Climate change and the built environment: Why is it so important?

Sector Development Director Built Environment, Americas

Article published 26 January 2022

In this series of blogs, we will discuss why climate change is such an important issue in the built environment, unpack some of the new alliances, agreements and initiatives in the COP 26, what they mean for the sector, and what comes next. 

Firstly, why is it so important to include the built environment in discussions around climate and environmental sustainability? 

The environmental impact of the sector is only set to increase. By 2060, it is estimated that 70 per cent of the world’s population will live in urban areas (Building to COP). This urbanization will bring with it an estimated doubling of global material use, a third of which will be a result of increases in the building and construction sectors. 

Reducing building and urban infrastructure emissions and switching to sustainable resources is vital for the long-term resilience of both people and the planet.

"By 2060, global material use is expected to more than double, a third of these materials will be used in the building and construction sectors"

Building to COP>

Additionally, with urban buildings accounting for almost 40 percent of global carbon emissions (UNEP), the built environment sector is facing growing pressure to reduce energy use and transition to greener solutions in an effort to meet global climate targets.

But what do these figures mean for people and communities around the world? Over 800 million people in over 570 cities could be vulnerable to sea level rises and coastal flooding by 2050, while 1.6 billion people will be regularly exposed to extremely high temperatures. (Building to COP) This means that as well as taking measures to reduce emissions, the sector also needs to ensure that current and future infrastructure is climate-resilient. 

As we spend 90 per cent of our time in buildings, structures need to be safe, suitable and flexible to adapt to the changing demands of the market. For instance, the pandemic has shown us that some space-use types, such as office space, may see much lower demand as many businesses shift to a more flexible working arrangement. What can we do with these vast, unused spaces? How can they be repurposed in a way that benefits both society and the planet?

“With a lifecycle mindset, a building is a blank canvas. Why should an office be an office forever?”

Martin Townsend, Global Head of Sustainability and Circular Economy, BSI

Consumers are increasingly aware of climate issues and are placing higher importance on sustainability commitments when it comes to choosing where they live, work and what they buy.

Energy efficient buildings could become an investment opportunity worth $24.7 trillion by 2030. Currently, only $3 of every $100 spent on new construction goes into making a building more efficient (Building to COP). What could businesses, organisations and communities gain by investing in green buildings and infrastructure? Quite a bit.  One recent report, The World Green Building Council’s Beyond the Business Case report offers seven reasons for accelerating to a more sustainable built environment. By looking at evidence-based research on the ethical, financial, risk-mitigation and future-proofing value of a sustainable built environment, the report demonstrates how sustainable initiatives and future growth are inextricably linked. 

For example, adopting modular, offsite construction processes not only offers efficiency and emission reduction benefits but also has huge potential for business growth.

‘The market value for modular in new real estate construction could reach $130 billion in Europe and the United States by 2030’

Beyond the Business Case report, World Green Building Council

At BSI, we’re at the forefront of sustainability and environmental management, offering a wide range of solutions to help you manage social and environmental responsibilities. From Environmental Management Systems to Waste Management and Energy Audits - learn more about our products and services that are helping to advance a sustainable built environment.