The Role of Buildings for a Decarbonized Future
Focusing only on renewable energy for making buildings greener is like being drawn to the cherry on top of a cake. It seems like the best and easiest solution at first glance, much like how a cherry makes a cake look more appealing. However, just as a cake has many layers beneath the cherry, real change requires more than just one approach. We also need to improve how buildings use energy, choose sustainable materials, and change our habits to truly reduce carbon emissions. While renewable energy is important, it’s just one part of a bigger effort to create a sustainable future.
In the grand scheme of combating climate change, the concept of decarbonization has emerged as a crucial player. But what exactly does decarbonization entail, and why should those in the building sector pay heed to its significance?
Decarbonization fundamentally revolves around the reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. These gases are notorious for their role in worsening climate change by trapping heat and contributing to a host of environmental issues, from rising temperatures to extreme weather phenomena and melting ice caps.
So, how does decarbonization intersect with the building sector?
Well, buildings are major contributors to carbon emissions due to their energy consumption and manufacture of construction materials. In fact, according to the International Energy Agency, the building sector accounts for nearly 37% of global energy-related CO2 emissions. This includes both embodied emissions (10%) and operational emissions (27%) from the energy consumed for lighting, heating, cooling, and other appliances, as well as the lifecycle of a building from material extraction to eventual demolition (Environment, 2022). Therefore, addressing decarbonization in this sector is imperative for mitigating climate change’s adverse effects.
Source: 2022 GLOBAL STATUS REPORT FOR BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION
Transitioning to cleaner sources of energy stands as a primary strategy in the decarbonization playbook. This entails bidding farewell to fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, notorious for their hefty CO2 emissions, and embracing renewable energy alternatives such as solar, wind, and hydropower. By doing so, buildings can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable energy landscape.
Why decarbonisation matter?
Current trajectories of greenhouse gas emissions suggest that we are on track to exhaust the carbon budget for a 1.5°C limit within the next few years. Every ton of CO2 emitted into the atmosphere cumulatively adds to the global temperature rise and the Construction sector is also a significant contributor to these emissions.
Impacts due to construction sector:
- Significant Emissions Source: The construction sector is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, from both operational energy use and embodied carbon.
- Energy Demand: Buildings have a significant ongoing energy demand for heating, cooling, lighting, and equipment. Yet, decarbonization isn’t solely about swapping dirty energy for clean energy, it’s also about other smarter solutions like transitioning to renewable energy is a cornerstone of decarbonization. This involves moving away from fossil fuels, which are high in CO2 emissions, towards cleaner, renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydropower.
- Material Consumption: The construction sector consumes vast quantities of materials such as steel, cement, glass, and plastics, which contribute significantly to carbon emissions during their production and transport. Reducing these emissions is crucial for achieving global decarbonization goals.
- Urban Expansion: As urban areas expand, the construction sector’s role in shaping sustainable, low-carbon cities becomes increasingly critical.
Pathways to Decarbonising the Construction Sector
With buildings being a pivotal contributor to global carbon emissions, the industry is now pivoting towards innovative solutions aimed at reducing its environmental footprint. From enhancing energy efficiency through advanced insulation and smart technology to embracing low-carbon materials and renewable energy sources, the path to decarbonizing construction is multifaceted. The below are the different paths that decarbonization happens in the construction sector:
Energy Efficiency
- Upgrade insulation and windows to reduce energy waste.
- Install efficient HVAC and LED lighting systems.
- Use smart technologies for energy management.
Material & Design
- Choose low-carbon materials like bamboo and recycled steel.
- Design for natural light, heat, and air flow.
- Use green roofs to improve insulation.
Renewable Energy
- Utilize solar panels and wind turbines for clean power.
- Implement geothermal systems for heating and cooling.
- Explore biomass for sustainable heating solutions.
Policy & Behavior
- Enforce strict building codes for efficiency.
- Offer incentives for green building practices.
- Promote awareness and education on decarbonization.
From energy-efficient appliances to innovative building materials, there’s a plethora of solutions available to make buildings eco-friendly and more sustainable. It’s a necessity for ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. By prioritizing decarbonization efforts within the building sector, we can play a pivotal role in mitigating climate change’s impacts and building a brighter, greener future for all. So, let’s embark on this journey together, armed with innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability.
