Tackling Climate Change in the Construction Industry
The construction industry is under increasing pressure to address its environmental impact. As one of the largest contributors to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, the sector has traditionally been associated with high energy consumption, waste, and resource depletion.
Here are the facts:
According to Forbes, a study conducted by Willmot Dixon states that “construction companies cause nearly a quarter of air pollution, 40% of drinking water pollution, and half of all landfill waste” in the US.
According to the World Resources Forum, construction is responsible for about 50% of the global extraction of raw materials, including sand, gravel, steel, and cement. This is due to the demand for materials to build infrastructure and buildings.
According to UNEP, the construction and demolition industry generates approximately 1/3 of all global waste, most of which ends up in landfills. This includes concrete, wood, metals, and glass.
According to GlobalABC, the construction industry’s share of global CO2 emissions has slightly decreased to 38% in 2023, down from 40% in 2020, due to increased use of sustainable materials and energy-efficient technologies.
While these numbers may seem alarming, the construction industry is taking on the challenge of changing these statistics for the better. There’s been a significant transformation underway, as the industry embraces technological innovations to reduce its environmental footprint. As Earth Day approaches later this month, let’s explore some of the advancements and innovations that are helping construction companies build more sustainably and contribute to the fight against climate change.
Construction Materials:
Low Carbon Cement - The global market for low-carbon cement is projected to grow 20% annually between 2023 and 2025, driven by increasing regulations and sustainability goals in the building sector. (Grandview Research). Low carbon cement is a type of cement that produces significantly lower carbon emissions during its manufacturing process compared to traditional cement. By replacing a portion of the most carbon-intensive part, the environmental impact is reduced while the structural strength of the cement remains similar to traditional cement.
Recycled Steel - In 2023, around 60% of global steel production came from recycled materials, reducing the need for iron ore and decreasing CO2 emissions by approximately 40-70% compared to traditional steelmaking processes. (World Steel Association).
Mass Timber - A sustainable alternative to concrete and steel, it has a much lower carbon footprint, with some projects showing reductions of up to 30% in emissions compared to traditional materials. (Forest Stewardship Council).
Bamboo - Bamboo is being explored as a viable structural material for buildings, particularly in the construction of low-cost housing and eco-friendly buildings. Bamboo’s strength-to-weight ratio is comparable to that of steel, and it can isolate carbon during growth. The market for bamboo construction materials is expected to grow by 10% annually through 2025. (Bamboo Construction Network).
Circular Economy
Unlike the traditional linear economy, which follows a "take, make, dispose" model, the circular economy emphasizes reducing waste, reusing resources, and recycling materials to extend the lifecycle of products. In construction, this involves designing buildings and infrastructure that minimize resource consumption, maximize reuse, and reduce the need for new raw materials.
The circular economy in construction is projected to save the industry $1.2 trillion globally by 2030, according to a 2023 report from the World Economic Forum. This would reduce raw material extraction and waste sent to landfills. By reusing and recycling materials, the embodied carbon (carbon footprint from material extraction, production, and transportation) of buildings can be reduced significantly. A study by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimated that implementing circular economy principles could reduce construction-related carbon emissions by up to 40%.
Green Building Certifications
Green building certifications are standardized systems designed to assess and recognize the sustainability and environmental performance of buildings. These certifications encourage the construction of buildings that are energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and resource-conserving. Below are three examples:
LEED is one of the most widely recognized green building certification systems globally, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It evaluates buildings based on a range of criteria, including energy and water efficiency, material selection, indoor environmental quality, and innovation. LEED is used worldwide, with over 100,000 projects in 160+ countries seeking certification.
BREEAM is one of the longest-standing green building certification systems, developed in the UK by the Building Research Establishment. It evaluates the environmental performance of buildings in areas such as energy use, water efficiency, materials selection, and waste management. It's widely used in Europe but is gaining traction globally.
WELL Building Standard is a certification that focuses specifically on the health and well-being of the building’s occupants. There are several categories that focus on aspects like air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, and mental well-being. WELL is distinct from LEED and BREEAM because it is focused on the human experience within the built environment.
There are many other certification systems and each certification system has its own unique features and criteria. However, they all share a common goal – to reduce environmental impact and create healthier, more sustainable built environments. The choice of certification often depends on the project's goals, location, and budget.
Technology
The role of technology in the construction industry’s fight against climate change is becoming increasingly vital. Building information modeling, artificial intelligence, 3D printing, and drones are all examples of how technology is helping construction professionals to design, build, and maintain more energy-efficient, sustainable buildings.
Check out our Digging Deeper Blog #14, “How Technology is Revolutionizing the Construction Industry”, to learn more about the different types of technological advancements aiding the construction industry today:
How Technology is Revolutionizing the Construction Industry — Ganim Company
As we’ve explored, the shift toward sustainability in the built environment is not just a trend, but a critical evolution for the future of our planet. From green building materials and technological innovations, to the introduction of the Circular Economy, it's clear that the construction industry is paving the way toward a greener, more resilient world. The path ahead is filled with promise, and the choices we make today will lay the foundation for a thriving, eco-conscious tomorrow. The future is green, and it's being built right now.