to rising temperatures in the atmosphere, oceans, and on land through the emission of greenhouse gases—primarily carbon dioxide produced by the burning of fossil fuels. These conclusions were presented in the Sixth Assessment Report published in 2021 by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), operating under the auspices of the United Nations.
Climate crisis
Throughout human history, we have never experienced climate changes as profound as those we are facing today. Achieving the goal of the Paris Agreement—to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C—is essential for reducing future damage and supporting adaptation to the changes that are already occurring. However, to reach this goal, we must act swiftly and decisively, as the window for effective action is rapidly closing.
All efforts to halt the rise in temperature and CO₂ emissions must be consistent and multi-layered. Nevertheless, the energy transition remains a key element of the global strategy to combat climate change and build a sustainable future.
The importance of clean technologies is growing in the energy sector. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has identified seven technologies that will play a crucial role in the success of the global energy transition. These technologies are: solar photovoltaics, wind power, nuclear energy, electric mobility, heat pumps, clean hydrogen, and carbon capture. According to the authors of the Announced Pledges Scenario (APS) and Net Zero Emissions by 2050 (NZE) reports, these technologies are expected to account for three-quarters of global CO₂ emission reductions by 2050 in two of the IEA’s three core energy development scenarios.The authors of the report also calculate that in 2023, renewable energy sources supplied 30 percent of the world’s electricity, while the share of fossil fuel sources dropped to 60 percent, which is the lowest level in 50 years.
The current effort to move away from fossil fuels has a significant impact on the construction sector and the development of new technological solutions. As the world strives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming, construction is becoming one of the key areas of action. It is in this industry that innovations are being introduced to increase energy efficiency and minimize energy demand.
LemonTree projects in the context of energy efficiency. Photovoltaics aren’t everything.
One cannot remain passive in the face of ongoing changes. Responding to the need to reduce CO2 emissions as part of the LemonTree projects, we are introducing new technologies and solutions that directly impact energy efficiency and, consequently, operating costs.
One of the fundamental decisions we made was to phase out the use of gas for heating purposes in favor of heat pumps. This decision stems from our commitment to implementing environmental protection strategies and pursuing more sustainable solutions. When designing new buildings, we take into account many factors that directly affect energy efficiency and the comfort of users in our warehouses. Considering all aspects of the building is crucial when designing the heating system. The use of walls with enhanced thermal insulation, minimizing thermal bridges, and employing mechanical ventilation with heat recovery are just some of the technologies that directly impact energy efficiency, user comfort, and the operating costs of the building.
During the design phase, we conduct detailed analyses and simulations to ensure that our solutions are optimal. Building airtightness directly affects its energy efficiency, which is why we verify these assumptions on-site by performing building tests such as thermal imaging inspections and airtightness tests. One of our projects — WESTSIDE SZCZECIN by LemonTree — achieved a result indicating that the building is more airtight than a passive house, which is subject to higher testing requirements.
Our standard practice includes reinforcing the roof structure and installing photovoltaic panels. Additionally, in the BOOSTER ZABRZE by LemonTree project, we installed an energy storage system, allowing us to use accumulated surplus electricity during periods of increased demand or when access to the energy source is unavailable.
Another important factor affecting energy efficiency is the building’s lighting. We use the DALI system (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) as a standard, which offers extensive lighting control capabilities and includes fixtures with modules, control installations, and drivers. In the dock area, lighting control is installed independently for each designated module, with adjustable light intensity. In the racking area, lighting is controlled by motion sensors independently for each aisle, also with adjustable settings. The DALI system, combined with the installed roof-mounted light strips, significantly reduces energy consumption.
An important technology we use in our buildings is reactive power compensation. This is a technical process aimed at reducing reactive power in electrical systems. Reactive power is a component of electrical power that does not perform useful work but can cause energy losses and place a burden on the power grid.
When designing our buildings, we apply proven and available technologies that enhance energy efficiency and thus reduce emissions. We place great emphasis on selecting construction materials, with good examples being products with a lower carbon footprint such as CEMII cement, low-emission steel, and XCarb type steel reinforcement. At LemonTree, we are constantly exploring new technologies and assessing their potential applications in our buildings. Find out how we calculate the carbon footprint of our investments in the article by our CEO.
Tomorrow is today
As we know, the energy transition is not optional — it is a necessity driven by the urgent need to protect the climate, improve public health, and ensure economic and energy stability. The shift to renewable energy sources brings numerous benefits for both people and the environment but requires coordinated efforts from governments, businesses, and societies worldwide. The profound need for change in the energy sector is an impetus to explore new ways of producing energy and heat. The energy revolution is happening here and now, but how quickly we take advantage of it depends on us. At LemonTree, our goal is to create spaces that meet tomorrow’s needs today.