The zero-emissions resource pool: construction materials compatible with a realistic view of delivering zero-emissions in the UK by 2050
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Globally agreed climate targets aim at halving global green-house gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 and reaching zero by 2050. In response, a growing number of countries, including the UK, have pledged to reduce their national emissions to zero by mid-century. Whilst notable progress is being made in several sectors, such as electricity and transport, the construction sector presents one of the most daunting challenges in meeting this target.
Currently, the construction sector in the UK accounts for 25% of national GHG emissions, a quarter of which arises in material production used in key building elements such as as foundations, frames and other forms of superstructure. Delivering on the UK’s legally binding emissions target will therefore require alternative construction materials and reduced demand.
This research aims to provide a comprehensive review of near-future (until 2050) options for the zero-emissions supply of construction materials in the UK including a full array of bio-based and circular materials.
The paper focuses on nine key construction materials—concrete, steel, aluminium, structural glass, timber, earth, stone, lime and straw. It identifies a zero-emissions resource pool which includes virgin bio-based materials (limited by the availability of productive land), virgin earth and stone (limited by local geology and transportation), recycled materials (limited by the availability of scrap and emission-free electricity), and reused components (limited by availability and refurbishment potential).
This points to the need for a revision to the national construction strategy and a range of entrepreneurial opportunities in delivering the services of construction within a reduced material budget.
The construction sector faces the daunting task of meeting growing construction demand with a ‘zero-emission resource pool’ — materials compatible with a near-future zero-emissions economy. The review aims to span the full range of decarbonisation strategies, accounting for uncertainties in build rates of new processes.
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