{"id":1063,"date":"2024-03-01T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-03-01T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/yardlink.com\/blog\/pioneering-decarbonisation-in-construction-a-blueprint-for-change"},"modified":"2024-07-23T15:54:41","modified_gmt":"2024-07-23T15:54:41","slug":"pioneering-decarbonisation-in-construction-a-blueprint-for-change","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yardlink.com\/blog\/pioneering-decarbonisation-in-construction-a-blueprint-for-change","title":{"rendered":"Pioneering Decarbonisation In Construction: A Blueprint For Change"},"content":{"rendered":"\t
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In a time when caring for our planet has never been more important, the construction sector is finding itself at a turning point where innovation meets responsibility. Decarbonisation isn’t just the latest trend; it’s a major shift, a solid promise to cut down the global carbon emissions this industry is responsible for. This article breaks down what decarbonisation in construction really means, tackling the basics, the hurdles, and the game-changing strategies setting the stage for a greener future in construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Embracing the Green Revolution in Construction<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The UN Environment Programme\u2019s report<\/u><\/a> from September 2023 put the spotlight on the construction sector, which is responsible for 37% of the total global carbon emissions. With urban areas growing fast, adding the equivalent size of Paris to the map every five days, the intuitive call is to build less. Or, we could lean on introducing sustainable practices and eco-friendly resources to reduce the carbon footprint. The aim is a significant slash in emissions by 2050.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This means thinking in circles – reusing what we can and prioritising timber and biomass over traditional concrete and steel.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Initiated by the heavy reliance on concrete, steel, and aluminium, which together are behind 23% of global emissions, there’s a push for innovation to make these materials cleaner. The report from the UN and Yale suggests a radical overhaul of how we construct, specifically urging a cut in concrete usage by half by 2060 when most of it would be recycled or made with low-carbon methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s a challenge that calls for electrifying production processes, scaling up new tech, and getting more from recycling methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The shift back to using locally sourced, renewable materials like stone and timber is also part of a broader “back-to-the-future” revolution in construction. The scenarios could involve buildings with living biomass on their walls or roofs, contributing to low-carbon cities. While there’s no single solution to decarbonisation in construction, a mix of new materials and changed processes sets the foundation for change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where the UK Construction Industry Stands on the Global Green Map<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Statista<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\nAccording to Statista<\/u><\/a>, the United Kingdom’s construction industry produced over 10 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions in 2021. The number marks a whopping 12% rise in just one year, accounting for almost 2.5% of the total UK carbon dioxide emissions in that period. Furthermore, the overall emission was reduced by only 13%<\/u><\/a> between 2018 and 2022, falling seriously short of the 19% reduction goal. \n\nCivil engineering contributes to more than one-third of those emissions. Additionally, buildings and their construction activities amounted to 1.7 million metric tons, accounting for 17% of the total emissions from the construction industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Transportation has taken the lead as the top source of pollution, edging past the energy supply sector. This shift comes as the move to renewable energy has significantly cut emissions from energy supply, whereas transport emissions have been on an upward trajectory.\n\nAccording to our research, the average piece of hired construction equipment travels 62 miles between its supplier and the construction site. With the average project sourcing 167 pieces of equipment, the total average distance travelled (in round trips) is 20,708 miles per project. This presents a massive source of unnecessary emissions before the equipment arrives on-site. \n\nThe good news is that it leaves significant room for improvement. Procuring from a localised supply chain network opens opportunities to reduce transportation time and distance. At YardLink, 95% of the products we help source are delivered within 15 miles of each project – 75% closer than the industry average.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is, therefore, clear why decarbonisation in the construction industry is not just a matter of compliance but a critical step forward. Bearing responsibility for a significant chunk of emissions, the time has come for the entire industry<\/u><\/a> to participate actively in reducing its carbon footprint, aligning with broader environmental goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unpacking the Basics: What is Decarbonisation in Construction?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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In summary, decarbonisation in construction implies a set of steps and plans designed to cut down on carbon dioxide emissions throughout a project’s life.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

This involves everything from how we choose and buy building materials to managing how things run on the job site. Making smarter choices in supply chain management will ensure the project is as green as possible right from the get-go. The next step is keeping that commitment going by focusing on reducing the emissions further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Pillars of Decarbonisation In Construction<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Decarbonisation in construction is a movement: a push towards making individual aspects of the industry greener while looking at the entire process holistically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The global strategy rests on several key pillars, each a cornerstone for a more sustainable future. These are energy efficiency, electrification, renewable energy, and intelligent grid-enabled programs. Translated to a practical approach, that means:<\/p>\n\n\n\n