Efficient material design and the use of low-carbon concrete are crucial to efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) during the construction process, according to a report from C40 Cities, Arup, and the University of Leeds.
Eliminating material waste at the design stage could lead to an 18% reduction of GHG emissions between 2017 and 2050, the report says. The production of cement requires extreme heat and releases a great deal of CO2. The report says that using low-carbon alternatives to traditional cement could cut GHG emissions by 6% between 2017 and 2050.
Reusing building materials and components such as structural steel could achieve a 3% GHG reduction by 2050. Making better use of buildings can also make a dent in GHG emissions.
“Buildings are [underutilized] and often discarded before they have reached the end of their useful life,” the report says. Implementing strategic use of existing space and infrastructure can lead to an 11% GHG emission reduction by 2050, and a 10%-20% reduction in demand for new buildings.
Another GHG-reduction strategy is to switch high-emission materials to sustainable timber. That could reduce emissions by 6% by 2050.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Aug 29, 2019
LEED residential market up 19% since 2017
The U.S. Green Building Council says that the LEED residential market has grown 19% since 2017. Nearly 500,000 single family, multifamily, and affordable housing units have been certified globally.
Codes and Standards | Aug 27, 2019
Slower speed limits in urban areas offer multiple benefits
Improved safety, better adoption of electric scooters and autonomous vehicles are possible if drivers ease off the accelerator.
Codes and Standards | Aug 27, 2019
Renewables creating significant savings for commercial and public facilities
Payback ranges from five to 15 years.
Codes and Standards | Aug 27, 2019
Oregon rescinds tsunami-zone construction ban
Other states have no ban, but have strengthened building codes for tidal wave resilience.
Urban Planning | Aug 27, 2019
Pop-up parks revitalize empty lots
Pop-up parks that provide instant open areas for public use and programming can revitalize under-utilized spaces and add vibrancy to neighborhoods.
Codes and Standards | Aug 22, 2019
Texas flood prevention initiative would create nation’s most ambitious barrier system
Plan including sand dunes and mechanical barriers would cost as much as $32 billion.
Codes and Standards | Aug 22, 2019
Multimedia app identifies construction hazards
Researchers say program will reduce injuries, save lives.
Codes and Standards | Aug 22, 2019
Cities take action to keep cool as climate heats up
Initiatives include cool streets, cool roofs, and broader urban tree canopy.
Codes and Standards | Aug 22, 2019
5G expected to give a boost to construction technology
Virtual reality, Internet of Things, robotics, and drones will all benefit from enhanced data flows.
Codes and Standards | Aug 15, 2019
New edition of Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete available
American Concrete Institute document includes major technical changes.