Aug 21 Carbon Neutralization in Construction: How does it work?

In Brazil, it is estimated that the construction sector is responsible for one third of the country's total emissions. According to the 2022 Global Status Report on Building and Construction, the sector was responsible for around 37% of CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) emissions related to energy and processes in 2021. To get an idea of ​​how the sector impacts worldwide, in Europe alone, the construction sector represents 40% of the continent's total energy needs and around 80% comes from fossil fuels. For this reason, the actions of the construction chain will be decisive in achieving environmental goals

One of the most critical points in this negative impact is, without a doubt, the origin of the components. The main materials used in the construction of buildings are major generators of GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions into the atmosphere. The widely used cement, for example, generates almost 20% of total emissions from industry. Not to mention steel, which is responsible for more than 30% of carbon emissions from the Brazilian industrial sector. But the construction process, especially the more traditional one, which causes changes to the soil, generates an absurd amount of waste, requires the transportation of materials to the construction site and uses equipment that emits pollutants, is also no slouch in this regard. The building operation stage ends up as the grand finale of the damage, since electricity production is a significant cause of greenhouse gas emissions and the vast majority of buildings still do not use energy efficiently.

Then the question arises: How can we call this sector to change? GHG emissions inventories are the first step towards accurately calculating the volume of carbon produced at each stage of construction. Based on this study, it is possible to define a series of mitigating measures in order to reduce impacts and offset emissions. While it is not possible to create strategies at the design stage of new projects, specifying materials that result in a lower environmental impact throughout their life cycle, for example, and by reusing or recycling waste on site, it is necessary to adopt emissions reduction measures with a view to reducing the environmental impact of the project.

Prioritizing suppliers located close to the construction site, using industrialized construction systems, seeking environmental certifications that attest to the efficiency of buildings, as well as implementing mechanisms to offset emissions, such as using renewable energy sources or fixing CO₂ through planting native vegetation, are all very welcome actions.

Know that there are several ways to achieve this offsetting, such as acquiring carbon credits or making investments in emissions reduction projects, and never forget to monitor and evaluate the results for the continuous improvement of these processes.

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