In the heart of Indonesia, researchers are spearheading a global shift in how we think about urban development and sustainability. Led by Dr. Yudan Whulanza from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Universitas Indonesia, a groundbreaking study published in the International Journal of Technology is reimagining the built environment, offering a roadmap for cities to achieve net-zero emissions.
The built environment—our homes, offices, schools, and infrastructure—is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions. As cities expand, so does the demand for construction materials and energy, exacerbating the climate crisis. However, Whulanza and his team argue that this challenge also presents an unprecedented opportunity for transformation.
“Decarbonizing the built environment is not just about reducing emissions; it’s about creating more efficient, sustainable, and resilient cities,” Whulanza explains. “This transition will drive innovation, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for millions of people.”
The study emphasizes the need for a systems approach, integrating buildings, transport, and energy systems to identify effective policy levers and actions. This holistic perspective is crucial for avoiding unintended consequences and ensuring comprehensive decarbonization.
One of the most daunting tasks is decarbonizing construction materials, particularly concrete. As the most widely used material after water, concrete production accounts for 5-7% of global carbon emissions. The process involves heating limestone to extreme temperatures, releasing significant amounts of CO2. However, Whulanza suggests that hydrogen, produced in a low-carbon manner, could power these high-temperature reactions.
But the challenge doesn’t stop at production. Half of the CO2 emissions from concrete come from the chemical reaction itself, making physical capture and storage complex. The solution, according to Whulanza, lies in a multi-step approach involving new resources, designs, and machinery, ultimately dependent on zero-carbon energy and transport systems.
In the meantime, alternative materials like cross-laminated lumber are being evaluated. While robust and potentially carbon-neutral, they come with their own set of challenges, including deforestation and the need for extensive testing. Another strategy is reusing existing buildings, as seen in the retrofit project at Oxford’s Wolfson College. The project aims to reduce the building’s emissions by 75%, demonstrating that significant environmental improvements are feasible with the right commitment and support.
Engineers worldwide are also exploring ways to repurpose concrete from deconstructed buildings, integrating these materials into new projects. Dr. Kim, a structural engineer at Plymouth University, is advocating for the increased use of recycled concrete aggregate, especially in rapidly growing urban areas. With 50% of the global population living in cities, and this number expected to rise to 68% by 2050, the demand for sustainable construction practices is more pressing than ever.
The study published in the International Journal of Technology, titled “Reimagining the Built Environment: A Paradigm Shift Towards Sustainable Urban Development,” offers a compelling vision for the future. By embracing this challenge and committing to swift transformation, the construction and energy sectors can achieve sustainability goals, drive innovation, and create a more resilient built environment.
As Whulanza puts it, “This is not just about building better cities; it’s about building a better future for all.” The research from Universitas Indonesia is set to shape future developments in the field, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable urban development. The energy sector, in particular, stands to gain from this shift, with opportunities for innovation in low-carbon energy production and distribution. The time to act is now, and the path forward is clear.