COP26 – Construction and the push for net-zero

In this short blog, we look at the future of construction and how the push for net-zero will change the way we work

COP26 is shaping up to be one of the most important climate summits in history. With time running out for the world to keep global temperature rises to below 2 degrees Celsius, it’s imperative that COP26 successfully delivers concrete plans to enact carbon reductions on a global scale.

The construction industry has a big part to play in the future of net-zero. In 2019, 39% of global carbon emissions came from the construction industry. This percentage is broken down into two areas. The first is the operational cost of running a building (think heating, cooling and powering) which accounts for 28% of global emissions. The remaining 11% comes from the up-front carbon cost of the construction process itself.

This week, we’re going to look at the construction process itself and how to decarbonise it.

Decarbonising the construction process

While the majority of carbon emissions come from the energy used to power the buildings themselves, there’s still a sizable contribution from the construction process. That carbon comes from the production of materials like steel and concrete, and the machinery used to transport it and install it.

When it comes to materials, much of the products we use in our industry have a high carbon cost. Finding a way to produce these materials sustainably or finding viable alternatives could significantly reduce carbon emissions.

As far as alternatives go, there are things like Hempcrete which is a natural composite of lime and hemp. Hempcrete is a better-than-carbon-zero material (it absorbs more carbon than it produces) that can be used in everything from insulation to building blocks. However, it’s a non-load bearing material, meaning robust structural elements such as steel or lumber are still required.

Steel is the go-to in most large developments and will be tricky to phase out. Some of the viable alternatives include fibre reinforced plastics, alternative metal alloys, specialist timbers, and even bamboo fibre. It's early days for these materials and while they show a lot of promise, we’re not quite ready to completely replace steel.

Another strategy discussed is the concept of design for disassembly. Meaning exactly what it says on the tin, design for disassembly is all about designing buildings that can easily be disassembled once their lifespan is spent. When that time comes, they can be easily disassembled and the structural elements can be repurposed for use in new buildings.

How modern methods of construction (MMC) can reduce our carbon footprint

Modern methods of construction (MMC) is a catch-all term for several modern innovations widely used in the industry. Much of it is based on modular construction. For example, a prefabricated modular hub can be built off-site and shipped as a finished piece, ready for installation at the construction site.

There are numerous benefits to MMC and modular construction, with increased carbon efficiency chief amongst them.

• Rigorous design processes mean more economical use of materials and less waste

• The factory quality control of off-site construction reduces costly mistakes that require more carbon emissions to put right     

• Fewer transport requirements mean less fuel used

• The potential for higher levels of airtightness produces buildings that are easier to keep heated. 

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Medlock is constantly evolving and we always keep our finger on the pulse of the industry. We move with the times, ensuring we can produce the best end products for our clients while respecting both the environment and the communities we work in.

We’re entering a period of radical change in our industry. The push for net-zero in 2050 will mean a rethink of many traditional approaches and will require innovation and collaboration to achieve.

Medlock is ready to rise to the challenge of a more carbon-friendly industry and will do so with passion and commitment. By working together with clients, regulatory bodies and each other, we can forge a stronger future for construction.