Sustainable Building Practices and Policies

Dec 6, 2024

Achieving Sustainability in the Built Environment

Overview

  • The building sector is responsible for approximately 40% of global CO2 emissions.
  • Reducing emissions from buildings is crucial for climate change mitigation.
  • Embodied carbon (emissions from production, transportation, and end-of-life demolition of materials) contributes significantly to a building's total emissions.

Embodied Emissions

From Cradle to Gate

  • Emissions arise from extraction, transport, and manufacturing of raw materials.
  • Accounts for 65-85% of total embodied carbon emissions and 10-11% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Cement and steel production are major contributors.

Reducing Embodied Carbon

Strategies

  • Use electricity from renewable resources for manufacturing materials like steel and glass.
  • Difficulties in decarbonizing cement due to chemical reactions during clinker production.
  • Innovations like carbon-negative concrete and pozzolan (recycled glass) offer solutions.
  • Carbon-negative concrete can sequester CO2; pozzolan reduces cement needed.

Policy and Incentives

  • Policies can mandate or incentivize the use of low-emission materials.
  • The IRA and IIJA provide funding for using low-emission materials in federal construction.
  • California requires new buildings to use low-emission materials or reuse structures.

End of Life: Reuse and Recycling

  • Building demolition accounts for up to 15% of embodied carbon emissions.
  • Design for deconstruction facilitates reuse and supports a circular economy.
  • Deconstruction is preferred over recycling for energy efficiency.
  • Innovations like 3D printed houses from recyclable materials show promise.

Policy Recommendations

  • Limit scale of new projects and adjust zoning laws for repurposing existing buildings.
  • Portland's policies limit single-family home size and encourage clean purchasing.
  • Investing in sustainable practices from the start saves on costs in the long run.

Conclusion

  • Sustainable practices, policies, and technology can reduce emissions in the building sector.
  • Public infrastructure investments can set sustainability standards.
  • Partnerships across sectors contribute to the development of climate-friendly materials.

Author Information

  • Authors: Isabella Millet and Nicole Pouy

Additional Information

  • EESI provides science-based solutions for climate change and energy challenges.
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