The construction industry stands at a pivotal juncture as it grapples with its substantial carbon footprint. A 2023 United Nations report highlights the sector as the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, responsible for 37% of global emissions. However, innovative approaches in building materials and techniques are paving the way for a more sustainable future. Companies like Waugh Thistleton and advancements such as Renco are leading the charge in transforming how buildings are constructed, emphasizing environmental responsibility.
Waugh Thistleton, a British architecture firm, has been at the forefront of this transformation since 2001 when it designed its first building using cross-laminated timber (CLT). Since then, the firm has constructed approximately 30 CLT buildings across the U.K., Europe, and the U.S. Despite the environmental benefits of using timber, such as minimal on-site waste, the transportation of these materials from Europe raises concerns about carbon emissions. Founder Andrew Waugh emphasizes the growing importance of using replenishable materials, acknowledging both the environmental and health benefits of natural materials over conventional ones like polystyrene and drywall.
"The idea that we can build from replenishable materials has become something that has become increasingly important to us," – Andrew Waugh, Waugh Thistleton founder and director
In Turkey, a different solution is gaining traction with the use of Renco, a composite material made from repurposed materials. Renco is celebrated for its lightweight properties and significantly lower carbon footprint compared to traditional materials. Since 2011, over 200 buildings in Turkey have been constructed using Renco blocks. The material's expansion into the U.S. marks a significant milestone, with a new factory in Florida set to produce enough building blocks for around 9,000 average-sized apartments. This shift reflects a broader movement towards sustainable building practices within the industry.
The University of Arkansas's 2024 study supports this transition by highlighting that timber construction can reduce emissions by 19% compared to steel or concrete. This aligns with the U.N.'s call for a shift to bio-based building materials to decarbonize the built environment. In response, the U.K. Green Building Council has urged the British government to strengthen its environmental targets for new homes.
"The better that other industries become at reducing their carbon burden, then the more exposed construction will become as an outlier," – one industry expert
In Monaco, Mareterra is setting an example with its "eco neighborhood" designed with sustainable materials. This development aims to serve as a model for responsible coastal city growth, particularly as climate change prompts new strategies for building near water.
"With climate change, building on water will become a strategic approach for certain coastal areas," – Guy-Thomas Levy Soussan, managing director of the Mareterra development
Steve Clem of Skanska USA Building acknowledges that the construction industry is more committed than ever to sustainability. He expresses optimism for a future where sustainable construction becomes standard practice.
"The construction industry is doing more for sustainability now than any other time in history, or at least since the industrial revolution … My hope for the future is that sustainable construction is the norm and many more people have the opportunity to live, work and play in carbon-free buildings," – Steve Clem, senior vice-president of project planning and sustainability at Skanska USA Building
Furthermore, Clem points out that competition among suppliers can lead to voluntary improvements in material mixes without additional costs to consumers. Such initiatives underline the industry's potential to self-regulate and innovate towards sustainability.
"When different suppliers saw how their mixes stacked up against each other, they voluntarily took steps to improve their mixes at no cost to the consumer," – Steve Clem, senior vice-president of project planning and sustainability at Skanska USA Building