Do all Green Buildings balance Carbon Emissions?

Introduction

The impact of climate change is for all to experience. It is something that none of us can now ignore. If statistics are to be believed, constructed spaces currently contribute to 39% of global energy-related carbon emissions: 28% from operational emissions and 11% from materials used in construction.

The world’s population forecast states that the population will approach 10 billion by the middle of the century, doubling the global building stock.

Construction Industry & Climate change

The forecast is that the emissions from construction will account for about half of the total greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The entry of start-ups in the construction industry is fast changing the definition of construction materials. Operating on the Circular Economy model, they have introduced eco-friendly, sustainable, and natural materials such as straw, cork, bamboo, recycled plastic, recycled fabric, coconut shells, reclaimed wood, reclaimed and recycled steel, and rammed earth, to name a few. These materials can be energy efficient, have a low to negative carbon footprint, help improve air quality, and are low on VOC emission.

What is a green building?

A building designed, constructed, or operated to minimise damage to the environment may be described as a green building.

A green building may be rated on issues such as :

• Location and transport
• Sustainable sites
• Reduced water usage
• Materials usage
• Energy efficiency
• Indoor environmental quality

What is carbon-neutrality in buildings?

In 2006, the word “carbon neutral” was featured in the New Oxford American Dictionary. Since then, it has gained widespread recognition. This concept refers to the balance between carbon dioxide emissions and carbon absorption from various systems, such as the oceans, forests, and soils. If these emissions were balanced, the world would have a carbon-neutral economy.

A European Union Commission study revealed that natural carbon sinks can remove up to 11 gigatons of CO2 annually from the atmosphere. Unfortunately, that is not enough to prevent global warming. To become carbon-neutral, companies can either reduce their emissions to zero or purchase carbon credits. The emphasis is on choosing sustainable building materials that sequester CO2. Strawcture Agribiopanels, Cocopanels, and Agrocrete are good examples.

Related articles on Designing Buildings

• Carbon ratings for buildings.
• Cob building.
• CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme.
• Display energy certificate.
• Earth building.
• Earthship.
• Energy certificates for buildings.
• Energy targets.
• Environmental - sustainable - green design.
• Green building.
• Green rating systems.
• Green supply chain management.
• Kevin McCloud's 'Green Heroes' 2019
• Sustainability.