Building Materials and the Climate: Constructing a New Future (External)

Access to publication: https://www.unep.org/resources/report/building-materials-and-climate-constructing-new-future

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The buildings and construction sector is by far the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, accounting for a staggering 37% of global emissions. The production and use of materials such as cement, steel, and aluminum have a significant carbon footprint. Historically, much of the sector's progress has centered around reducing the "operational” carbon emissions of buildings – those emissions stemming from heating, cooling, and lighting. Projections suggest that these operational emissions will decrease from 75% to 50% of the sector's total emissions in the coming decades.

The report also pinpoints three overarching strategies which need to be implemented together to decarbonize building materials:

1. Avoid unnecessary extraction and production.
2. Shift to regenerative materials.
3. Improve decarbonization of conventional materials.

By implementing these strategies jointly, we can pave the way for a greener, more sustainable built environment, aligning with our global climate objectives.