In 2024, we are facing the unfolding of ecological crisis and the consequences of climate change. More and more resources are spent on research, analysis, and solutions aiming to improve life on Earth. Major institutions, countries, and each of us contribute to the European Union's goal of achieving carbon dioxide neutrality by 2050. We recycle, buy electric cars, and energy-efficient appliances. But have we ever thought about the significant percentage of harmful emissions caused by the buildings we occupy?

Do you know that buildings are responsible for 39% of global carbon dioxide emissions?

And have you ever thought that by the middle of the century, the Earth's population is expected to reach almost 10 billion, subsequently buildings will have to double to meet the demands of this growth? More buildings, even more CO2 emissions. It's simple math.

The solution is construction and renovation of buildings with drywall systems. They require less energy for production and assembly whilst providing better insulation and energy efficiency during exploitation.

But let's take a closer look at what accounts for these 39%, generated by the construction sector - a share of all carbon emissions that should not be overlooked.

These 39% include two types of emissions, depending on how they are generated and released into nature - operational and embodied.

Operational emissions of buildings are caused by their daily exploitation and account for 28% of global carbon dioxide emissions. This is a large number but the good news is that there are ways to reduce them, and lightweight construction plays a key role in this.

Why?

• Firstly, dry construction systems can achieve better insulation and energy efficiency, leading to lower heating and cooling needs.
• Secondly, these systems have light-weight structure compared to traditional masonry, allowing for the construction of thinner walls leading to less energy loss.

Thus, buildings with lightweight and sustainable materials, such as Technogips Pro’s drywall systems, can reduce the operational emissions whilst providing high quality, healthy and comfortable living environment.

On the other hand, embodied emissions are result of the processes, materials, and products used for the construction, maintenance, repair, renovation, and demolition of buildings. Even though their impact is often considered of lower importance than operational emissions, they still account for 11% of global carbon dioxide emissions and are yet another aspect to focus our efforts on towards achieving carbon neutrality.

How to reach our goal?

By incorporating lightweight construction solutions and methods in as many processes as possible.

• These systems include components made from renewable materials and are manufactured using more ecological methods. For example, gypsum, used for the production of gypsum boards, is a renewable resource and can be recycled over and over again, reducing its carbon footprint.
• Compared to traditional construction methods that use wet masonry or concrete, drywall systems can reduce installation time and resources used, therefore contributing to the reduction of embodied emissions.
• The drywall products also allow for better control over the quality of construction, can be easily adapted and recycled at the end of their life cycle, further reducing their carbon footprint.

The choice for the future is clear: dry construction is not only modern but also sustainable. Buildings constructed with lightweight and sustainable materials, such as the ones of Technogips Pro, will reduce both their operational and embodied emissions whilst providing high quality healthy and comfortable living environment.