As the world looks deeper and deeper into how we can stop or reverse our growing climate crisis, one fact is becoming increasingly clear: the architectural sector (including engineering and construction) is in and of itself responsible for fully one-third of global energy consumption and a staggering 39% of greenhouse gas emissions. With the Paris Agreement’s stated goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, a broad spectrum of stakeholders – from the public sector to businesses, real estate investors and individual consumers – are beginning to push hard for greener and more economical solutions. That’s why the future is sending us a clear message: To achieve climate progress on a vast scale, the architecture must step up and help lead the way.
It’s what we build and how we do it that is crucial to overcoming the current crisis. Our challenge as architects and designers is to ensure that our buildings stand the test of time. To achieve a zero-emission future, we must consider the entire life cycle of a building and its components – and reduce the operational carbon as well as the “embodied carbon” in buildings that’s generated by the transportation, installation and use of every material and furnishing.
There are many approaches to decarbonizing architecture, including improving energy efficiency of buildings, the use of renewable energy sources, low-carbon materials and the introduction of innovative technologies. Solar and wind energy, biogas and geothermal energy can be effective alternatives to carbon use throughout the construction industry.
“Architecture and design have long been synonymous with innovative design solutions that can push the boundaries of human imagination and creativity. And we, the architects, are the ones who create the future in our drawings, so it is our responsibility to create a healthy future,”
Nataliia Syrota CEO of SINATA
One of the main challenges of architectural decarbonization is the need to adjust the mentality in the construction industry. To reduce carbon emissions, we must broadly recalibrate our approaches to the design and construction of buildings. Options include reconsidering the use of natural materials like lumber in building high-rise structures; providing better insulation in buildings to reduce energy costs for heating and air conditioning and incorporating Thermally Activated Building Structures (TABS systems), which can also play a vital role in optimizing energy and water use.
Another challenge is the large number of existing buildings that need to be renovated and modernized to meet decarbonization standards. However, the smart use of technology and materials can help reduce energy costs and ensure the efficient life-cycle use of older buildings.
Architects and designers must be conscious and responsible in their work as they look for strategies to contain and reduce the environmental impact of construction. Further research and the development of new technologies will help to ensure that we continue to move toward decarbonization and build a future that is sustainable and resilient for our planet and all of its inhabitants.