The Environmental Impact of Buildings and Construction
The construction and use of buildings have a significant impact on the environment, accounting for a substantial portion of global greenhouse gas emissions and resource consumption. According to a report by the European Environment Agency (EEA), more than 30% of the European Union’s environmental footprint comes from buildings, making it the sector with the highest environmental impact. Additionally, the construction industry is responsible for approximately one-third of the EU’s material consumption.
The environmental burden of buildings extends beyond just their construction, as they also account for 42% of the total energy consumption and 35% of greenhouse gas emissions within the EU. Furthermore, the decommissioning of buildings leads to the largest waste stream in the EU by weight, though the high recycling rates of demolition waste often result in low-value downcycling rather than more sustainable practices.
Sustainable Building Materials and Renovation
To address the environmental and climate impact of the built environment, a multi-pronged approach is necessary. One of the key strategies is to prioritize the use of sustainable building materials and the renovation of existing buildings. By incorporating construction products with low environmental impacts throughout their life cycle, the overall sustainability of Europe’s building stock can be improved.
Buildings need to have lower energy consumption, be resilient to climate change, and support biodiversity. This can be achieved through the use of energy-efficient design, the incorporation of green spaces and vegetation, and the adoption of nature-based solutions. Participatory approaches to decision-making that foster strong local communities, along with subsidies for building renovations and upgrades, can also help increase the affordability and accessibility of sustainable buildings.
Strategies for Decarbonizing Building Materials
Beyond the operational emissions of buildings, the embodied carbon emissions associated with the production and use of materials such as cement, steel, and aluminum have become an increasingly important focus. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the buildings and construction sector is responsible for a staggering 37% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with a significant portion coming from the production of building materials.
To effectively address this challenge, UNEP has identified three overarching strategies that need to be implemented together to decarbonize building materials:
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Reducing Embodied Carbon: Implementing design and material selection strategies to minimize the embodied carbon of buildings, such as using low-carbon cement and steel alternatives, promoting timber construction, and optimizing material use.
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Increasing Circularity: Adopting circular economy principles by reusing and recycling building materials, minimizing waste, and extending the lifespan of buildings through adaptable and flexible design.
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Scaling Up Renewable and Low-Carbon Materials: Accelerating the development and deployment of innovative, renewable, and low-carbon building materials, including bio-based and carbon-sequestering materials, to replace traditional high-emitting options.
By implementing these strategies jointly, the built environment sector can play a crucial role in aligning with global climate objectives and transitioning towards a more sustainable future.
The Role of Architects and Designers
Architects and designers have a significant opportunity to reduce the environmental impact of the built environment through their material selection and design decisions. As the American Institute of Architects (AIA) highlights, virtually every building material choice offers the potential to reduce impacts on the planet’s environment, from addressing ozone layer depletion to tackling embodied carbon and habitat loss.
Some of the strategies architects can employ to mitigate the environmental impact of buildings include:
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Embodied Carbon Reduction: Selecting building materials with lower embodied carbon, such as timber, recycled steel, and low-carbon concrete, to reduce the overall carbon footprint of a project.
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Resource Efficiency: Designing for modularity, flexibility, and adaptability to minimize waste and maximize the efficient use of materials. This can include incorporating structural elements as finished surfaces and precisely specifying materials to reduce construction waste.
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Material Transparency: Leveraging tools like Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) to better understand the life cycle impacts of building materials and make informed decisions.
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Building Reuse and Adaptation: Prioritizing the reuse and adaptation of existing buildings, as this is often the most sustainable approach to reducing a project’s environmental impact.
By committing to learning more about sustainable material choices and design strategies, architects can empower themselves to lead the way in minimizing the environmental footprint of the built environment.
Policies and Initiatives Driving Change
Governments and organizations around the world are recognizing the urgent need to address the environmental and climate impacts of the construction and building sector. Several policies and initiatives have been introduced to drive the transition towards a more sustainable built environment.
For example, the European Union has identified buildings as a key focus area, with the European Commission launching the New European Bauhaus policy and funding initiative in 2021 to foster sustainable solutions for transforming the built environment and lifestyles. Additionally, the European Commission is expected to increasingly prioritize housing, with the announcement of a dedicated Commissioner for Housing, a European Affordable Housing Plan, and a European Strategy for Housing Construction that will include enhancing the environmental performance of construction.
At the local level, Fairfax County in the United States has enacted a range of plans, policies, and initiatives to address the causes and effects of climate change, including the Community-wide Energy and Climate Action Plan (CECAP) and the Resilient Fairfax plan. These initiatives set ambitious greenhouse gas reduction goals, promote energy-efficient county operations, and drive the adoption of sustainable building practices.
Conclusion
The construction and use of buildings have a significant impact on the environment, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, resource depletion, and waste generation. To address these challenges, a holistic approach is required, involving the use of sustainable building materials, the renovation and adaptation of existing buildings, and the implementation of circular economy principles.
By working together, policymakers, architects, designers, and the broader construction industry can drive the transition towards a more sustainable built environment. Through innovative strategies, material transparency, and a focus on embodied carbon reduction, the sector can play a crucial role in mitigating the causes and effects of climate change and creating a more resilient and environmentally responsible future.
