Building the Future, Responsibly.
The global building sector faces a critical challenge: embodied carbon. These upfront emissions from manufacturing, construction, and disposal are locked in for life. This report explores how cities can lead the way in creating a low-carbon, resilient built environment.
0
of Annual Global CO₂ Emissions from Building Materials & Construction
0
Increase in Global Building Stock by 2060
0
of a Building's Emissions are Locked In at the Planning Stage
The Urban Carbon Imperative
Understanding the Scale of Embodied Carbon
This section explores the critical role of embodied carbon in the climate crisis. While operational emissions from heating and cooling are well-understood, the "upfront" carbon locked into our buildings from day one presents a massive, time-sensitive challenge that requires immediate action at the planning and design stages.
A Shifting Balance
As buildings become more energy-efficient to operate, the proportion of their lifetime emissions from embodied carbon skyrockets. This chart illustrates the projected shift, highlighting why focusing on materials and construction is no longer optional, but essential for meaningful decarbonization.
By 2050, embodied carbon is expected to account for half of all emissions from new construction. This makes early-stage decisions about materials, reuse, and design the most impactful levers for change.
Pathways to Reduction
A Multi-faceted Approach
This section presents a comprehensive framework of actionable solutions cities can implement to reduce their embodied carbon footprint. The strategies are grouped into three core pillars: how we plan our cities, what we build them with, and how we design our structures for the future. Explore each pillar to uncover key interventions.
Prioritize Reuse & Retrofit
The lowest carbon building is the one that already exists. Policies that favor renovating buildings over demolition avoid massive upfront emissions.
Smart Growth & Density
Compact, transit-oriented development reduces the need for new, carbon-intensive infrastructure and material consumption.
Brownfield Redevelopment
Utilizing previously developed land preserves natural carbon sinks and leverages existing infrastructure.
Mandate Carbon Limits
Implement regulations requiring Lifecycle Assessments (LCAs) and setting firm embodied carbon caps for new projects.
Case Study: Copenhagen
A City in Action
This section provides a deep dive into Copenhagen's pioneering journey. The Danish capital showcases how combining ambitious national regulations with innovative, real-world projects can drive significant reductions in embodied carbon, offering a powerful and practical model for other cities to follow.
Project Performance vs. Regulation
Copenhagen's success is rooted in clear, tightening regulations. This chart visualizes how leading-edge projects are already outperforming both current and future mandatory CO₂ limits, demonstrating that ambitious targets are achievable with today's technology and design approaches.
Innovation Showcase
Living Places
Ultra-low carbon prototypes.
Ripple Residence
Flagship mass timber construction.
Resource Rows
Showcase for upcycled materials.
Forging the Path Forward
Key Recommendations
This final section outlines the critical actions needed to accelerate urban decarbonization globally. Success depends on integrated efforts from policymakers, industry leaders, and collaborative bodies. The following recommendations provide a clear roadmap for creating the supportive ecosystem needed for a low-carbon future.
How We Can Help
bpma empowers organisations to navigate the complexities of embodied carbon reduction, translating strategic goals into tangible, low-carbon outcomes.
Strategic Advisory & Policy Development
We help cities and organisations develop robust, data-driven strategies and policies for embodied carbon reduction, aligning with global best practices and local contexts.
Lifecycle Assessment & Carbon Benchmarking
Our team provides expert guidance in conducting Whole Life Carbon (WLC) assessments and establishing clear benchmarks to guide sustainable design and procurement decisions.
Sustainable Material & Technology Integration
We assist in the evaluation and implementation of low-carbon materials, from mass timber to recycled content, and support the integration of innovative construction technologies.
Project Delivery & Implementation
As your implementation partner, we manage low-carbon projects from concept to completion, ensuring sustainability targets are met on time and within budget.
For more information, email futurecities@bpma.com.au or explore our website further.