The historical emissions of the construction sector, move it away from the decarbonization objectives

Despite increased investment in energy efficiency, the building sector’s energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions have rebounded since the COVID-19 pandemic to reach an all-time high, according to a new report from the United Nations Program. United Nations Environment.

The launch of the 2022 World Status of Buildings and Construction study coincides with the latest round of talks at the UN climate conference, COP27, and concludes that the sector was responsible for more than 34% of energy demand and about 37% of CO emissions_two associated with energy and its operations during 2021.

CO emissions_two related to energy in the operations of the sector reached an equivalent of ten gigatons of carbon dioxide, a record 5% higher than 2020 levels and 2% above the 2019 pre-pandemic peak.

Energy demand for heating, cooling, lighting and equipment in buildings in 2021 increased by about 4% compared to 2020 and 3% compared to 2019.

The executive director of the Program warned that if polluting emissions are not reduced within the margins established in the Paris Agreement, “we will have serious problems.”

“The buildings sector accounts for 40% of Europe’s energy demand, 80% of it coming from fossil fuels. This makes the sector an area for immediate action, investment and policies to promote the short-term and long-term energy security,” explained Inger Andersen.

The decarbonisation of the buildings sector by 2050 is a key factor in achieving these cuts. In order to reduce global emissions, the sector must improve the energy performance of buildings, reduce the carbon footprint of construction materials, multiply political commitments and increase investment in energy efficiency.

The specific approach to Africa and building materials

Primary resource use is projected to double by 2060, with steel, concrete and cement being the main contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Materials used in building construction already account for around 9% of total CO emissions_two related to energy consumption.

Embedded carbon in buildings, ie emissions associated with building materials and processes, needs to be addressed to prevent energy saving measures from being undermined. However, the sector can reduce its impact, for example, looking for alternative materials and decarbonizing conventional materials such as cement.

The use of alternative materials is especially relevant for Africa as its population is expected to reach 2.4 billion people by 2050 and 80% of them will live in cities

To avoid rising emissions while building the housing stock needed to move people out of informal settlements, and create buildings that are resilient to the impacts of climate change, the African sector must seek sustainable construction materials and design techniques, in which the continent is rich.

“Africa is also rich in renewable energy sources, solar and wind, that countries can use to power their buildings in a sustainable way,” they highlight from the Program.

Major global trends

The report points out that in the face of growing crises – such as the war in Ukraine and the subsequent energy crisis, and the increase in the cost of living – investments in energy efficiency must be maintained to reduce demand, avoid CO_two and moderate the volatility of energy costs.

As an example of change in the sector, the study highlights that the combined effects of the increase in the price of fossil fuels due to the war in Ukraine and the crisis caused by the increase in the cost of living provide an incentive to invest in energy efficiencyalthough the drop in purchasing power and the impact on labor and materials may hold back investment.

“The solution could be for governments to allocate support for investments in low and zero carbon buildings through financial and non-financial incentives,” said Anderson.

To reduce emissions from the sector, it is also essential to include buildings in the climate commitments of the Paris Agreement, known as Nationally Determined Contributionsand mandatory energy standards for buildings.

The number of mentions of buildings in Contributions grew from 88 in 2015 to 158 in 2021. However, progress on policies and actions on buildings and construction remains slow. During the same period, the number of countries with energy regulations for construction increased from 62 to 79. However, only 26% of countries have mandatory energy regulations for the entire sector.

Main recommendations of the report

• Build national-level coalitions among stakeholders to set goals and strategies to achieve a sustainable, zero-carbon and resilient buildings and construction sector through Construction Roadmaps
• National and regional governments must establish mandatory energy codes for buildings and set a path for their building codes and standards to reach zero carbon balance as soon as possible
• Governments and non-state organizations must increase their investment in energy efficiency
• The construction and real estate industries must implement carbon neutrality strategies for both new and existing buildings
• The construction and building materials industries must commit to reducing their CO emissions_two throughout its value chain
• Governments, especially those in cities, must implement policies that promote the shift to “circular material economies”
• Fast-growing countries and economies must invest in capacity-building and supply chains that promote energy-efficient designs and low-carbon, sustainable construction