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UNEP says the sector is critical to addressing the climate crisis , yet it is “ not making the deep systemic changes needed to get on the path to this goal ”.

Understanding the entire lifecycle of buildings is central to a construction achieving a successful green transition .

Only when companies identify and measure all their carbon emission sources can they start to take steps to reduce them .

Importantly , the industry needs to consider both operational and embodied carbon . The former is generally easier to assess and reduce since it relates to use of a building , and occupants can improve energy efficiency .

Embodied carbon meanwhile , which the World Green Building Council predicts could account for half of the entire carbon footprint of new construction by 2050 , relates to the greenhouse gas emissions associated with construction including material extraction , manufacturing , transportation and assembly .

It is therefore much harder to influence embodied carbon emissions post construction and according to UNEP has been “ under-addressed in strategies to reduce building emissions ”.

Building better

According to a report directed by CRREM , the construction of new buildings accounts for up to 70 per cent of embodied carbon .

The first step in addressing embodied carbon is to build more efficiently from the outset . In addition to implementing measures in new and existing buildings , it is crucial to prioritise material efficiency and structural optimisation in design . This will ensure that every material choice contributes to a more sustainable , lowcarbon future in the built environment . For example , modular construction can reduce energy use by up to 67 per cent compared to traditional methods .

Addressing embodied carbon requires a strategic approach focusing on key actions throughout the lifecycle of buildings . Implementing a lifecycle assessment helps identify and minimise carbon impacts at every stage , from production and construction to end of life .

Key actions include selecting low-carbon materials , adopting modular construction methods , retrofitting existing buildings rather than new builds , and reusing materials .

Tools like Nooco , a Deepki solution , can enhance these efforts by providing detailed insights into the carbon footprint of different building materials and solutions , enabling more informed decisions . By integrating these practices , the real estate sector can make significant strides in reducing embodied carbon and moving towards a more sustainable future .

Retrofitting to reduce carbon

Existing buildings are not often energy efficient , but targeted retrofits can help reduce operational emissions , lowering their overall carbon footprint .

Retrofits or renovations of existing buildings that aim to reduce the environmental impact of a built area are costly yet necessary investments in many buildings ’ life cycles .

Failure to embark on a retrofit strategy not only risks real estate owners falling foul of ever more stringent environmental regulations , but also sees their buildings at risk of becoming “ stranded assets ” - buildings that have lost a significant portion of their value due to their poor environmental performance and inability to meet evolving sustainability standards . This can result from factors such as increased operating costs due to inefficient systems , difficulty in attracting tenants who increasingly prioritise sustainability ,

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