International News
RESEARCH:
EMISSIONS IN CITIES
COULD BE CUT BY 44% BY 2050
By Brad Ryan, Senior PR coordinator, Arup
R
esearch has revealed that changes to the construction
industry could cut the emissions generated from buildings
and infrastructure in cities by 44% by 2050.
The report, published by C40 Cities, Arup and University
of Leeds, Building and Infrastructure Consumption Emissions
urges action in six key areas to reduce the climate impact of
construction in cities:
• Implementing efficiency in material design
• Enhancing existing building utilisation
• Switching high-emission materials to sustainable timber
where appropriate
• Using lower-carbon cement
• Reusing building materials and components
• Using low, or zero-emission construction machinery.
• As well as reducing GHG emissions.
The research reveals the additional economic, social and health
benefits that ‘clean’ construction could generate. The interventions
identified in the research would reduce air and noise pollution,
providing health benefits for citizens and the environment. They
would also spark change within the growing construction economy,
providing opportunities for new jobs and skills.
“As the sector responsible for the largest share of
consumption-based emissions in C40 cities between now and
2050, it’s clear that the construction sector must do more
to reduce its carbon impact. Our research shows that there
are significant opportunities to act, but we need to rethink
the way buildings and infrastructure are delivered. Making
that change a reality will rely on working with all those
with responsibility for delivering development. We believe
that the construction sector can embrace this change, if it
invests in necessary skills and training and seeks to promote
innovation,” Ben Smith, director, Energy, Cities and Climate
Change at Arup.
The interventions identified in the research would reduce air
and noise pollution, providing health benefits for citizens and the
environment. “The world’s cities are growing fast; with an area
the size of Milan being built every week. It may be a boom time
for builders, but the construction industry is a major contributor
to the climate crisis. As C40’s research demonstrates, citizens
will ultimately benefit from cleaner air, quieter streets and lower
prices. Now it is up to businesses and industry to recognise the
risks of inaction and work with municipalities and consumers to
make sure everyone benefits from the huge opportunities that lie
ahead from clean construction,” Mark Watts, Executive director
of C40 Cities.
Download the Building and Infrastructure Consumption
Emissions report on the Arup website. RACA
Industry
and various
research
centres
are serious
about cutting
emissions from
building and
infrastructure
in cities.
www.hvacronline.co.za
RACA Journal I May 2020
9