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Tackling emissions of buildings from cradle to grave
(EurActiv, 23 Dec 2022) When policymakers address the climate impact of buildings, most of their attention is focused on reducing emissions released during the building’s operation. Embodied emissions – those linked to all the other phases of a building’s whole life – must not be forgotten, writes Roxana Dela Fiamor.
Roxana Dela Fiamor is researcher at the climate think tank E3G.
The energy crisis is bringing to light how much of it is used up in our buildings. As this isn’t clean energy yet, the building sector contributes to a whopping 36% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Current negotiations on the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive are decisive to set the EU on track to reach its 2030 climate goals. Whatever the final text is, it will indicate whether one of the biggest emitting sectors is equipped to do its share to keep the planet from overheating.
Yet, a central element to the full decarbonisation of the building sector seems to be overlooked. While most attention is focused on ensuring a substantial reduction of the emissions released during the building’s operation, embodied emissions – those linked to all the other phases of a building’s whole life – must not be forgotten.
A report published during this year’s UN Climate Conference, COP27, drives the point home: buildings are emitting all-time high amounts of CO2 and their use of raw materials is projected to rise to dizzying heights.
The ‘Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction’ states that in 2021, CO2 emissions from the buildings sector amounted to ten gigatonnes, their energy performance did not improve and buildings-integrated renewable energy growth was disappointing.
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EurActiv, 23 Dec 2022: Tackling emissions of buildings from cradle to grave
