Developing a construction strategy with a clean energy focus
At present, the activities carried out in buildings contribute to 30% of the overall energy used worldwide and result in 26% of the energy-related emissions globally. Although there was a decline in direct emissions from the buildings industry last year, there was a 1% rise in energy consumption within this sector.
In different nations, the requirements for performance and energy efficiency have become stricter, and the adoption of sustainable technologies is growing. The International Energy Agency (IEA) emphasized that the next ten years are vital for taking the necessary actions to meet the goal of having all new constructions and 20% of the current building inventory ready to operate without emitting any carbon by 2030.
Increasing Energy Performance Standards
Across countries such as China and the United States (US), there is a growing trend of enhancing energy efficiency standards in buildings, whether they are recently constructed or already existing. This is being achieved through the implementation of various regulations and industry norms.
Several significant advancements have been made in the process of reducing carbon emissions.
In the year 2022, the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted directly from buildings showed a decrease, reaching a total of 3Gt. However, there was a significant increase in indirect CO2 emissions, which rose to approximately 6.8Gt. This shift indicates a growing dependence on electricity as a source of energy. It's worth noting that these emission patterns varied across different regions. In Europe, there was a decline in emissions, whereas in the United States, they actually increased. The rise in emissions in the US was primarily driven by extreme temperatures experienced during that period. In order to successfully achieve the goal of Net Zero, we must reduce emissions by an average of 9% per year until the year 2030. This aggressive reduction strategy is necessary to counteract the harmful effects of greenhouse gases and move towards a more sustainable future.
In 2022, the production and processing of cement, steel, and aluminum contributed to a whopping 2.5 gigatons of carbon dioxide emissions associated with building construction. This accounts for more than one-third of global energy-related emissions and emphasizes the urgent need for measures to reduce and adapt to these emissions. The International Energy Agency (IEA) highlighted the necessity for action throughout the entire building value chain.
Boost Progress With Advances In Energy Efficiency
In order to align with the Net Zero goal, the building industry must reduce its energy intensity at a rate that is almost five times faster than before in the upcoming decade. This implies that by 2030, the energy usage per square meter should be 35% lower than it was in 2022.
The successful deployment of zero-carbon-ready buildings will rely on the presence of supporting infrastructure and will necessitate coordination with the installation of infrastructure and devices.
According to the IEA, the possibility and effectiveness of employing clean technology in buildings depend on different components of facilitating infrastructure. These comprise of systems within buildings for dispersing air and/or water, energy networks that cover multiple areas for heating and cooling, devices for storing electricity and heat, comprehensive control systems, and charging stations for electric vehicles.
The amount of money put into improving energy efficiency has gone up by 14% and now exceeds $250 billion in 2022. However, despite this increased investment in clean technologies for buildings, the International Energy Agency (IEA) warns that it is still not enough to reach the goal of Net Zero.
According to the IEA, it is extremely important to have a strong global partnership in order to initiate worldwide efforts to reduce carbon emissions in construction and improve the market for sustainable building technologies. This would also provide assistance to countries that lack the resources to create and enforce policies regarding buildings, as well as urge businesses to ensure that their products are in line with net zero goals.
