UCD Expert Sounds Alarm: Construction Industry Poses Major Threat to Climate Goals

Ireland is in danger of exceeding its carbon budgets unless the construction industry takes swift action to reduce its emissions. Dr. Oliver Kinnane from UCD’s School of Architecture has warned that more needs to be done to align new building projects with environmental goals.

According to Dr. Kinnane, construction is a major source of carbon emissions. The rise in housing targets, from 33,000 to over 50,000 homes annually, will significantly increase emissions if traditional building methods are used. Research suggests that Ireland already slightly exceeded its first carbon budget for 2021-2025 and could exceed the next one by 25% from 2026-2030.

Carbon budgets set legal limits on greenhouse gas emissions over set periods. About two-thirds of emissions from construction come from building operations, while the rest is from the materials involved in construction and demolition.

With a projected 300,000 new homes and infrastructure set to be built over the next decade, Dr. Kinnane emphasized the need for a change. He suggested prioritizing the retrofitting of existing buildings instead of new construction, as this option has a much lower carbon footprint.

Dr. Kinnane pointed out that renovating 100,000 vacant homes could reduce CO2 emissions by over one megaton by 2030. This approach not only lessens emissions but also utilizes existing infrastructure in towns and cities.

Academics from UCD, including Orla Murphy and Dr. Philip Crowe, echoed these concerns, advocating for the reuse of vacant buildings to tackle both housing shortages and climate challenges. Murphy noted that over 80,000 empty homes exist, which are already connected to essential services.

Dr. Crowe emphasized the need for a broader strategy to revitalize entire towns, rather than focusing on isolated buildings. He suggested that Ireland can learn from other countries like France, which has successful programs for town revitalization.

Recent studies show construction practices can play a significant role in meeting climate goals. For example, the use of prefabricated materials and advanced techniques like 3D printing can greatly cut back on carbon emissions. A recent survey indicated that nearly 70% of individuals in the construction industry realize the impact of traditional methods on climate change and support modern approaches.

Overall, balancing construction needs with environmental goals requires innovative thinking and a focus on sustainability. Ireland has a unique opportunity to lead the way in constructing buildings that respect both its housing needs and the planet.

For more information on carbon budgets and their impact on climate change, you can check the Environmental Protection Agency.

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