Emissions from building and construction can be halved with current technologies and practices

Magazine article, 2024

The Mistra Carbon Exit programme identifies and analyses the technical, economic and political opportunities and challenges for Sweden to reach the target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. The programme is multidisciplinary, addressing the technical, economic and political challenges associated with this transition. The programme takes the novel approach of focusing on supply chains – from the input of raw materials, through primary and secondary activities, to the final products and services demanded by the end-users.

The programme, which is now in its final stage, has been successful in terms of its substantial scientific output, such as numerous publications in high-impact journals and strong industrial cooperation with implementation projects.

An important part of the research programme has been investigating how to decarbonise the building and construction sector. In addition to the emissions linked to heating and electricity, building and construction emissions arise from the manufacture, processing, and transport of construction materials and activities at the construction site.