Effective strategies for decarbonizing the construction value chain

Introduction

The construction sector, responsible for approximately 37% of global carbon dioxide emissions, faces the constant challenge of evolving towards more sustainable practices. This environmental impact extends along the entire value chain, from initial planning and design to the dismantling of structures and waste management, requiring a holistic approach to mitigate its environmental footprint.

Decarbonizing the construction value chain requires technological advances and a comprehensive rethinking of current practices and processes. This article addresses specific strategies to reduce emissions at each stage, integrating innovative tools, progressive regulations and sustainability principles.

Environmental impact of the construction sector

The construction sector generates approximately 23% of air pollution, 40% of potable water consumption and 30% of solid waste globally, according to recent studies. This impact comes mainly from carbon-intensive materials, such as concrete and steel, as well as inefficient resource management practices.

The transition to sustainable construction offers an opportunity to reverse these trends. It is estimated that the adoption of sustainable methods could reduce the sector’s emissions by 23% by 2035, making a major contribution to global decarbonization goals and fostering a more environmentally friendly development model.

The importance of decarbonizing the construction value chain

It is a necessary action to care for the environment, improve the quality of life and ensure a sustainable future. This sector, responsible for a considerable share of global carbon emissions, has the potential to lead positive change. Reducing greenhouse gases helps mitigate climate change, protect critical ecosystems and preserve the habitats of diverse animal species.

In addition, incorporating sustainable practices in construction transforms cities into more livable places. Green buildings reduce emissions and operating costs and offer healthier and more comfortable spaces for people. Globally, these actions promote a balanced economic model based on innovation and respect for the planet. These measures build both physical structures and a lasting commitment to protecting the environment and future generations.

Strategies for the decarbonization of the construction value chain

It encompasses all activities involved in the delivery of a project, from initial planning through operation and decommissioning. Each stage represents an opportunity to incorporate sustainable practices that minimize environmental impact. For example:

Sustainable design and integrated planning

Sustainable design strategies are comprehensive methods that incorporate environmental and social criteria into innovative sustainable construction projects. Their goal is to minimize negative impacts, optimize resource use, and generate positive contributions to the well-being of the planet and communities. Below are some design strategies under sustainable practices:

1. Passive design: Strategically orient buildings to optimize natural light, cross ventilation and thermal insulation; this reduces the use of mechanical systems, minimizes energy consumption and, consequently, associated emissions.
2. Select eco-friendly materials: Opt for local materials, high recyclability and low environmental impact, such as certified wood, biocomposites and ecological concrete, which are materials that require less energy for their production.
3. Energy-efficient technologies: Incorporating LED lighting, advanced HVAC systems and smart insulation are green practices that minimize energy consumption.
4. Advanced digital technologies: Tools such as building information modeling (BIM) and energy simulations enable more efficient and accurate design.
5. Green infrastructure
6. Urban green spaces: Incorporating green roofs and vertical gardens improves urban biodiversity and mitigates heat islands.
7. Adaptive reuse: Transforming existing structures for new purposes, reducing resource consumption and preserving historic elements.
8. Life cycle assessment: Analyze the environmental impact of each design decision, considering the entire life cycle of the building. In addition, designing building projects with long-lasting aesthetics and functionality reduces obsolescence, promotes longevity of structures, and promotes efficient use of materials and energy.
9. Innovative construction systems: Incorporating methods such as modular construction, which prefabricates elements in workshops, minimizes on-site waste and speeds up execution times. Technologies such as robotic construction and 3D printing also optimize processes and reinforce sustainability from the design stage.

Responsible procurement and supply chain management

The procurement phase is critical to ensure that the materials and services used are consistent with sustainability objectives. Sustainable strategies include:

1. Selection of sustainable suppliers: Prioritize those suppliers, preferably local, that implement responsible practices, such as the use of renewable energies in the production of materials and use certified materials in their processes.
2. Logistics optimization: Design plans to optimize routes and ensure efficient compliance with material movement times, reducing costs and emissions. In addition, prioritize the use of clean means of transportation, such as electric or hybrid vehicles, to minimize environmental impact.
3. Circular economy: Encourage the reuse and recycling of materials to minimize dependence on virgin resources and emissions from production.
4. Monitoring and tracking: Implement digital systems that track emissions throughout the supply chain, ensuring compliance with environmental standards.

