Circular economy could significantly reduce construction sector CO2 emissions, report finds

The report revealed that construction CO2 emissions, from building to real estate and infrastructure, could be reduced by up to 75 per cent or four gigatons of CO2 by 2050 through the establishment of a circular economy.

The report also found that circularity presents ‘substantial economic advantages’, with the potential to yield an annual net profit gain of up to $46bn by 2030 and $360bn by 2050.

According to McKinsey and the WEF, as the population grows and urbanisation accelerates, 30bn square meters of new buildings will need to be constructed in the next 40 years, similar to building the equivalent of New York City every 40 days. Most of this growth will occur in emerging markets including Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

The partners said that, with this, creating a sustainable and resilient built environment is crucial for people’s well-being and to stay within safe planetary limits.