Built Environment & Construction
The built environment and construction sectors contribute substantially to total global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In 2020 across the EU, buildings accounted for 40% of total energy consumed and 36% of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions (operational and embodied carbon). In order for the sector to align with the EU’s wider goal of reducing GHG emissions by 55% by 2030 and further reach net-zero by 2050, the sector must undergo immediate action, whilst simultaneously accounting for the expected increase in demand in infrastructure and services.
It is clear that decarbonisation is crucial; however, it is imperative that other mitigative and adaptive solutions are not overlooked. Cities must consider how leveraging effective urban planning, greening of design and architecture, material use and circular principles, as well as enhancing a sense of place and the historical context of many cities, will bring a multitude of co-benefits which will all assist in reducing emissions.
Cities have a considerable role to play. Circular cities are our future; to sustain a growing population while combating climate change, cities and the construction industry must re-think and re-imagine the status-quo. Local city governments are in the unique position where both soft and institutional power can be leveraged to drive change, especially through collaborations with different stakeholders.
Solutions for Cities
Retrofit and energy efficiency in buildings
Europe’s building stock is ageing, with vast quantities concentrated in our cities. Approximately 85% of city building stock was built before 2001, while across the EU as a whole, 35% of buildings are over 50 years old. Ageing buildings have a high levels of energy use and associated emissions. Retrofitting improves sustainability and energy efficiency.
Possible solutions include: Net-zero energy buildings; Retrofitting for heritage buildings; Passive solar design; Social housing retrofit; Municipal assets retrofit; Incentives/schemes for private owners; Built stock digital twins; High-performance glazing and insultation; Natural ventilation strategies; Energy-efficient HVAC systems; Building automation and control systems.
Decarbonising construction
Decarbonising construction is essential for the built environment as a whole, as building materials and operational/construction phases require vast quantities of virgin materials, carbon intense manufacturing and construction processes, and rely on energy intensive processes derived from fossil fuel use.
Possible solutions include: Adaptive reuse of buildings; Deconstruction and material reuse; Reducing construction and site waste; Prefabrication and modular construction; Social urban mining; material banks; Supporting shorter supply chains; sustainable procurement; Recycled and upcycled materials; Low-carbon and locally sourced materials.
Urban regeneration
Urban regeneration poses a promising approach to the development of sustainable and low carbon cities, especially in the context of accelerating urbanisation. Renewing and re-developing areas of urban decay will limit the need for whole new developments and associated emissions, while also enhancing local value and sense of place – all while offering a solution for tackling climate change. Re-thinking the way we live, and the way our urban landscape will grow is an essential aspect of the built environment and construction sector.
In relation to this challenge, possible solutions include mixed-use buildings, Transit-oriented development; Complete neighbourhoods; and Brownfield remediation and redevelopment.
Nature-based solutions (NbS)
Nature-based solutions provide an opportunity to reimagine our cities in the face of growing urbanisation and biodiversity loss. Not only do NbS offer carbon sequestration potential, but they can also aid in increasing the adaptative of cities by responding to different kinds of climate hazards. The integration of NbS as a requirement across the built environment sector will additionally enable the restoration and conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem, while similarly increasing the access to natural assets and ecosystem services in our cites.
In relation to this challenge, possible solutions include: Building solutions (green roofs and walls); Urban forest/open green spaces; Green and blue corridors; River and stream renaturation; Urban farming; Sustainable urban drainage; Bioretention areas; Bio-based insulation materials; Green concrete and alternative binders.
Urban and climate resilience
The built environment and construction sector must facilitate growing resilience of our cities through the provision of adaptative and climate resilient infrastructure. We cannot continue to build our cities in a way that reflects how are cities look and feel now; the sector must be proactive in the delivery of infrastructure which is not only mitigative, but also adaptative, and resilient for our future climate.
Possible solutions include: seismic-resistant construction; Infrastructure upgrade and maintenance; Flood adaptation strategy; Urban heat adaptation strategy; Flood-resistant infrastructure design; Fire-resistant materials and design; permeable pavements and surfaces.