As the world grapples with climate change, the construction industry remains a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and waste. In 2022, construction and demolition accounted for 30 to 40% of global solid waste. This trend is unlikely to change unless governments and property owners take decisive action.
Eamonn Connolly, Director of Engineering at McHugh Construction, notes that building practices are largely dictated by legal requirements and client specifications. Low-carbon construction isn’t a priority yet, and even if it were, the spread of best practices in the industry is slow.
Adapting Existing Structures
Architects understand that the most sustainable building is the one that isn’t built. Avoiding new construction reduces the embodied carbon energy required for resource extraction, material manufacturing, transportation, and building. This means reusing existing structures. Detroit’s rehabilitation offers a prime example, where historic buildings are repurposed for new uses. Adaptive reuse goes further by finding new purposes for old structures, as demonstrated by Detroit-based firm McIntosh Poris with several iconic projects.
Emerging Technologies and Material Recycling
Technology is reshaping construction, with AI, drones, and 3D printing leading the charge. Companies like Holcim are innovating by recycling used concrete into aggregates and cement paste, closing the material loop. These innovations pave the way for the sustainable cities of tomorrow. Additionally, 3D printing, exemplified by the ViliaSprint2 project in France, showcases how fiber-reinforced concrete can revolutionize residential construction.
However, the cost of these new technologies remains a barrier for many. Recycled materials can sometimes be more expensive than traditional ones. Compared to conventional methods, some projects may lack appeal in terms of implementation speed.