As Green Buildings Increase, Carbon Emissions Will Decline

The construction sector accounts for 37% of global carbon emissions including indirect emissions, and experts note that as the number of green buildings increases, carbon emissions from the sector will decline. In the first report of the "sustainable living" file focusing on topics that will reduce carbon footprint, which is important in addressing the climate crisis, environmentally friendly green buildings were discussed. According to a report titled "Global Status of Buildings and Construction" published last year by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), direct carbon emissions in the construction sector account for 6% of total carbon emissions across all sectors. However, when carbon emissions from energy sources such as electricity and heating used during construction activities are added, this ratio rises to 17%, and when direct and indirect carbon emissions caused by people living or working in a completed building throughout its lifespan are factored in, the figure reaches 37%. According to the report, which also mentions that the sector generates significant waste, construction, renovation and demolition work produce approximately an average of 100 billion tons of waste annually, with 35% of this waste being sent to landfills. The report notes that slight progress has been achieved in recent years as a result of following building energy regulations, and that as of 2021, 76 out of 196 countries have implemented various applications, either mandatory or voluntary, for energy efficiency in buildings in some structures. This number corresponds to 40% of countries worldwide, while the proportion of countries implementing energy efficiency applications in all buildings remained at 26%. Investments in energy-efficient buildings in 2021 increased by 16% compared to the previous year, reaching approximately USD 237 billion total, with these investments being made primarily in EU countries, the United States, Canada and Japan. The report states that the number of green building certifications increased by 19% in a one-year period between 2020 and 2021 globally, and that this rate is unexpectedly positive. However, the report emphasizes that even if this trend continues, reaching the carbon-neutral target set for 2050 in the Paris Climate Agreement would be quite difficult, underlining that all stakeholders in the construction sector need to work together on developing more sustainable buildings.

"Green buildings are mostly commercial buildings"

Stating that buildings designed, constructed and operated according to sustainable criteria are considered green buildings, Kılıç explained, "These buildings are projects constructed with minimal environmental damage using a holistic approach that includes energy, water, indoor air quality, waste management and site location." Noting that carbon emissions from green buildings are much lower compared to conventional buildings, Kılıç explained that the main reasons for this are factors such as high renewable energy use in these buildings, the ability to use rainwater in various parts of the building, and improved indoor air quality through new technologies. According to September 2023 data, Kılıç said the number of buildings with active green building certification in Turkey is 611, and most of these are commercial buildings in major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir. Assessing that demand for green buildings in office buildings is intense, while awareness for residential buildings has not yet been established, Kılıç said, "Although it is the slowest-progressing area within the sector, we are gradually moving in that direction. When someone buying a home demands these criteria, I believe we will see faster progress in the residential sector as well."

"In the long term, the value of non-green building projects will decline"

Sharing the view that users keep their distance from green buildings in terms of construction costs, but that with regulations coming to the construction sector, serious differences between green and conventional building activities no longer exist as before, Kılıç stated that energy and water efficiency would make green buildings more budget-friendly in the long term by reducing utility bill burdens. Noting that green buildings are gaining financial value progressively, Kılıç assessed, "In approximately 10 years when everyone prefers green buildings, the value of non-green building projects will have declined." Emphasizing the increased importance of green buildings following the European Green Deal announced by the European Union (EU) in 2019, which is characterized as a comprehensive sustainability and environmental policy initiative and action plan, Kılıç concluded his remarks as follows: "In the past, green buildings progressed with the mentality of 'it would be good if they existed.' With the Green Deal, this has now entered our lives like a constitution. With the Green Deal, exported products will go to EU countries with a certain identity. That is, how much environmental damage was caused during the manufacturing process of these materials will be measured. Accordingly, additional taxes will be paid. So while the tax rate for companies doing this will be lower, the market share of those not doing it will decline seriously. The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change also set certain targets parallel to these criteria. The goal is to become carbon-neutral by 2050." Source