What's Happening?
A recent report highlights the urgent need for cities to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions from construction to avoid exceeding a global temperature rise of 2°C. Construction currently accounts
for 10-20% of global emissions, primarily due to cement production. The report suggests that cities must cut these emissions by over 90% in the next two to four decades. This requires significant changes in building design and materials, such as using wood or recycled concrete and focusing on efficient multi-unit housing. The study emphasizes that while the knowledge and technology to achieve these reductions exist, widespread implementation is necessary.
Why It's Important?
The construction sector's significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions makes it a critical area for climate action. As urban populations grow, the demand for housing increases, posing a challenge to meet climate targets. Failure to reduce emissions from construction could undermine global efforts to combat climate change, even if other sectors achieve zero emissions. The report highlights the potential for cities to lead in climate action by adopting sustainable building practices, which could also drive innovation and economic growth in the green building sector. This shift is essential for meeting international climate agreements and ensuring sustainable urban development.
What's Next?
Cities are encouraged to assess their current construction emissions and develop plans to reduce them in line with global climate targets. This may involve policy changes, incentives for sustainable building practices, and investment in research and development of low-emission construction technologies. Collaboration between governments, industry, and academia will be crucial to drive the necessary changes. The report also suggests prioritizing the construction of efficient housing over other infrastructure projects, such as oil and gas facilities, to align with climate goals.
