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The real estate sector is one of the major contributors to the UK’s Gross Value Added (GVA). The sector comprises a wide range of activities, from residential and commercial property development to management and investment. However, according to MoneyTransfers.com, the construction sector is also a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. It is responsible for 25 percent of the UK’s total emissions.
MoneyTransfers CEO Jonathan Merry commented on the data:
It is worrying to see that the property sector is responsible for such a high proportion of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. We need to find ways to reduce emissions at every stage of the construction and use cycle if we are to meet the net zero by 2050 target.
MoneyTransfers CEO Jonathan Merry
Carbon Emissions From Construction Sector
The construction and use cycle of buildings generate greenhouse gases at every stage. For example, during the construction phase, emissions are produced from the manufacture of materials, transportation of equipment, and waste disposal. Once a building is operational, emissions come from running heating and cooling systems, electricity, water, and waste disposal. When a building is eventually demolished, more emissions are produced from the transportation and disposal of the debris.
The UK Government has committed to achieving a 68% reduction in the UK’s carbon emissions by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. To meet this ambitious target, all sectors of the economy will need to make significant reductions.
Jonathan Merry said:
We need to take urgent action to decarbonize the built environment sector. Sharing knowledge and best practices is essential to finding ways to reduce emissions.
MoneyTransfers CEO Jonathan Merry
Green Building
UKGBC’s Advancing Net Zero programme is the only industry-wide initiative of its kind in the UK; it is working to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon built environment. The program supports businesses to achieve net zero operational emissions by 2050 and shares knowledge and best practices across the industry.
The good news is that there are many ways to reduce emissions from buildings during construction and throughout their lifetime. For example, using energy-efficient appliances and insulation can help to reduce emissions from running a building. And using sustainable materials and construction methods can help to reduce emissions during the construction phase.
Commenting on the programme, Merry said, “The Advancing Net Zero programme is an important step in the right direction. But we need to do more. The construction industry must embrace climate action and work together to find ways to reduce emissions at every stage of the built environment lifecycle.”
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