A new study suggests that Europe’s construction sector could nearly eliminate its carbon emissions by 2060 through the adoption of advanced energy efficiency technologies.
The research, published in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, highlights the critical role demand-side actions could play in reducing energy consumption within the sector, contributing significantly to climate change mitigation efforts.
The study, the first of its kind to comprehensively assess energy demand reduction across the construction industries of the United Kingdom and European Union member states, used a sophisticated mathematical model to evaluate the sector’s path toward net-zero carbon emissions.
The results are promising, indicating that renovating existing buildings and adopting sustainable technologies in new construction could lead to energy savings of up to 97% in heating and cooling.
A growing energy challenge
The research underscores the magnitude of the challenge: 75% of Europe’s current building stock is classified as energy inefficient. Additionally, floor space in the region is projected to increase by more than 20% in the next three decades, further straining energy systems if proactive steps aren’t taken. Given these dynamics, the need for urgent action is clear.
Despite these challenges, the study highlights that deploying technologies such as solar energy systems, heat pumps, and other energy-efficient solutions in residential and non-residential buildings holds the potential to drastically reduce energy demand. This is particularly important in addressing both environmental and economic concerns, with the added benefit of improving public health and well-being.
Dr. Souran Chatterjee, Lecturer in Energy Transitions at the University of Plymouth and the study’s lead author, emphasized the significance of the construction sector in the broader fight against climate change.
“The building sector can play a pivotal role in mitigating the impacts of climate change. Our study unequivocally highlights the potential for reducing building energy demand, and the crucial role it can play in achieving climate neutrality targets right across the UK and Europe,” said Dr. Chatterjee.
The road to 2050: cooling, heating, and beyond
The study used the High-Efficiency Building (HEB) energy model to calculate the potential for energy demand reductions in different parts of the building sector. One of the key findings is that by 2050, the energy required for cooling residential buildings could be reduced by up to 86% across Europe.
Non-residential buildings could see a similarly dramatic reduction of around 76%, offering significant energy savings in regions like Italy, France, Greece, and Spain, where air conditioning use is prevalent.
The results for heating are equally impressive. By aiming for the most ambitious net-zero targets, the energy demand for heating could be reduced by over 80% by 2050.
Similarly, energy demand for hot water could be cut by around 50%. The deployment of heat pumps and on-site energy production in new residential developments could push energy savings for both heating and hot water to approximately 90%.
While these figures present a clear case for action, the study also warns of the risks of inaction. Without large-scale renovations and the construction of efficient new buildings, the total thermal energy demand of the sector could increase by up to 7% by 2060. This would make the achievement of climate targets far more difficult, potentially leading to higher energy costs and greater strain on energy systems.
The bigger picture: net-zero and climate goals
Beyond energy savings, transitioning toward a net-zero building sector could provide significant benefits for the economy and society. It could reduce energy costs, enhance quality of life, and create new jobs, while also playing a critical role in addressing energy security concerns. This is particularly relevant in light of recent geopolitical events that have highlighted vulnerabilities in Europe’s energy supply.
The study stresses that reducing energy demand in the building sector aligns with broader international climate goals, including those outlined in the Paris Agreement. “Many of these demand-side actions in the building sector would also enhance well-being, having a positive impact on people’s health and productivity, and creating more jobs,” said Dr. Chatterjee.
However, the authors also caution that time is of the essence. “It is important to understand that the more we delay, the more energy we will need to power our homes and workplaces over a longer period of time, and that will hinder our ability to achieve climate targets,” added Dr. Chatterjee.
As Europe seeks to meet its climate obligations, this study provides a clear roadmap for reducing the construction sector’s energy footprint. The deployment of advanced energy-efficient technologies, coupled with a commitment to renovating existing buildings, could make net-zero emissions within the sector a reality by 2060.
In addition to the University of Plymouth, the research team included experts from the Central European University, University of Szeged, and the Institute for Geological and Geochemical Research. Their collaboration yielded a detailed model of how construction in Europe can evolve to meet its climate commitments.
The study not only calls for a significant shift in the way buildings are designed and constructed but also presents a viable path for achieving the EU’s ambitious climate goals. Policymakers, industry leaders, and consumers alike will need to act swiftly to turn these findings into concrete actions that ensure a sustainable future for Europe’s built environment.
Journal Reference:
Souran Chatterjee, Gergely Molnár, Benedek Kiss, Daniel Topál, Diana Ürge-Vorsatz,
‘Navigating the transition: Modelling the path for net-zero European building sector’,
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2024.114827
Article Source:
Press Release/Material by University of Plymouth
Featured image credit: Sergei A | Pexels
