Building construction contributes significantly to the world’s emissions and material footprints, accounting for about 40% of each. Most emissions associated with buildings result from their operations, primarily heating and cooling.

But the embedded emissions in building materials still account for 28% of construction-related emissions.

Improving circularity in construction will be necessary to reduce the sector’s emissions and materials footprint. It is a global challenge and is particularly critical in regions experiencing rapid population growth and urban migration, which together generate significant demand for new construction.

While emissions-reduction efforts will understandably focus on low-carbon technologies such as green steel and CO2-injected concrete to deliver against net-zero goals, the industry will also need to reduce the need for virgin, raw materials.

One way to reduce that demand is to ensure the best use of end-of-life materials—that is, material that can be reused or recycled when buildings are renovated or deconstructed.

See more on Sustainability ME News.