Researchers have developed a comprehensive mathematical model indicating that the construction industry in the UK and Europe has the potential to nearly eliminate carbon emissions by the year 2060. This goal can be realized by implementing advanced energy efficiency technologies to upgrade existing buildings and construct new ones.
A new study suggests that by utilizing advanced energy efficiency technologies for renovating current properties and building new ones, the construction sector in Europe could almost eradicate its carbon emissions by 2060.
The study, published in the journal Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, is the first of its kind to thoroughly evaluate potential energy demand reductions in the construction industries of the UK and all European Union countries.
The research reveals that around 75% of Europe’s building stock is considered energy inefficient, with a projected growth of over 20% in total floor space over the next thirty years.
Despite this, the implementation of various technologies, including solar power and heat pumps in both residential and commercial buildings, could decrease the overall energy consumption for heating and cooling by as much as 97%.
Amid rising concerns about energy security, especially with recent geopolitical developments, the researchers emphasize that the adoption of these technologies can significantly lower energy expenses while also improving public health and quality of life.
In a broader context, they state that transitioning to a net-zero building sector has great potential to lessen climate change impacts and is crucial for achieving the objectives outlined in the Paris Agreement and other international climate initiatives.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Souran Chatterjee, a Lecturer in Energy Transitions at the University of Plymouth, stated: “The building sector can significantly contribute to mitigating climate change effects. Our research clearly shows the capacity for reducing energy demand in buildings, which is vital for reaching climate neutrality targets throughout the UK and Europe. Many of these measures not only decrease energy demand but also promote well-being, positively affecting health and productivity while creating more job opportunities. It’s crucial to realize that delaying action will increase the energy requirements needed to operate our homes and workplaces over time, ultimately impeding our climate goals.”
The study also engaged researchers from Central European University, the University of Szeged, and the Institute for Geological and Geochemical Research.
They employed a mathematical framework known as the High-Efficiency Building (HEB) energy model to assess the potential for reducing energy demand and the feasibility of achieving net-zero emissions within the UK and each EU Member State.
The calculations indicated that the energy needed for cooling residential buildings in Europe could decrease by up to 86% by 2050, while for non-residential properties, the reduction could be around 76%, provided the sector pursues its most ambitious net-zero goals.
This approach would be particularly advantageous in countries like Italy, France, Greece, and Spain, where there is a high dependence on air conditioning for building operations.
For heating purposes, striving toward the most ambitious targets could result in an energy demand decrease of more than 80% by 2050, with hot water demand potentially dropping by around 50%.
By increasing the number of heat pumps and other on-site energy generation methods in upcoming residential developments, energy savings for both heating and hot water could rise to approximately 90%.
The study further indicated that without comprehensive renovations and energy-efficient constructions, the total thermal energy demand of the building sector could rise by up to 7% by 2060.
