The European Union has identified the built environment and building sector as the main enablers in the transition towards a resource and carbon efficient Europe, making zero-energy buildings a priority. The key to turn these goals into reality is the availability of reliable and comparable data through the adoption of a life cycle approach to the built environment. Meaning the whole process - from sustainable design, to material efficiency, to recycling of construction and demolition waste - will be at the core of the debate.
There is a wide range of life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies and most construction material sectors are engaging in research on the topic. The conclusions do not always lead to the same solution, with views that might not be easy to reconcile. However, stakeholders do agree that the ultimate policy goal is to create a carbon-neutral, energy-efficient built environment. Therefore, a life cycle assessment only makes sense when applied at building level rather than at product level.
The Concrete Dialogue 2018: Pathways towards a carbon-neutral built environment will address these issues by exploring both a policy and industry perspective. Policymakers and stakeholders from across the construction value chain will explore policies, processes and projects needed to jointly achieve this transition.
Speakers will be announced soon.
The Concrete Initiative wishes to engage with stakeholders on the issue of sustainable construction, and in particular the barriers and solutions to harness its multiple benefits. It examines the economic, social and environmental implications of sustainable construction and the need for a balanced approach among these three pillars.