BRE Chief Calls for Construction Industry Action on Net Zero
The CEO of a world leading building science body has issued a call to action for the construction industry to address the urgent challenge of climate change.
Gillian Charlesworth, CEO of Building Research Establishment (BRE), says the built environment "has a the critical role to play" in achieving net zero emissions.
"The built environment is responsible for 40% of carbon emissions globally," Charlesworth says in a blogpost. "As an industry, we have a responsibility to lead the charge in reducing these emissions and creating a more sustainable future."
Charlesworth was writing on the website of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the international professional body working in the public interest to advance knowledge, and uphold standards, in construction.
BRE has been at the forefront of developing standards and methodologies to improve the sustainability of buildings. Charlesworth highlights the importance of these tools in driving change across the sector.
"Our BREEAM certification scheme has been instrumental in raising the bar for sustainable building practices," she explains. BREEAM, which stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, is a widely recognised sustainability assessment method for master-planning projects, infrastructure, and buildings.
Charlesworth emphasises the need for innovation in construction materials and methods to achieve net zero goals. She points to BRE's research into novel materials and technologies as a key driver of progress in this area.
"We're exploring everything from low-carbon concrete alternatives to advanced insulation materials," Charlesworth reports. "These innovations have the potential to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of buildings throughout their lifecycle."
Importance of green-retrofitting buildings
While new construction is important, Charlesworth stresses that retrofitting existing buildings is equally crucial in the fight against climate change. The vast majority of buildings that will exist in 2050 have already been built, making energy-efficient retrofits a priority.
"We need to focus on upgrading our existing building stock to meet modern energy efficiency standards," Charlesworth argues. "This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the construction industry."
BRE has developed tools and methodologies to support the retrofitting process, including the Home Quality Mark (HQM). This assessment scheme helps homeowners and tenants understand the quality and sustainability of both new and renovated homes.
Charlesworth calls on the government to provide more support for retrofitting initiatives. "Policy incentives and funding mechanisms are essential to accelerate the pace of retrofitting across the UK," she says.
Digital technology role in sustainable construction
Charlesworth also highlights the transformative potential of digital technologies in achieving sustainability goals. Building Information Modelling (BIM), for instance, allows for more precise planning and reduced waste in construction projects.
"Digital tools like BIM can help us optimise building design, reduce material waste, and improve energy performance," Charlesworth explains. "We're only scratching the surface of what's possible with these technologies."
BRE is actively involved in developing and promoting the use of digital tools in construction. The organisation's BIM certification scheme helps professionals demonstrate their competence in this rapidly evolving field.
Charlesworth emphasises the need for upskilling across the industry to fully leverage these digital tools. "We need to invest in training and education to ensure our workforce is equipped to use these technologies effectively," she adds.
As the construction industry faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities, Charlesworth remains optimistic about the sector's ability to drive positive change. She concludes, "By embracing innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation, we can create a built environment that not only meets the needs of today but safeguards the future for generations to come."
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