Advancing Net Zero

In 2018, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warned that global warming must not exceed 1.5°C to avoid the catastrophic impacts of climate change. To achieve this, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions must halve by 2030 — and drop to net zero by 2050.

Despite the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020-2021 saw a net rise in emissions, with the building and construction sector continuing to contribute a large proportion.

A bold approach is urgently required to reduce the impacts of the sector, which is globally responsible for 36% of energy consumption, 38% of energy related carbon emissions, 50% of resource consumption, and expected to double in total footprint by 2060.

Whilst embodied carbon currently accounts for 10% of emissions globally, it is estimated that more than half of total carbon emissions from all global new construction between 2020 and 2050 will be due to upfront emissions.