- Human-constructed homes, warehouses, offices, and other structures account for a third of the planet's greenhouse gas emissions.
Did you know that buildings play a role in climate change?
Human-constructed homes, warehouses, offices, and other structures account for a third of the planet's greenhouse gas emissions.
The number of buildings is projected to double by 2050, especially in developing and other emerging economies.
As nations are in the process of submitting their updated national climate plans geared towards meeting the Paris Agreement of putting the world on track to meet the agreed resolutions, it is essential to understand that buildings and construction sectors play a role too in climate change as outlined below;
1. Emission of planet-warming greenhouse gases
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Buildings and construction industries account for approximately 32% of global energy consumption and a similar amount of carbon dioxide emissions. This is more compared to transport and agriculture combined.
Although in 2023, the emissions plateaued, emerging and developing countries added 51 billion square meters of new floor spaces, which translated to around 500 times the size of Paris. This is due to two things.
First, building efficiency has increased. For instance, the amount of energy consumed per square meter fell by 10% between 2015 and 2023 globally. Second, the share of renewable energy utilized in buildings went up by 5%. These numbers are against the industry's Paris Agreement-related targets.
Although the construction sector is massively progressing, the scale and rapid advancement of the climate crisis calls for a sudden drop in emissions.
2. Twinning Building Energy Codes with other policies
Building energy codes can aid in reducing emissions if only they are twinned with other policies.
Many countries use building codes as a cost-effective way of reducing the carbon dioxide waste from construction sites. These codes cover issues like energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy.
However, about 50 billion square meters of floor space were newly constructed in developing countries, and 50 % remains uncovered by building codes. Although countries are in haste to increase the use and strength of energy-building codes, they also need to ensure other gaps are covered. Otherwise, other sources of emissions remain uncovered.
3. Adoption of climate-friendly building materials
The world should embrace more climate-friendly building materials.
Many building-related emissions come from the extraction of natural resources. In addition, the production of building materials like cement and steel accounts for 18% of building-related carbon dioxide emissions.
To change the narrative, countries should develop a circular construction industry that ensures construction materials are recycled and retrofitted instead of demolishing worn-out buildings.
In addition, the construction industry should prioritize low-carbon building materials like straw derived from bamboo and agricultural waste and sustainably sourced bricks, among others.
Decarbonizing conventional materials like steel, concrete, cement and aluminium is also needed.
4. Embracing traditional building practices
Embracing traditional building practices can greatly reduce emissions from construction sites. These practices can save the planet a great deal, particularly in developing countries where construction is at its climax.
Africa has rich, sustainable materials that can be used in construction. Examples include bamboo and termite soil, which has a long history of using construction techniques that provide natural heating and cooling, hence saving money and energy.
Traditional methods are suitable for lowering energy use, and they help to reinforce people's cultural heritage.
5. Generating jobs and profits by investing in zero-emission and climate-resilient buildings
Efficient buildings can be a great investment opportunity across emerging market cities. Investing in climate-resilient buildings and infrastructure can save a lot of resources. For instance, building stronger homes, flood defences, and smart grids will definitely reduce the economic fallout from storms and wildfires.
It is estimated that 9 to 30 jobs are created for every US$1 million invested in retrofits and efficiency measures in construction.
In addition, energy efficiency measures on gas and electricity can save households approximately US$20 by 2040. This can also benefit builders in terms of higher property values if the buildings meet green certification and labelling requirements that are in alignment with energy codes.
It is important to create awareness of the potentiality of the global buildings and construction sector so that everyone can fully focus on policy implementation, technology, and financing tools that can increase international cooperation, education and awareness, effective training, and capacity building across the building's value chain. This is a key element in achieving successful change to sustainable buildings and construction.
