The total amount of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the building sector reached 12 GtCO2-eq in 2019, equivalent to 21% of global GHG emissions that year, of which 57% were indirect CO2 emissions from offsite generation of electricity and heat. Followed by 24% of direct CO2 emissions produced on-site and 18% from the production of cement and steel used for construction and/or refurbishment of buildings. As reported by the IPCC.
Bio-based materials
The utilization of bio-based materials in construction is a vital component in the reduction of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Traditional building materials such as concrete and steel have significant carbon footprints due to their energy-intensive production processes. Conversely, bio-based materials, such as timber, bamboo and hemp offer a renewable alternative that captures and stores carbon throughout their lifecycle, reducing the overall impact on our planet.
The significance of bio-based building materials:
- By replacing traditional construction materials such as steel and concrete with timber, the embodied carbon in structures can be significantly reduced by up to 75%.
- Bamboo has a rapid growth rate and exceptional carbon sequestration ability, making it an excellent building material. Considering the full lifecycle, one cubic meter of bamboo used in assembled components can lead to a reduction of nearly 250 kilograms of CO2 from the atmosphere.
- Hempcrete, a mixture of hemp fibers and lime, not only stores carbon but also provides insulation, potentially reducing energy use in buildings. It makes a great green alternative for construction. It is a carbon storage material, hemp has the ability to sequester more than 22 tonnes of carbon dioxide per hectare per year.
- Mycelium, a fungus-based material, is emerging as a biodegradable and low-energy alternative for insulation and structural components. Mycelium-based materials also exhibit good fire, thermal, and acoustic insulation properties, and have been used to create airtight insulating walls.
Transforming sustainability into value:
Proba’s supply chain decarbonization platform enables you to monetize your commitment to sustainable construction practices. By integrating bio-based materials into your projects, you can generate carbon credits, which represent a quantifiable measure of reduced GHG emissions. These credits can be traded within your supply chain, positioning your firm as a leader in the sustainable building space.
Proba’s platform facilitates identification and engagement with interested parties in your supply chain. This not only assists in reducing the Scope 3 emissions of your supply chain partners but also opens new revenue streams for your business.
