The construction industry is increasingly feeling the impact of extreme events, which are becoming more frequent and intense. Simultaneously, the sector is contributing to climate change.
The built environment accounts for approximately 40% of global energy-related carbon emissions. Of this, 27% comes from the building’s operational activities, such as lighting and cooling, while the remaining 10% is attributed to “embodied” carbon emissions from the construction process, maintenance, and demolitions (Climate, Carbon, 2023).
The IPCC report projects that extreme events will further escalate by 2030 – four times the number of heatwaves, twice the amount of droughts and extreme rainstorms could rise by 50%. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) also notes that from 1979 to 2019, extreme events have increased five times (Kendle, 2023).
A 2021 Air Force Institute of Technology report shows that extreme events delay 45% of construction projects worldwide yearly, leading to billions of dollars in additional expenses and annual lost revenue.
It identifies extreme temperatures, precipitation, and high winds as the most impactful weather conditions on construction. It suggests including future climate in the modeling and identifying strategies to mitigate weather delays in construction.
The uptick in extreme events drives insurance claims and costs while spurring stricter legislation on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. This is compelling companies to measure and reveal their environmental impacts, including carbon emissions, waste, and water and energy usage.
Reducing carbon footprint and building resilience against climate change
Many solutions are now available for the construction industry to build resilience against extreme events and reduce their carbon emissions, thanks to the improvements in construction materials, building design, and the increasing adoption of a circular construction approach.
The principle of circular construction consists of three main approaches – reduce, reuse, and recycle, which have three fundamental goals – eradicating or reducing waste and pollution, facilitating product and material circulation, and regenerating nature and natural resources. These principles translate to a commitment to environmentally conscious business practices (All About Circular, 2023).
All About Circular article enumerates the advantages of applying a circular construction:
- The reduction of carbon footprint
- Energy savings
- Waste reduction
- Improvement of indoor air quality
- Durability and longevity
- Biodiversity and environmental integration
- Comfort and well-being of the occupants.
- Flexibility and modularity
- Aesthetics and innovative design
- Economic valuation
- Environmental awareness
The For Construction article highlights the continuing innovations and developments in materials design and engineering, computer technology, and connectivity, as well as the push for sustainability due to climate change as reasons for applying a circular construction.
A World Green Building Council released the “Circular Built Environment Playbook” in May 2023 to serve as a comprehensive guide for adopting a circular economy in the construction sector. The Playbook promotes the circular construction principles of “reduction in material consumption, optimization of the asset lifecycle, and design for disassembly and recycling. Circular construction offers a holistic approach to addressing the industry’s environmental footprint.”
According to the article, high-income countries must lead in the adoption of circular economy practices. They comprise only 16% of the global population yet produce one-third of global waste.
Optimizing the asset lifecycle through the care and maintenance of assets extends their useful life and fixing them before they break. It ensures they run at their peak for as long as possible, preventing costly downtime or replacement when an asset breaks down or gets damaged beyond repair. Applying asset lifecycle management has also proven cost-effective, allowing businesses to save money and minimize material waste by using the asset for as long as possible.
As the effects of climate change accelerate, applying circular construction is no longer an option but a must for businesses.
Understanding and complying with new regulations, especially on ESG goals, can guide construction businesses to becoming more sustainable.
Additionally, advancements in technology, engineering, building designs, and the availability of environmentally friendly and low-carbon building materials make applying the circular construction principle accessible and feasible for businesses.
Sources:
The construction industry remains horribly climate-unfriendly. (2022, June 15). The Economist. Retrieved from https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2022/06/15/the-construction-industry-remains-horribly-climate-unfriendly
Kendle, M. (2023, October 27). Climate change: Managing the implications on construction. Marsh. Retrieved from https://www.marsh.com/ro/en/industries/construction/insights/climate-change-managing-the-implications-on-construction.html
Schuldt, S.J.; Nicholson, M.R.; Adams, Y.A., II; Delorit, J.D. Weather-Related Construction Delays in a Changing Climate: A Systematic State-of-the-Art Review. Sustainability 2021, 13, 2861. https://doi.org/ 10.3390/su13052861
All About Circular Construction. (2023, August 30). Viewpoint. Retrieved from https://www.viewpoint.com/en-au/blog/all-about-circular-construction?redirected=y.
Roberts, Erin. (2024, June 10). Role Of Construction In Advancing Sustainability. For Construction Pros. Retrieved from https://www.forconstructionpros.com/sustainability/article/22894856/ey-role-of-construction-in-advancing-sustainability
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