Construction sector accounts for 34-39% of global CO2 emissions annually

The construction industry contributes 12 billion tonnes of CO2 per year, representing 34-39% of global annual emissions, making it a critical sector for decarbonisation efforts. Emissions arise from organisational activities, project-level construction, and the production of materials like cement and steel. The sector's carbon footprint is categorised into embodied carbon, from materials and construction processes, and operational carbon, from building use. Historically, decarbonisation has focused on operational emissions, but embodied carbon, locked in early design and procurement stages, requires increased attention.