The built environment ecosystem is responsible for about 15% of the world’s GHG emissions. Emissions come from all phases of the construction process, from carbon-intensive material production processes and suboptimal technology choices to inefficient building designs, construction practices, and energy use after projects are completed.
Governments across the globe are embracing the idea of net zero buildings and introducing laws to encourage companies and consumers to move in that direction.
At the latest COP28 held in UAE commitment was made to double built environment energy-efficiency improvement rates by 2030.
Solutions to decarbonize construction and the built environment include:
- Low carbon cement and concrete
- Green steel
- Low carbon insulation
- Low-cost engineered wood
- Low-cost high-efficiency heat pumps
- Energy upgrade solutions and installation
- Green and cost-effective solutions design
- Off-site modular construction solutions to minimize waste
- Certified green materials and solutions
- Sustainability certifications
The need to decarbonize the built environment is urgent, and significant progress can be made with technologies, materials, and solutions that are available today and have proven to have strong decarbonization potential.