Study: The Construction Sector Threatens the Global Carbon Budget and Exceeds Climate Targets by 2050
November 2, 2025253 ViewsRead Time: 2 minutes
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A recent study predicts that the global carbon footprint of the construction sector has doubled over the past three decades and may exceed this rate again by 2050, making this sector one of the biggest obstacles to achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Emissions at Their Highest Levels
Carbon dioxide emissions related to construction have reached 10 gigatons, the highest recorded value ever, according to the United Nations Environment Programme, which confirmed that the sector is off track to achieve carbon removal by mid-century.
Materials Most Responsible for Emissions
More than half of the emissions come from cement, bricks, and metals, while other materials, including glass and plastic, contribute 6%, and 37% comes from transportation, services, and operations at construction sites.
Crisis Intensifying with Population Growth
The world population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, and with growth concentrated in cities, the need for construction and infrastructure will increase, leading to higher emissions.
The Need for a Radical Shift in Materials
The report warns that the sector could consume the entire remaining carbon budget to achieve the 1.5-degree Celsius target by 2050, highlighting the need for a revolution in materials by replacing traditional materials with less carbon-intensive bio-based materials and transitioning to green building concepts to ensure a sustainable construction pathway.
