The UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) was the biggest environmental summit of the year – if not the decade. A necessary discussion on climate change and construction was finally had.

About 40% of global carbon dioxide emissions come from the construction of buildings.

According to Architecture 2030, building operations are responsible for around 28% of annual emissions; materials and construction are also responsible for an additional 11% annually.

Jamie Cameron, Director of Digital Solutions at Johnson Controls UK&I, said, “Thankfully, technologies already exist that can help us in lowering carbon emissions. Reviewing technology investments is one place to start as we gain a complete view on the environmental impacts of the built environment.”

Despite this likely not being enough to get us towards the aimed goal of 1.5°c by 2040, it is at least a step in the right direction.

Mr. Cameron continued, “It is clear that smart technologies will be fundamental in reaching our climate goals. The evidence of the benefits of improved visibility over an organisation’s carbon footprint – for our people, our planet, and now our businesses – are too prevalent to ignore.”