To tackle climate change, cities must drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions from construction. Experts say we need to reduce these emissions by over 90% in the next few decades if we want to limit global warming to 2°C. This requires innovative thinking in building design and materials.
Shoshanna Saxe, a professor at the University of Toronto, highlights a pressing issue: “Many countries have a housing shortage. How can we build more homes while polluting less?” She believes it’s possible to meet growing housing needs sustainably. We already have the skills and knowledge to create low-emission buildings; we just need to apply them.
Globally, construction accounts for about 10-20% of greenhouse gas emissions, largely due to cement production. To make a real difference, cities must assess their current emissions and set targets for reduction. Surprisingly, Saxe’s research team found few studies had done this for cities like Toronto.
To fill this gap, the team estimated construction emissions for over 1,000 cities. Using existing models, they combined data on urban growth, construction investments, and job statistics. Keagan Rankin, a team member, explains that although the data was available, no one had used it in this way before. Their findings could guide budgets for construction emissions.
Addressing housing needs with single-family homes could exceed emissions budgets, pushing cities to prefer multi-unit buildings. Choosing materials like wood or recycled concrete also helps, but smart design is crucial. Saxe notes, “Just opting for wood isn’t a panacea. We need to focus on efficient designs to avoid waste.”
Cities are key players in implementing climate action. Rankin emphasizes their ability to control local construction policies, but many lack the resources to analyze their budgets effectively. Prajal Pradhan from the University of Groningen stresses that reducing construction emissions is vital for meeting international climate goals. Without this, even achieving zero emissions in other areas won’t be enough.
Designing buildings for low emissions throughout their lifespan is essential. Eco-designer Susan Roaf advocates for strategies like natural ventilation to enhance efficiency. She argues against the continuation of “zombie buildings,” which are energy-inefficient structures that contribute significantly to pollution.
Ultimately, the focus on construction must also prioritize what gets built. For example, Saxe points out that reducing oil and gas infrastructure could allow for new housing for 10 million people without raising emissions. This shift in priorities could play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable urban future.
As cities navigate these challenges, it’s clear that their choices in construction will have lasting impacts on the environment. We must act now to ensure our buildings contribute to a healthier planet.
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climate change,sustainability
