Series 1 — Setting the Frame

We are currently faced with our most imminent planetary threat: the climate crisis. Global temperatures have risen drastically – already by more than 1.1 degrees Celsius (°C) compared to pre-industrial levels. Even under the most optimistic assumptions, the world is heading for 1.8°C (see image "Warming projections by 2100" below). This may not seem significant at first glance, but the consequences of even a small increase in global temperatures are devastating.

From the materials we use to the energy consumption of our buildings: every aspect of construction has an impact on the environment. The building and construction sector is responsible for nearly 40 per cent of global CO₂ emissions – making it the colossal elephant in the climate room that we can no longer afford to ignore. Moreover, 60 per cent of global resource consumption and 50 per cent of global waste generation can be attributed to the built environment.

Therefore, the way we currently design, plan, construct, and maintain our buildings and infrastructure has serious – if not existential – consequences for people and the planet. Transforming the built environment is not only crucial to mitigating climate change, but also to ensuring that our human-made surroundings are healthier, more liveable, more equitable, and more respectful of the ecological systems.

Today, efforts to decarbonize the built environment focus mainly on minimizing operational emissions. Embodied emissions, which include the emissions in sourcing, production, transport, and end-of-life, have received little attention (see image "Life cycle of a building" below). Yet these make up an increasing share of emissions in the building sector. As buildings continue to be constructed at a rapid pace, taking into account these embodied emissions is critical.

In order to tackle the multiple environmental problems created by our built environment – from energy to emissions to resource consumption – it is time for a new set of ideas. The complexity of these problems and our vision for solving them through a regenerative approach, is presented in Building for the Future Series 1 – Setting the Frame.

We argue that merely aiming for minimal harm, as implied by the concept of sustainability, is no longer enough. The damage to our natural systems has already been done, and therefore, we must raise the bar. To limit global warming to well below 2.0°C, decarbonization efforts must be combined with ways to actively remove CO₂ from the atmosphere. Switching from conventional building materials, such as concrete or steel, to bio-based building materials, such as bamboo, wood, straw, and hemp, offers one such opportunity. While sustainability focuses on reducing harm and preserving the planetary resources, a regenerative approach goes further by actively restoring and replenishing natural systems (see image "Regenerative design" below).

While sustainability focuses on reducing harm and preserving the planetary resources, a regenerative approach goes further by actively restoring and replenishing natural systems. Central to the concept of regenerative buildings, cities, and landscapes is the goal of breaking down the dualism between human and nature, or urban and rural areas, and developing ways in which the two can be re-entangled and co-evolve in a mutually beneficial relationship.

"Series 1 – Setting the Frame" not only explains why the built environment system is so key to our climate future — it also presents an alternative. The first publication, KP1 “Climate Crisis and the Role of the Built Environment” outlines the relevance of the built environment in tackling the climate emergency and securing a liveable future for all. Next, KP2 “How to Fix the Built Environment System” highlights seven approaches and ideas for transforming the built environment. Finally, KP3 “The Vision of a Regenerative Built Environment” introduces a holistic framework that can guide transformation towards a climate-positive and inclusive future within planetary boundaries.

Take a sneak peek into the first series or download the available Knowledge Products below.