The construction industry plays a significant role in global carbon emissions, contributing substantially to climate change. Research from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) indicates that it contributes around 38% of global CO2 emissions, which stem from both the operational energy used to power, heat and cool buildings, as well as embodied carbon from materials and construction processes. To address this issue, the industry is exploring various strategies to lower its carbon footprint. These include the use of low-carbon building materials, implementation of energy-efficient construction methods and adoption of sustainable design principles. Additionally, policymakers are introducing regulations to encourage carbon reduction in construction, while lifecycle assessments are being used to evaluate and minimise the environmental impact of buildings. By focusing on these areas, the construction sector can make substantial progress towards sustainability and contribute to the global effort to achieve net zero emissions.
The Role of Construction in Climate Change
The construction industry’s carbon footprint is twofold: operational and embodied emissions. Operational carbon refers to the emissions from energy used in buildings over their lifecycle—such as heating, cooling and lighting—while embodied carbon comes from the production, transportation and disposal of building materials.
Achieving net-zero targets requires addressing both operational and embodied carbon. While great strides have been made in increasing energy efficiency in buildings (e.g., through better insulation, renewable energy and low-carbon technologies), embodied carbon is often overlooked. In the UK, where the government aims to reach net zero by 2050, construction is a key focus.
Understanding Embodied Carbon in Construction
Embodied carbon accounts for a significant portion of the construction industry's carbon footprint, with estimates suggesting it contributes up to 11% of global emissions. As buildings become more energy-efficient, the focus has shifted towards reducing embodied carbon. This growing concern has led to the inclusion of embodied carbon reduction in sustainability regulations and certification programmes, such as the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification (LEED) and the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM).
The Importance of Carbon Assessments in Construction
Whole Life Carbon Assessments (WLCA) evaluate a building's total carbon emissions throughout its lifecycle—from material extraction to demolition. This allows sustainability experts to identify carbon hotspots and implement strategies to reduce emissions at each stage of the construction process.
Conducting a WLCA also ensures compliance with sustainable construction regulations in many countries, such as the UK. These assessments enable companies to meet the criteria set by frameworks like BREEAM or LEED, which promote sustainability in construction. For businesses striving to reduce carbon emissions in construction in the UK, carbon assessments provide a roadmap for optimising material selection, energy use and waste management throughout the building's lifecycle.
The Role of Policy and Regulations
The UK government has set ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions in construction, aiming for a 68% reduction by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. To achieve this, policies focus on decreasing operational emissions through updated building regulations. The Future Homes Standard, for instance, aims to reduce carbon emissions from new homes by 75-80% from 2025 onwards. However, there is currently no government policy requiring the assessment or control of embodied carbon emissions from buildings. Despite this, the industry is moving towards addressing embodied carbon, with initiatives like the Carbon Emissions (Buildings) Bil l proposing reporting requirements for whole-life carbon emissions in large buildings.
Ways to Reduce Carbon Emissions in Construction
Reducing carbon emissions in construction requires a multifaceted approach. Here are some of the most effective strategies:
Designing for Energy Efficiency: Architects should prioritise low-energy designs, such as passive houses, that minimise the need for artificial heating and cooling.
Low-Carbon Materials: Using recycled, renewable or low-carbon materials such as recycled concrete or reclaimed wood can drastically reduce a building’s embodied carbon.
On-Site Renewable Energy: Installing solar panels, wind turbines or geothermal systems can help reduce operational carbon emissions by powering buildings with renewable energy sources.
Carbon Offsetting: For emissions that cannot be eliminated, carbon offset programs allow companies to invest in projects that capture or reduce carbon elsewhere, such as reforestation or renewable energy projects.
Modular and Prefabricated Construction: By minimising waste and improving efficiency, modular and prefabricated construction methods can reduce both embodied and operational carbon emissions.
Learn more about methods for implementing sustainability in construction here.
The Bottom Line
The construction industry's journey towards net zero emissions is gaining momentum, with a focus on reducing embodied carbon and implementing energy-efficient designs. By embracing innovative materials like green concrete, along with adopting sustainable construction methods, the sector is making strides to lower its carbon footprint. These efforts, combined with policy initiatives such as the Future Homes Standard, are paving the way for a more environmentally conscious approach to building.
To learn more about how your business can lead the charge in reducing carbon emissions, join our upcoming Sustainability Webinar on Sustainable Construction. Our expert sustainability scientist will guide you through actionable strategies to lower your carbon footprint and help you stay compliant with crucial sustainability regulations. Sign up for the webinar here.
