In an effort to combat climate change, the global construction industry is setting its sights on a 10% reduction in CO2 emissions. However, a new study underscores policy gaps that impede decarbonisation progress
A new study by One Click LCA has revealed that 59% of construction industry professionals expect a 10% reduction in construction and manufacturing carbon emissions from using life-cycle assessments.
However, a lack of public policies, insufficient manufacturer environmental data, and limited investor awareness inhibit progress.
Over 80% of respondents also highlighted the need for more awareness from developers and investors
The impact of the built environment on global climate change is substantial, contributing to over 50% of annual carbon emissions.
These emissions arise from both operational and embodied sources, with the most widely recognised being carbon emissions during the operation and use of buildings throughout their lifespan.
Embodied carbon constitutes CO2 produced during the manufacturing, transportation, and installation of building materials — essentially, the carbon footprint of a construction project before it becomes operational.
The study explores the demand and supply factors restricting the adoption of LCAs
On the supply side, a striking 87% of respondents identified a lack of manufacturer Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) as the primary hindrance to LCAs and embodied carbon reduction.
While advancements in development expedite LCAs, progress is hampered by limited resources. A notable 47% of respondents conduct LCAs for less than 5% of their projects, with nearly half citing insufficient company resources to meet current demands for LCA and embodied carbon reduction.
Encouragingly, the majority (65%) express a willingness to hire individuals dedicated to tackling embodied carbon within the next year.
Looking ahead, 78% of respondents anticipate significant workload reductions in the next three years, with technological advancements, process improvements, and learning contributing to potential reductions of up to 30%.
Global building stock is expected to double by 2060
Commenting on the study, One Click LCA’s founder and CEO, Panu Pasanen, said: “Energy efficiency has lowered operational carbon emissions, but reducing embodied carbon is just as important.
“These are emissions that are being released into the atmosphere right now. We are in the middle of the largest wave of building and infrastructure growth in history, and global building stock is expected to double by 2060, the equivalent of constructing a New York City every month.
“Reducing embodied carbon immediately combats climate change and is critical for decarbonizing the construction sector.”
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