The impact of net zero on building construction
Around the world, governments are actively trying to respond to climate change. In the UK, this is reflected in the net zero strategy which aims to decarbonise all sectors of the UK economy by 2050. This includes the construction industry which is currently responsible for 40% of greenhouse gas emissions globally resulting in a shift in how the whole industry operates over the next few years. Here are a few key ways in which the sector is expected to change.
Materials
Net zero targets will change the materials that are being used for the construction of buildings. Traditional carbon-dense materials such as cement and brick will be replaced with materials such as plywood which have much lower carbon emissions.
Due to trees absorbing carbon as they grow, using wood or timber products from sustainable sources in construction is a brilliant way to erect buildings with a lower carbon footprint while actively contributing to the reduction of carbon in the atmosphere. The use of timber products also aids in the reduction of virgin materials which carry higher carbon emissions.
Design
To construct buildings in line with net zero, architects will need to design buildings that are made to last their entire lifetime. Buildings that are demolished quickly have a much higher relative carbon footprint, so longevity and flexibility in building design are key. Generally, buildings are demolished due to being unfit for purpose or outdated, rather than because they are worn down and unusable. Therefore, there will likely be an increase in multi-purpose buildings and spaces that are flexible in their use and include concepts such as moveable walls so that the occupants can design the space as they wish.
The choice of site will also be crucial to ensure sustainability – the area will require extensive eco-system checks as well as energy usage considerations. As well as this, buildings will need to be designed to use as little energy as possible to keep them running during their lifetime. As such, consideration will be made to maximise natural light which will reduce the energy required and may include factoring in the building’s energy supply such as solar panels or heat pumps.
Jobs
While people may assume that focusing on net zero will mean more automation and fewer jobs, this is not the case. Dedicated environmental roles such as Sustainability Managers and Environmental Advisors have been introduced within construction. These employees will focus on the environmental impact of a construction project including the area itself and ensure all regulations are met on-site to adhere to the net zero goal. These roles are likely to appear within many teams and sites worldwide as we move towards reducing carbon emissions.
Construction
The actual construction phase of buildings will likely change due to net zero. There will be a focus on environmentally friendly construction methods such as the use of electric and hybrid vehicles and equipment which will significantly reduce the carbon emissions of the building process.
While on-site, the usage of water and power will also be monitored to ensure that sustainability targets are being met. As such, there will be a target for teams to conserve their usage to align with the net zero goal.
