Study Reveals Challenges and Opportunities in Construction Industry's Battle Against Carbon Emissions

The construction industry is facing various challenges in its efforts to mitigate climate change by eliminating carbon emissions. Thus, a study reveals that this initiative simultaneously provides various opportunities while accomplishing its objectives.

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Carbon Emissions Reduction in the Construction Industry

According to the findings of a recent study conducted by One Click LCA, 59% of construction industry experts anticipate a ten percent decrease in carbon emissions produced by manufacturing and building due to the utilization of life. However, progress is hampered by a lack of public policies, inadequate environmental data from manufacturers, and reduced investor awareness. The necessity for more knowledge on the part of investors and developers was also brought up by over 80% of respondents.

Accordingly, the building sector significantly impacts global climate change by contributing to more than 50% of the world's annual carbon emissions. During the operation and usage of buildings throughout their lifetimes, carbon emissions are the most generally recognized source of these emissions. These emissions originate from both operational and embodied sources.

Panu Pasanen, the founder and CEO of ne Click LCA, stated that although decreasing operational carbon emissions has been accomplished through increased energy efficiency, reducing embodied carbon is equally significant.

At this very moment, these emissions are being emitted into the atmosphere. The global building stock is predicted to double by 2060, which is the equivalent of creating a New York City monthly. It is amid humanity's most significant wave of construction and infrastructure growth. Immediate action against climate change can be taken by reducing embodied carbon, essential for decarbonizing the building industry.

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Approached of Construction Industry to Mitigation Carbon Emissions

Green construction materials are items made using environmentally friendly procedures, have a comparatively small impact on the environment, and encourage energy efficiency. In general, these components are manufactured using renewable resources, and once their life cycle is complete, they may either be recycled or reused and recycled again. As mentioned, reusing existing foundations and buildings through restoration projects efficiently reduces embodied carbon. This strategy can save up to 75% of the carbon in the building.

The United Kingdom alone reportedly consumes 90 million tonnes of concrete annually, an indispensable construction material due to its durability and adaptability. Nevertheless, the cement industry as a whole is accountable for a minimum of 8% of worldwide carbon emissions; consequently, its production contributes substantially to such emissions.

On the other hand, decarbonizing the concrete sector is essential to reduce carbon emissions in the building industry. Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) sourced from the iron and steel industry and Pulverized Fuel Ash (PFA) obtained from coal-burning power stations are examples of cement replacements advancing the cause. Thus, eliminating the procedures used to generate these by-products is crucial for long-term sustainability, even though these by-products provide a beneficial transition.

Furthermore, the utilization of low-carbon construction materials, in conjunction with the use of materials that have been previously used, can contribute to the reduction of embodied emissions in a building. Steel is a prominent illustration, as new steel has an embodied carbon footprint five times higher than steel with recycled material. This highlights the significance of selecting environmentally friendly alternatives to make the building industry more environmentally friendly.

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