Construction Carbon 101: Understanding the Impact and Solutions

The Carbon Footprint of Construction: A Global and Local Perspective

The construction industry is one of the largest contributors to global carbon emissions. With the increasing urgency to address climate change, understanding the impact of construction emissions is essential for industry professionals and policymakers alike.

Global Carbon Emissions from Construction

• The built environment accounts for nearly 40% of global CO₂ emissions, with 11% coming from embodied carbon – emissions associated with materials and construction processes (World Green Building Council).

• The cement industry alone contributes approximately 8% of global CO₂ emissions.

• By 2050, global building floor area is expected to double, making carbon reduction strategies crucial.

  
  

New Zealand’s Construction Carbon Footprint

• The construction sector is responsible for 20% of New Zealand’s total emissions (BRANZ).

• Embodied carbon in buildings accounts for between 10-20% of a building’s whole-life carbon emissions.

• The government has set a goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, with construction and infrastructure playing a key role in achieving this target.

  
  

Key Legislation and Standards Reducing Carbon in Construction

New Zealand Regulations and Initiatives

• Building for Climate Change (BfCC) Programme – A government-led initiative focusing on reducing operational and embodied carbon in buildings, currently under review by the National Government.

• New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) Certifications:

  • Homestar (residential buildings)

  • Green Star (commercial buildings)

  • NABERSNZ (energy performance rating for office buildings)

• Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Act 2019 – Establishes emissions reduction targets and a framework for achieving net-zero emissions.

• BRANZ CO₂NSTRUCT Tool – Provides carbon data to help assess material choices.

  
  

Global Standards and Frameworks

• ISO 14040/14044 – Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): Provides a framework for evaluating the environmental impact of construction materials.

• EN 15978 – Sustainability of Construction Works: Defines calculation methods for assessing building life-cycle carbon emissions.

• World Green Building Council (WGBC) Advancing Net Zero Initiative: A global effort to promote net-zero carbon buildings by 2050.

• LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design): An internationally recognized green building certification.

• BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method): A sustainability assessment method used widely in Europe.

  
  

Strategies for Reducing Construction Carbon Emissions

1. Material Selection and Efficiency

• Use low-carbon materials like Mass Timber, Recycled Steel, and Alternative Cement blends.

• Prioritise locally sourced materials to reduce transportation emissions.

2. Energy-Efficient Design and Construction

• Implement passive design strategies to reduce energy consumption.

• Use modular construction and prefabrication to minimise waste.

3. Circular Economy and Waste Reduction

• Promote deconstruction over demolition to reuse materials.

• Encourage recycling and repurposing of construction waste.

4. Carbon Offsetting and Sequestration

• Incorporate green infrastructure, such as green roofs and urban forests.

• Support carbon offset projects where reductions are not feasible.

  
  

The Future of Low-Carbon Construction in New Zealand

As carbon reporting becomes more stringent, the New Zealand construction industry must adapt to ensure compliance with emerging regulations and best practices. Embracing low-carbon materials, efficient construction practices, and whole-of-life carbon assessments will not only reduce emissions but also position businesses as leaders in sustainable construction.

Final Thoughts

Understanding and addressing carbon emissions in construction is essential for the future of our built environment. By adopting best practices and leveraging innovative solutions, the industry can significantly reduce its climate impact.

At Secoya Consulting, we help businesses navigate carbon assessments and implement strategies for low-carbon construction. Contact us to learn how we can support your sustainability goals.

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