Cutting C02 emissions: the construction sector fights climate change through investments and innovation

The American Blackrock, the world's largest investment fund, is also a great sustainability champion. Pointing to Europe, it in fact wishes to reach the EU's goal of reducing emissions by 55%, by 2030, the construction sector needing a yearly 90 billion of public and private investments, according to the fund's estimates. Blackrock Fundamental Equities, in the latest Stock Market Monitor, tells us that there are two ways of improving a building's sustainability. The first is by reducing its emissions. The second, by improving the building's productivity, with respect to the energy used by it. Blackrock points out that both methods, are attractive investment opportunities for long-term investors.

The construction sector currently evermore invests in low carbon solutions, to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Prior to the pandemic's outbreak, according to World Green Building Council’s estimates, buildings and the construction sector were responsible for 39% of global carbon dioxide emissions. Operating emissions, like the energy used for heating, cooling and lighting buildings, accounted for 28%. While the remaining 11%, originated from CO2 emissions linked to construction materials and processes. However, pollution caused by the construction sector is decreasing, due to the sector's major players' commitment, and its investments in sustainability. For example, between 2014 and 2020, the Webuild Group's global activities recorded a 56% reduction in CO2 emissions, due to increasing investments in "emission-cutting" solutions, in line with the pursuit of the UN's SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Webuild's ESG plan foresees a 35% cut in greenhouse gases by 2022

Webuild's 2021-2023 ESG plan foresees a 35% reduction in the intensity of greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels and electricity (Scope 1 and 2), compared to 2017 levels, thanks to new solutions that reduce consumption, the search for low-carbon materials, advanced tools for assessing the carbon footprint, and climate change training activities, dedicated to construction site personnel.  

Webuild's conversion involves adopting automated conveyor belts to move land without the use of trucks, while also applying high efficiency, lower consumption ventilation systems in tunnels, also using photovoltaic systems and hybrid vehicles. The Group also focuses on eco-sustainable logistic fields, water remote control systems, and predictive maintenance.

As for the TBMs used to excavate the high-speed Naples-Bari railway line, for example, with the optimization of the various on-board systems and devices, they now allow for a 20% reduction of energy and water consumption, compared to the past.

From Genoa to Sydney: Webuild's environmental safeguarding innovations

Webuild's effort in the sustainability field produces tangible results. Genoa's San Giorgio Bridge can boast 100% of reused excavation waste. And 95% of its energy consumption derives from renewable sources.

To clean the bridge's photovoltaic panels powering the structure, Webuild also designed a one-of-a-kind robot, called robot Wash, with reduced energy consumption. Sydney Metro Northwest is one of Webuild's overseas premium projects: its features ensure a 33% reduction of the environmental impact due to the materials used. Awarded as Australia's most sustainable project in the sector by the Engineering News-Records magazine, it stands out, among other things, for its cutting-edge beam construction blend, which allows for a significant reduction in CO2 emissions.