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Climate-KIC
Let’s tackle the carbon emissions hiding in plain sight: neutralising embodied carbon in buildings
How can we neutralise embodied carbon in buildings?
Emissions from buildings and construction are significant contributors to climate change and account for 39 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. 28 per cent of these emissions originate from operational energy use, and 11 per cent represent embodied carbon – carbon emissions associated with materials and construction processes throughout the whole lifecycle.
As we begin to decarbonise our energy systems to meet our climate targets, the relevance of embodied carbon to reach net zero emissions will increase. The use of bio-based materials and the circular economy represent two major levers to address this.
But how can we ensure strategies to reduce embodied carbon in buildings are implemented along the entire value chain, to have the highest mitigation potential?
Emissions from buildings and construction are significant contributors to climate change and account for 39 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. 28 per cent of these emissions originate from operational energy use, and 11 per cent represent embodied carbon – carbon emissions associated with materials and construction processes throughout the whole lifecycle.
As we begin to decarbonise our energy systems to meet our climate targets, the relevance of embodied carbon to reach net zero emissions will increase. The use of bio-based materials and the circular economy represent two major levers to address this.
But how can we ensure strategies to reduce embodied carbon in buildings are implemented along the entire value chain, to have the highest mitigation potential?
