The second webinar in the In Our Shoes series is scheduled for 30th of April and is focused on Suistainable Cities and in particular on how investing in sustainable materials and construction methods can promote eco friendly infrastructures. Make sure to sign up for the webinar here. Ahead of the webinar we would love to hear your ideas,views and experiences on the topic.  

 

This discussion is moderated by Saher Rashid. Please get started by watching the video below and reading the background info. Make sure to share your answers to the questions using the comments function! 

 

The buildings sector is responsible for almost 40% of global energy-related annual GHG emissions, as reported by IEA/UNEP in 2018. Business-as-usual scenarios predict that final energy demand from buildings will increase by 50% by the year 2050 as compared to 2015 levels due to rapid urbanization and the doubling of the built surface area. The effective decarbonization of the buildings sector is crucial for achieving the Paris Agreement Goals and surpassing the current level of ambition set in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). 

 

Investing in sustainable materials and construction methods can help mitigate climate change by reducing the carbon footprint of infrastructures. This means that sustainable materials and construction methods can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote a low-carbon economy, and help build resilience against climate change impacts such as extreme weather events and sea-level rise. By incorporating eco-friendly practices and utilizing renewable resources, such as sustainable materials and energy-efficient designs, waste management, construction projects can significantly decrease greenhouse gas emissions and overall environmental impact. 

 

The shift towards sustainable construction aligns with the broader goal of transitioning to low-carbon innovations, which is essential for addressing climate change challenges. Through investments in sustainable materials and construction methods, stakeholders can drive the transition towards a more environmentally conscious approach to infrastructure development, fostering a greener and more resilient built environment. By aligning infrastructure development with sustainable principles, communities can create resilient and environmentally conscious built environments that benefit both present and future generations. 

 

We would greatly appreciate your insights and inputs to make our upcoming webinar more comprehensive. We would love to hear your opinions on the following questions: 

 

- How can sustainable urban planning improve the quality of life for young people? 

- In what ways does integrating green spaces and sustainable design elements in urban areas enhance overall community well-being? 

- Have you seen any examples of green infrastructure in your city that promote the concept of repurposing waste materials for building purposes to reduce environmental impact? 

- What innovative methods can be used to reduce, reuse, or recycle construction waste to foster a circular economy within the construction industry?  

- What are the main challenges or barriers to implementing sustainable practices in construction projects? 

 

Thank you for your contribution and we are very excited to kick off this conversation!