By: Akshay Sanyal and Nirmita Mehrotra
1. Ph.D. Scholar, Department of Architecture, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
2. Head of Department, Department of Architecture, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
Abstract
Since the building sector contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, it is imperative that the sector become carbon neutral to meet India’s climate goals. Building materials play a significant role in the carbon footprint of buildings, from their embodied carbon emissions during production to their operational carbon emissions during use. Building materials play a critical role in achieving carbon neutrality in the Indian building industry. The embodied carbon emissions of buildings can be significantly reduced through the utilization of low-carbon alternatives and prefabricated construction methods. Operational carbon, which refers to the greenhouse gas emissions resulting from a building’s heating, cooling, and lighting systems, can be minimized in prefabricated buildings through the incorporation of energy-efficient features, such as high-performance insulation and effective heating and cooling systems. A comprehensive analysis of the carbon emissions of different building materials reveals that material selection has a substantial impact on a building’s overall carbon footprint. This research study examines how building materials might help the Indian construction sector become carbon neutral. It assesses the embodied carbon emissions of various building materials commonly used in India, identifies low-carbon alternatives, and explores strategies for reducing the carbon footprint of building materials throughout their lifecycle. The need for further research and development in the field of low-carbon building materials. It also highlights the importance of policy interventions, such as carbon pricing and building codes, to promote the use of sustainable building materials. It also underscores the importance of policy interventions, such as the implementation of carbon pricing mechanisms and the establishment of stringent building codes, to incentivise and promote the widespread adoption of sustainable building materials in the Indian construction sector. By proposing a multi-faceted approach that encompasses technological advancements, policy reforms, and industry-wide collaboration, this study aims to pave the way for a carbon-neutral future in the Indian building industry.
Keywords: Carbon neutrality, building materials, carbon footprint, embodied carbon, carbon emission
Citation:
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