Using more recycled materials could dramatically reduce carbon emissions and waste from construction projects.
A new report assesses how the construction industry can cut its carbon emissions, which make up 11 percent of energy-related emissions globally, through a practice sometimes known as circularity, reports Helen Chandler-Wilde in Bloomberg CityLab.
The report claims that the industry could reduce emissions by almost 60 percent by using more recycled and reclaimed materials. In the United Kingdom, legislation passed earlier this year requires “commercial landlords to meet minimum energy efficiency standards to rent out property.”
The report includes details on construction waste and emissions generated in several global cities. “It concluded some 77 million tonnes of waste could be kept in the supply loop over the next decade if construction firms reused materials, worth £10.6 billion. New York has the greatest potential, with 30.6 million tonnes that could be kept in construction, worth £2.8 billion.”
FULL STORY: When Recycling Comes to the Construction Industry
Pittsburgh Rolls Out Electric School Buses
Pittsburgh Public Schools has launched its first electric school buses, with plans to fully electrify its fleet over the next 14 months, aiming to create a cleaner, more sustainable transportation system supported by new charging infrastructure.
EPA Terminates $116 Million in Grants for Reducing Emissions from Construction Materials
C-MORE grants were earmarked for industry trade groups and universities.
How Smart Street Lights Can Help Cities Achieve Sustainability Goals
Switching to energy-efficient LEDs and using tech to program when and how street lighting operates can save cities millions in electricity expenses and bring down carbon emissions.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.
San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.
A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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