Based on extensive research, the report presents a transformation plan for the building sector and a roadmap for making the required 60% reduction in energy used in buildings in order to meet the global climate change progress called for by the widely recognized Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Buildings currently account for about 40% of the world’s energy use, more than any other sector, and are a key contributor to climate change. In addition, it is estimated that total energy consumption in buildings will dramatically rise by 2050 along with the increase in the number of people with higher living standards. In order to achieve a more energy-efficient world, a major, coordinated and global effort is crucial to eventually arrive at a point in which buildings produce or recover all the energy they require.
CEMEX’s commitment to sustainability remains solid and we are proud to collaborate with industry leaders in order to promote energy efficiency in buildings, said Lorenzo Zambrano, CEMEX chairman and chief executive officer. Sustainable construction presents a huge opportunity for our industry and cement and concrete have an important role to play in meeting the sustainable building standards of the future.
The report covers four, key sub-sectors of building types: single-family homes, multi-family homes, offices and retail complexes which collectively account for over half of all the energy used by buildings.
An energy efficient building can use up to 70% less energy than an inefficient one and achieve the same, or even better, comfort levels. This is possible through the combination of efficient design, passive and active measures, energy efficient equipment and materials, and responsible occupant behavior. The reports’ recommendations for action, which apply to both existing and new buildings, are to:
Strengthen codes and labeling for increased transparency;
Use subsidies and price signals to encourage energy-efficient investments;
Encourage integrated design approaches and innovations;
Develop and use advanced technology to enable energy-saving behavior;
Develop workforce capacity for energy saving;
Mobilize for an energy-aware culture.
CEMEX has identified a number of ways in which its products can help contribute to more energy efficient buildings. Good building design, coupled with materials like concrete, helps customers to construct buildings that are highly rated for their energy efficiency. In addition, the ability of concrete to store energy (its thermal mass) minimizes temperature fluctuations in a building over the course of the day, reducing the need for additional heating and cooling. Another important benefit of concrete is that its light color reflects rather than absorbs sunlight, helping keep urban areas cool.
CEMEX is a Mexico-based building materials company.
