Embodied Carbon – A Hidden Heavyweight for the Climate

A new area the size of Paris is built every week, as the world is going through an unprecedented era of massive construction. As a result, the global building floor area is expected to double by 2060. Buildings and construction have a massive carbon footprint. This sector is responsible for 38% of energy-related CO2 emissions, that is more than other types of industry, or transport.
The production of building materials and construction activities is responsible for a quarter of this buildings climate challenge, causing 10% of global energy-related greenhouse gas emissions.

The manufacturing of cement and steel causes most of these emissions, given the high emissions that occur during the production process, and the widespread use of these materials.
Aluminum, glass and insulation materials also have considerable emissions.