Timely deployment of best-in-class technologies to enable development and decarbonise construction

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Sustainable Development

Background:

• Global challenges include housing a growing population and reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
• Cement-based materials constitute approximately 75% of construction materials by mass.
• Historical data shows a peak in cement use correlating with increased Gross Domestic Product per capita.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze current, historical, and forecast data on construction material usage.
• To assess the potential for reducing CO2 emissions through improved construction technologies.
• To evaluate the feasibility of meeting housing and infrastructure needs in low- and middle-income countries while lowering per capita CO2 emissions.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of historical and forecast data on construction material consumption.
• Estimation of CO2 emission reductions achievable with best-available construction technologies.
• Modeling of future material demand, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Main Results:

• Cement use in China has peaked and is declining.
• Three-quarters of construction material demand by 2050 will be in low- and middle-income countries.
• Adoption of best available construction technologies could reduce CO2 emissions by 73% by 2050 compared to business as usual.

Conclusions:

• Sustainable construction practices can address both housing needs and climate change mitigation.
• Developing nations can achieve Sustainable Development Goals through infrastructure development with reduced CO2 emissions.
• Optimizing construction material use is critical for global sustainability efforts.