Sustainable construction and on-site practices

The construction phase is one of the most carbon-intensive. Reducing emissions during this stage requires an innovative approach:

1. Energy efficiency: Encourage the use of electric or hybrid machinery and adopt LED lighting systems to optimize energy consumption during activities. Complement these initiatives with advanced energy management systems to monitor and control consumption in real time, ensuring a more efficient and sustainable operation.
2. Waste management: Implement systems to sort and recycle materials, as well as to valorize non-recyclable waste by generating biogas.
3. Optimization of resource use: Develop detailed material and resource management plans with accurate estimation of quantities needed. Implement inventory control systems that adjust orders according to actual needs to avoid surpluses.
4. Automation and robotics: Integrate robots and automated machinery for repetitive tasks to reduce construction time and energy consumption.
5. Training and awareness-raising: Provide ongoing training to workers in sustainability, energy efficiency and waste management. Implement awareness programs that promote a culture of sustainability at the site.
6. Monitoring and evaluation: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure progress in sustainability, such as emissions reduction, energy consumption and waste generation.

Efficient operation and maintenance

The operation and maintenance phase of a building accounts for a significant portion of its carbon footprint over its lifetime. Sustainable strategies include:

1. Smart energy management with continuous monitoring: Using automated systems with IoT sensors to monitor energy and resource consumption in real time, optimizing operations. These collect and analyze data on intelligent platforms to identify usage patterns, detect anomalies and optimize operations on an ongoing basis. In addition, integrating technologies such as home automation allows for more efficient and centralized management of resources.
2. Predictive maintenance: Detect failures early with advanced sensors, extending the useful life of equipment.
3. Sustainable water and waste management: Implement advanced systems for saving water, reusing rainwater, and sorting waste at source to promote recycling and composting. These practices, combined with innovative technologies, reduce water consumption, and also minimize solid waste generation, promoting a comprehensive approach to sustainability.
4. Occupant education: Promote responsible practices among building users to maximize operational efficiency. Use tools such as mobile apps to encourage responsible and sustainable behaviors.

Dismantling and recycling at construction sites

A construction site requires strategic planning from the initial stages of the project, including the dismantling and recycling of materials. This involves designing with a life-cycle approach, prioritizing dismountable and recyclable materials, and establishing clear processes for their recovery at the end of the building’s useful life.

A key strategy is to maximize the recovery of materials such as steel, wood, glass and concrete, ensuring their reuse in new projects or their processing for other construction uses, reducing waste sent to landfills and promoting a circular economy within the sector, optimizing resources and reducing environmental impact.

In the following EcoInnovaTech video, you will discover how sustainable architecture is changing cities. You will understand how efficient, ecological and water-saving buildings are designed. You will learn about innovative projects and understand why sustainable construction is necessary for a better future.

Public policies and financing for sustainable construction

Public policy support and funding is essential to facilitate the transition to sustainable practices in construction.

• Economic incentives: Grants and tax credits encourage sustainable projects, while international funds such as Next Generation EU support energy rehabilitation initiatives.
• Standards and certifications: Standards such as ISO 15392 and LEED, BREEAM and VERDE certifications establish clear standards and practices for sustainable construction.
• Sustainable investment funds: ESG-focused capital finances innovative construction projects that combine sustainability and profitability.

The combination of incentives, regulations and financing is driving a more sustainable future in construction.

Conclusions

Decarbonizing the construction value chain is an environmental necessity, which, in turn, offers an opportunity to drive innovation and sustainability in this industrial sector. Adopting strategies such as sustainable design, responsible supply chain management and on-site automation can reduce emissions by 23% by 2035, while simultaneously improving the economic efficiency of the sector.

This change will only be possible through active collaboration between companies, governments and users, supported by progressive public policies and investment in cutting-edge technologies. In this way, the industry will lead the transition to a cleaner, more resilient and equitable future.

References

1. https://sigmaearth.com/es/sustainable-design-strategies-a-complete-guide/#google_vignette 
2. https://es.euronews.com/business/2023/04/04/oslo-disminuye-la-contaminacion-con-el-uso-de-maquinas-electricas-en-sus-obras-de-construc