Climate change is one of the most urgent challenges facing humanity and the planet.
To limit the global temperature rise to 1.5°C, as recommended by the Paris Agreement, we need to drastically reduce our greenhouse gas emissions from all sectors, including the construction industry. The construction industry is responsible for about 40% of global energy consumption and 36% of CO2 emissions¹. A significant part of these emissions comes from the production and use of building materials, such as concrete, steel, and cement. These materials have a high embodied carbon footprint, meaning that they require a lot of energy and resources to produce, transport, and dispose of, and they release a lot of carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere.
One way to reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry is to use low-carbon materials instead of traditional ones. Low-carbon materials are those that have a lower embodied carbon footprint than traditional materials². This means that they require less energy and resources to produce and generate fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Low carbon materials can include anything from recycled plastics to bamboo and wool insulation³. By using low-carbon materials, we can not only reduce our emissions, but also save money, improve our health and well-being, and create more resilient and durable buildings.
There are many benefits of using low-carbon materials for the construction industry and society as a whole. Some of these benefits are: Emission Reduction: Low-carbon materials can help us achieve our climate goals by reducing the amount of greenhouse gases that are released into the atmosphere during the life cycle of buildings. For example, using wood instead of concrete can save up to 4 tonnes of CO2 per cubic meter. Some low-carbon materials can even store carbon in their structure, such as biochar, which is made by burning biomass without oxygen. This can create a negative carbon balance, meaning that more carbon is removed from the atmosphere than emitted.
Cost Savings: Low-carbon materials can also help us save money by reducing the energy and maintenance costs of buildings. For example, using natural insulation materials such as wool or hemp can improve the thermal performance and comfort of buildings, reducing the need for heating and cooling. Some low-carbon materials can also be cheaper to produce and transport than traditional ones, such as recycled plastics or local materials.
Health and Well-being: Low-carbon materials can also improve our health and well-being by creating healthier indoor environments and reducing exposure to harmful substances. For example, using natural or biodegradable materials can reduce the amount of waste and pollution that is generated by buildings. Some low-carbon materials can also enhance the aesthetic and acoustic quality of buildings, such as wood or bamboo.
Resilience and Durability: Low-carbon materials can also increase the resilience and durability of buildings by making them more adaptable to changing conditions and more resistant to natural hazards. For example, using modular or prefabricated components made from low-carbon materials can allow for faster and easier construction and repair. Some low-carbon materials can also have superior mechanical properties than traditional ones, such hempcrete or bamboo.
In conclusion, low-carbon materials are a key solution for reducing the environmental impact of the construction industry and creating a more sustainable future. By using low-carbon materials instead of traditional ones, we can reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, save money, improve our health and well-being, and create more resilient and durable buildings. Therefore, we should encourage and support the development and adoption of low-carbon materials in the construction sector and beyond.
REFERENCES
2. dezeen.com
3. usgbc.org
Photography: architects.org
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