The construction and operation of buildings is one of the most carbon-intensive activities on the planet, responsible for a shocking 40% of global annual greenhouse gas emissions.
Even more alarmingly, the construction and manufacturing sectors combined contribute up to 57% of global emissions. This means that we need to transform how we build, power, and manage our built environment urgently.
Within this footprint, 27% of emissions arise from operational activities (for example, heating, cooling, lighting), while 13% come from construction and demolition. The materials at the core of modern construction, cement, steel, and aluminium, are some of the most carbon-heavy.
Energy efficiency is at the heart of efforts to cut construction-related emissions. Smart building design, efficient HVAC systems, LED lighting, high-performance insulation, and renewable energy integration are all proven methods to reduce operational emissions drastically.
The IEA notes that the operations of buildings alone account for 26% of global energy-related emissions. This means that the potential impact of efficiency-first approaches is staggering.
But operational efficiency alone isn’t enough. To stay on track for Net Zero Emissions by 2050, the buildings sector must ensure that 100% of new buildings and 20% of existing stock are zero-carbon-ready by 2030. This means addressing both operational and embodied carbon, and pushing the industry toward cleaner materials, circular construction methods, and smarter value chain management.
This is where BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) plays a transformative role. It offers a robust framework for evaluating and verifying the carbon impact of building assets. It promotes the use of low-carbon materials, rewards on-site renewable energy generation, and includes comprehensive methods for assessing embodied carbon. Its third-party certification gives stakeholders confidence in the sustainability claims of buildings.
Energy efficiency doesn’t just slash emissions—it also boosts asset value, lowers ESG risk, and attracts forward-thinking investors. As global regulations tighten and public awareness rises, energy-efficient construction is no longer a niche option—it’s the new industry standard.
