How to decarbonize every building everywhere — just not all at once

AI generated summary

Buildings are a significant contributor to global carbon emissions, accounting for one-third of the total, with 12.3 gigatons of CO2 emitted in 2022. The emissions arise mainly from operational activities, such as heating and electricity use, as well as from the embodied carbon in the materials used for construction. A recent report from the Energy Transitions Commission outlines a comprehensive strategy to decarbonize buildings by 2050, emphasizing the need for energy efficiency, electrification, flexible power use, and the use of cleaner materials in construction.

To achieve these goals, building owners can implement various energy-saving measures, such as improving insulation and using energy-efficient appliances like heat pumps. Additionally, the report highlights the importance of making electricity demand more flexible to prevent grid strain as buildings transition to all-electric systems. It also stresses the need for policies that incentivize the use of low-carbon materials and the retrofitting of existing structures to minimize embodied carbon emissions. Overall, a coordinated effort involving technology, policy changes, and shifts in public perception is essential for successful building decarbonization.