Cities use up 78% of the world’s energy and produce more than half the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission in the world. This notches up the need for cities to futureproof the planning framework to integrate climate change adaptation into investments in clean energy, buildings, transport, waste and other key sectors. Buildings are the largest contributor to climate change, with the construction process itself producing large carbon footprints, exacerbated by lighting, cooling, ventilation, water consumption and onsite power generation.

Understanding and reducing emissions is critical for reducing climate change, so the construction industry needs to adapt and focus on designing carbon-neutral buildings that do not contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Architects and construction managers must evaluate a building’s design for carbon footprint as early as possible in the process. Part of the design plan should entail the use of alternative materials that are more sustainable, such as recycled building materials and low embodied carbon materials such as steel, concrete and foam insulation. It’s important to also choose finishes that are composed of recycled content and to incorporate on-site carbon-free renewable energy sources, such as solar panels.

Solar is an increasingly popular way to produce electricity and it has huge potential for helping achieve sustainability targets. At present, only about 29% of the world’s electricity comes from renewable sources, such as wind and solar. Nevertheless, cleaner sources of energy are gaining ground, bringing down the cost of renewable energy technologies.

At ENGINEER and MARVEX 2023, exhibitors will showcase their products and solutions capable of creating top-notch energy-efficient designs that stand up to climate change. Be here to catch examples of climate change adaptation measures integrated in new building efficiency strategies to mitigate the effects of erratic weather patterns and reduce emissions.