What if your everyday choices—right from how you cool your home to how often you open your fridge—could help fight climate change? In Defeat Mr. CO₂ and Build a Greener Future, Dr. Ashak Nathwani AM delivers a compelling, practical guide that bridges science with simplicity, showing us how to take action in our homes and buildings to combat one of the world’s most urgent crises.
In this exclusive interview, Dr. Nathwani—an acclaimed sustainability expert and recipient of a PhD from the University of Sydney—talks about the real enemy behind climate disruption: carbon emissions from our built environment. With buildings contributing nearly 40% of global CO₂ emissions, his book offers a clear roadmap to reduce our energy use, transition to renewables, and embrace net-zero living.
Drawing from global case studies, personal research, and decades of hands-on experience, he shares how simple behavioural shifts and smarter design can spark a climate-conscious movement. Whether you’re a homeowner, architect, or just someone who wants to make a difference, this conversation—and this book—will leave you empowered to act.
Ready to meet Mr. CO₂ and learn how to defeat him? Let’s dive into this game-changing dialogue with Dr. Ashak Nathwani AM.
- Can you give us an overview of your book and explain how it tackles some of today’s most pressing global issues?
The devastating impacts of climate change—heatwaves, floods, and droughts—are becoming increasingly evident in our daily lives. The primary driver behind these changes is the rising concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂), largely resulting from the combustion of wood and fossil fuels such as coal, gas, and oil, particularly for electricity generation. Buildings contribute approximately 40% of carbon emissions due to their reliance on fossil fuels for heating, cooking, and backup power, as well as their consumption of grid electricity for various electrical systems and appliances.
The book provides a structured approach with practical guidance, equipping individuals, and industry professionals—including architects, consultants, contractors, and facility managers—with the knowledge to significantly reduce energy consumption in buildings and, consequently, lower carbon emissions.
It explores strategies to minimise energy use by optimising building design, enhancing the efficiency of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and fostering energy-conscious behaviours among occupants. Drawing insights from energy and carbon audits conducted in both developed and developing countries, the book integrates innovative technologies to accelerate carbon reduction efforts. Emphasising the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy, it presents a roadmap for achieving net-zero homes and buildings—eliminating dependence on fossil fuels entirely.
- What motivated you to write this book, and what unique knowledge or experiences do you bring to this subject?
First and foremost, the inspiration for this book is from the genuine desire to share the knowledge and experience associated with climate change so that we can individually and collectively take actions that can make the world a better place now and for future generations. I was awarded a PhD based on this vital topic by the University of Sydney’s Architectural Faculty in 2022.
- What key insights or takeaways can readers expect to gain from your book?
This book will be the go-to resource for homeowners, engineers, architects, building managers, and anyone interested in tackling the challenge of carbon emissions from homes and buildings. It provides in simple language awareness of the cause of climate change and how each one of us has a moral and physical imperative to take appropriate actions by saving energy in buildings we frequent. There are tips on how the reader can take simple steps like not opening the refrigerator too frequently to save energy and thereby reduce electricity bills.
- Can you highlight any case studies or real-world examples from your book that illustrate the principles you discuss?
The book cites several real-world examples including measurements performed on the energy consumption of boiling water in a kettle with six cups of water versus one cup worth. Other examples include a case study of an evaluation carried out in Edmonton of a heating and cooling system using the ground as a heat source and a heat sink – namely, using a geothermal air conditioning system. Details cover the complete financial evaluation.
- What were some of the major challenges you faced while writing this book, and how did you work through them?
The biggest challenge that I faced while writing the book was how to explain the scientific and engineering principles and associated technical terms in simple and less technical language. I believe I achieved that by giving examples and parallels.
- What do you hope readers will take away from this book, and how do you see it positively influencing their lives?
Feedback received to date:
- “Congratulations Ashak, on the book. A great title. The simple steps show how we can reduce our cost of living by minimising our energy costs at home and at work. I can see how this is a labour of love. Your contribution to the Green Building movement will be remembered for long.” Umesh Pujara – Managing Director at ASE Structure Design Pvt Ltd. Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India .
- “Heartfelt congratulations. A true breath of fresh air in such easy-to-understand language. I am sure it will be a best seller.” Annie Godfrey – Architecture, sustainability, asset, facility and energy management,– Sydney, Australia.
- “Hello Ashak, I have finished the first part of your book, and in the first 30 pages, I have learned more about climate change and the associated problems than in my first 85 years. It is excellent work. While I have no scientific knowledge, you make it easy to understand. Thank you for your excellent work.” Darryl Mayton – Gordon Uniting Church, Current Affairs Group Member – Sydney, Australia.
- “Congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone, Ashak! Thank you for your tireless efforts to share knowledge on such an important subject. Mr. CO2 explains intricate concepts in a way that anyone can understand and apply to reduce GHG emissions. Beautiful storytelling and truly eye-opening. Well done! “ Bibiana Uzabeaga – Director – Maintenance – Canberra Health Services Facilities Management, Canberra Hospital, Australia.
- “Great news! Congratulations Dr. Ashak. I believe this practical guide with your shared experiences in different parts of the world empowers architects, builders, organisations and many other stakeholders to create both eco-friendly and resilient spaces in a changing climate. The book is a great resource for any facility manager. It details all the energy-saving aspects you covered in your training course in Tajikistan in 2022.” Manuchehr Fezakov – Climate Resilience || Natural Resources Management || Nature-based Solutions || Joint Forest Management || Environmental assessment || GHG emission reporting – Aga Khan Foundation, Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
- In a rapidly changing environment, how does your book stay relevant and adaptable for readers over time?
Climate change is going to be with us for the foreseeable future. The book will remain current for at least the next 10 years, if not more.
Buy your copy today on Amazon and join the net zero revolution!
