In the face of escalating climate change, the construction sector is under intense scrutiny for its significant contribution to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A groundbreaking study led by Charikleia Karakosta of the Decision Support Systems Laboratory, Energy Policy Unit at the National Technical University of Athens, offers a comprehensive roadmap for construction companies to navigate the complex landscape of decarbonization. Published in Energies, the research provides a structured, four-step approach to mapping and reducing GHG emissions, aligning with international climate goals such as the Paris Agreement and the European Green Deal.
The study emphasizes the urgency of decarbonization efforts, noting that the construction sector is responsible for approximately 11% of global CO2 emissions and 36% of the European Union’s energy consumption. Karakosta highlights the need for transformative action, stating, “The construction sector stands at the forefront of decarbonization efforts, where energy-intensive processes, material production, and supply chain activities contribute significantly to carbon footprints.” This urgency is underscored by the EU’s Fit-for-55 package, which mandates a 55% reduction in net GHG emissions by 2030, and the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II), which raises renewable energy targets to 45% by 2030 under the RePowerEU Plan.
The research outlines a four-step framework for construction companies: defining emission scopes, conducting GHG inventories, setting reduction targets, and planning actionable reductions. Four key pathways are proposed to achieve these goals: electricity decarbonization through renewable energy adoption and energy efficiency measures; direct emissions reduction via fleet electrification and infrastructure optimization; recycling and resource efficiency improvements through waste diversion and material reuse; and supply chain emissions reduction by enforcing sustainability standards and responsible sourcing practices.
Karakosta’s study underscores the importance of integrating technological, organizational, and policy-driven solutions. For instance, rooftop photovoltaic systems and virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) are highlighted as viable options for electricity decarbonization. However, the scalability and economic viability of these solutions in energy-intensive construction operations remain areas of debate. Similarly, the feasibility of achieving 45% renewable energy penetration by 2030 is contested, particularly in regions with legacy infrastructure and regulatory bottlenecks.
The research also addresses the challenges and controversies surrounding stringent supply chain regulations, such as supplier codes of conduct aligned with ISO 14001. While critics argue that these regulations may strain small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) lacking resources for compliance, proponents stress their necessity for systemic change. The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) further complicates the landscape, sparking concerns over trade equity and underscoring the need for global cooperation in decarbonization efforts.
Despite these challenges, the study concludes that construction companies can achieve significant emission reductions by adopting a structured, multi-pathway approach. Karakosta emphasizes the importance of progress over perfection, advocating for incremental yet impactful actions such as fleet electrification, energy-efficient retrofits, and supplier collaboration. “By aligning corporate strategies with global climate targets, this work contributes to a growing body of literature on sustainable industrial transitions, offering a roadmap for achieving net-zero emissions in the construction sector by 2050,” she says.
The implications of this research are far-reaching for the energy sector. As construction companies increasingly adopt renewable energy sources and energy-efficient practices, the demand for clean energy solutions will surge. This shift presents a significant commercial opportunity for energy providers, encouraging innovation and investment in renewable technologies. Furthermore, the integration of digital tools, such as AI-driven energy management systems, will optimize real-time emissions tracking, enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of construction operations.
The study also highlights the need for future research to scale pilot projects, such as industrial symbiosis networks for material reuse, and to assess their feasibility across diverse regulatory contexts. By bridging policy ambition with grassroots implementation, this work contributes to a holistic understanding of sustainable industrial transitions, advocating for adaptive, inclusive pathways to net-zero emissions. The research, published in Energies, serves as a critical resource for construction companies and policymakers alike, providing actionable insights and practical strategies for achieving a net-zero future.
