Capturing the Opportunity for Decarbonization in the Construction Industry: Emission-Free, Effective, and Resilient Solutions †

Abstract

The global economy’s most significant sector, the construction sector, is key to accomplishing sustainability objectives. The building and infrastructure business is not typically thought of as being environmentally friendly, but this is likely to change as the ecosystem (the whole life cycle of all structures and infrastructure, from design and material manufacturing to construction, use, and destruction) develops. Actors in the building sector cannot afford to ignore the worldwide trend of decarbonization. As this sector is responsible for more than 20% of all greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, construction companies have the opportunity to reduce their climate impact by decarbonizing their building operations. Actors in the construction sector must prioritise the development of a strategic goal and collaborate with other ecosystem players, such as clients, architects, engineers, manufacturers, and financiers, in order to realise this potential. Here, we show the actions the industry can take right now and how stakeholders from all points along the value chain may work together to succeed. It is also important to keep in mind that if the low-interest-rate environment lasts and sizable stimulus packages are implemented, these developments may aid in the deployment of new, sustainable infrastructure as well as infrastructure for adaptation and resilience, investments that would support the creation of jobs in the near future. In the meantime, it is possible that the need for international collaboration on this matter will increase in terms of clarity and acceptance. This research study focuses on how construction affects greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the context of buildings, how this sector can decarbonize, and how businesses might profit from this process.