Reducing emissions: Focusing on buildings, not meatless burgers

author: FutureCar Staff    

The key to reducing our emissions lies in our buildings, rather than meatless burgers, according to Gregory Dewerpe. Despite the focus on ditching plastic, meat, and cars over the past eight years, these measures have not made a significant impact on reducing emissions.

During this time, temperatures have continued to reach record highs, and extreme weather events like wildfires and flooding have caused widespread destruction. It is clear that we need to prioritize sectors that have a larger impact on emissions, rather than focusing on making everyone vegetarian.

One sector that urgently needs transformation is the built world, which includes the places where we live, work, shop, and create. It is the world's most carbon-emitting sector and is responsible for a significant portion of global energy-related carbon emissions. Concrete alone contributes up to 8% of global greenhouse emissions, and construction and demolition waste accounts for a third of solid waste in Europe and North America.

If we do not take action, these emissions are projected to double by 2050 due to population growth and urbanization. The challenges faced by the built world are further exacerbated by economic factors such as rising interest rates and inflation, as well as the shift towards remote work, which has led to high office vacancy rates in cities like London.

However, there is hope in Europe, where over $4.5 billion has been invested in green construction technology between 2017 and 2022. European regulations and standards in renewable energy and sustainability are leading the way, and the research conducted at European universities can contribute to a global climate tech industry.

Climate tech has already attracted significant investment and is expected to transform traditional industries that account for a large portion of global GDP, such as steel and cement. Innovations are being made throughout the entire lifecycle of the built world, from the supply chain to construction techniques and building operations.

It is crucial that we realize the urgency of the situation and not rely on the distant deadline of 2050. We cannot afford political complacency or delay in implementing real change. Investors play a crucial role in directing capital towards industries that can make a difference. Time is running out, and without focused action, we risk being too late to address the climate crisis.

FutureCar Staff