Facing the Environmental Challenge: Theories Guiding Sustainability and Decarbonization in Construction
By: Frida Gama
One of the crucial challenges facing the contemporary world is the search for a balance between human development and environmental preservation. In other words, the need to find strategies that lead us towards sustainability. According to a report released by the United Nations in 2019, only a 70 percent reduction in pollutant emissions by 2050 can curb the temperature increases -and their implications- estimated for that year; otherwise, the prevalence of life on Earth is in danger (Tapia, 2019).
Since the end of the 20th century, environmental concerns began to gain relevance both in the scientific community of different branches and in public opinion. This awakening of the collective conscience gave rise to the emergence of theories that offer us a framework for reflecting on the importance of proposing efficient and ethical measures to meet the objectives of mitigating the adverse effects that humanity has set for itself. In the following, we will explain some of the most relevant environmental theories, since their knowledge can enlighten us in the construction of a sustainable and inclusive future for all.
Distributive and Environmental Justice: Considering Future Generations
Distributive and environmental justice theory addresses the equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens. Authors such as John Rawls argue that the distribution of resources should benefit everyone, including future generations. This perspective invites us to consider how our current decisions will impact access to resources and environmental quality for future generations (Rawls, 1971).
Ethics of Care: Recognizing Interdependence
The second theoretical approach to be reviewed will be the ethics of care. Carolyn Merchant argues that the excessive exploitation of natural resources has its origins in the conception of nature as a lifeless entity that is alien to human beings; moreover, nature has been “feminized” by considering it passive and submissive to human domination. As an alternative to these simplistic views that have justified environmental overexploitation, the ethics of care emphasizes the importance of recognizing the interdependence of humanity with the ecosystem. This theory advocates a cultural transformation that recognizes the intrinsic value of nature. In addition, the ethics of care emphasizes the crucial role of women in promoting sustainable practices and in rebuilding a more symbiotic and equitable relationship between humanity and nature (Merchant, 1980). For the ethic of care, only by recognizing our interconnectedness with nature can we take responsibility for respecting and preserving the environment.
Environmental Justice: Addressing Systemic Inequities
Environmental justice theory, led by Robert D. Bullard, examines the unequal distribution of environmental burdens. It highlights how certain socioeconomic groups unfairly face negative impacts, highlighting systemic environmental discrimination in which minority and low-income communities are disproportionately affected by toxic wastes and pollutants. Ultimately, in order to combat this situation, the importance of adopting a holistic approach to environmental justice, recognizing the interconnections between racial, economic and environmental factors, is emphasized. This theory also proposes comprehensive strategies that consider equity in all stages of decision-making – fromplanning to policy implementation and enforcement – thus counteracting the historical imbalance of power that has contributed to environmental discrimination (Bullard, 1990).
Theory in Construction Decarbonization
As we have seen, the three theories previously discussed provide us with a solid basis for action and the formulation of strategies to address the environmental crisis from an integral, intergenerational and global perspective. In the 2015 Paris Agreement, 194 countries joined together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, committing to keep temperature increases below two degrees Celsius by 2050 (UN, nf). This legally binding agreement obliges the signatory parties to outline concrete routes to achieve this objective. Considering the three perspectives in our tool design will not only help us in the fulfillment of this global agenda, but also in the construction of a sustainable future where justice, equity and care for the environment are fundamental priorities.
As we know, when referring to greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide (CO2) stands out as one of the main contributors to global warming. According to the World Green Building Council, the construction industry is responsible for 35% of energy consumption, 38% of energy-related carbon emissions and 50% of global resource consumption. Furthermore, it is estimated that, without taking urgent action, the industry’s carbon footprint will double by 2060 (WGBC, 2019).
Given this reality, several countries and institutions consider that climate action in construction is essential to achieve decarbonization goals. A key strategy is to encourage the construction of net-zero carbon or near net-zero carbon buildings. These buildings are highly energy efficient, cover their needs with renewable sources and offset their carbon balance throughout their life cycle, from construction to decommissioning (WGBC, 2019). It is important to note that this concept is not limited to new construction, but can also be applied to existing buildings.
To achieve decarbonization in construction, it is crucial to address emissions from the beginning of the process. This involves reducing emissions in the extraction and transportation of materials, as well as the incorporation of green materials. During the construction and design stages, energy efficiency becomes essential to ensure neutrality during building use. Key strategies include maximizing the use of natural light, integrating renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic panels and surplus export networks, adopting high-efficiency equipment in lighting, refrigeration, air conditioning and appliances, as well as maximizing the use of windows and eliminating fossil fuel sources (Souza, 2021).
Decarbonization in construction is not just a trend, but a global commitment to a sustainable future. In addition, this strategy has the potential to align with the three theoretical perspectives we discussed. We can see the orientation towards distributive justice in that buildings tend to have a long life span, zero carbon net construction allows to take care of the environment taking into account that natural resources must be protected for the next generations and also the buildings will continue to be functional in the medium and long term. In terms of the ethic of care, by encouraging consideration of the impact and relationship of buildings to local communities and the surrounding natural environment, the decarbonization of construction recognizes the interconnectedness between people and nature. Finally, environmental justice has much to contribute in the approach to decarbonization strategies in construction, as it can help to encourage their implementation in communities and countries on the periphery or in those most affected by climate change, thus helping to balance the inequalities resulting from environmental discrimination. With this example, we see that by integrating these theoretical and practical strategies, we can make significant progress towards the goal of reducing emissions and building a more environmentally friendly environment.
Frida Gama
References
Bullard, Robert D. Dumping in Dixie: Race, Class, and Environmental Quality. Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 1990.
Green Building Council Spain. 2020. “The decarbonization of building.” Green Building Council Spain. https://gbce.es/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Informe-La-descarbonizacio%CC%81n-de-la-edificacio%CC%81n.pdf
Hayes, Mike. 2022. “Is net zero in construction possible?” Latin American Construction. https://www.construccionlatinoamericana.com/news/-es-posible-el-cero-neto-en-la-construccion-/8025310.article
Lane, Melissa. 2016. “Political Theory on Climate Change.” Annual Review of Political Science 19 (1): 107-23. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-polisci-042114-015427.
Merchant, Carolyn. 1980. The Death of Nature: Women, Ecology, and the Scientific Revolution. San Francisco: Harper and Row.
Rawls, John. A Theory of Justice. Cambridge, MA: Belknap Press, 1971.
Souza, Eduardo. 2021. “7 essential characteristics of a carbon neutral building.” ArchDaily. https://www.archdaily.mx/mx/973767/7-caracteristicas-esenciales-de-un-edificio-cero-neto
Tapia, Erick E. 2019. “The end of the world will be in 2050 if we don’t make radical changes: UN.” GQ. https://www.gq.com.mx/entretenimiento/articulo/2050-fin-del-mundo-onu
United Nations Environment Programme. 2020. “The Montreal Protocol”. United Nations Environment Programme Ozone Secretariat. https://ozone.unep.org/es/taxonomy/term/516
United Nations. Sf. “The Paris Agreement.” United Nations Climate Action. https://www.un.org/es/climatechange/paris-agreement
World Green Building Council. 2019. “The Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment.” World Green Building Council. https://worldgbc.org/thecommitment/
