1. BUILDINGS AND TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE
Reaching net-zero emissions require best available technologies and transformative shifts JOHAN ROOTZÉN, IDA KARLSSON, AND FILIP JOHNSSON
CO2 emissions from the construction of buildings and transportation infrastructure can be cut by 40-50 percent by applying best-available technologies and measures. However, reaching close-to-zero CO2 emissions would require the inclusion of transformative technological shifts, including the electrification of machinery/transports and electrification of and/or implementation of carbon capture and storage in the basic industry. Research in Mistra Carbon Exit shows how key priorities to unlock the potential for emissions reductions that exist already today include efforts to upscale the use of sustainable biofuels, optimization of material use and mass handling, increased recycling of steel, asphalt and aggregates, and increased use of alternative binders in concrete. However, reducing CO2 emissions to a level close to zero would require the inclusion of transformative technological shifts, including the electrification of machinery/transports and the electrification of and/or implementation of carbon capture and storage (CCS) in basic industry. While these technologies are to a large extent known, they need to be demonstrated at large scale. From the work, it is clear that a decarbonization of the building construction will also require efforts to identify and manage “soft” measures (organization, knowledge sharing, competences), in addition to the handling of cost barriers. New ways of cooperating, coordinating and sharing information must be devised and implemented Unlocking the full abatement potential of these emission reduction measures will involve not only technological innovations, but also innovations in the policy arena combined with new ways of cooperating, coordinating and sharing information between actors.
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These will include: • Legislators and regulators realizing their power (and responsibility) to contribute towards reducing the CO2 emissions from infrastructure construction. This will not only have to include environmental economic policy instruments and regulations, but also the making of decisions as to what and how much new transport infrastructure is to be built. • Providing policy coordination and clear responsibility for monitoring and follow-up of progress. Establishment of a clear division of responsibility for national and sector-wide follow-up of progress aligned to national goals, sector goals and industry roadmaps. • Overcoming compartmentalization in traditional organizational structures, so as to encourage coordination and collaboration within and between projects and across the supply chain. • De-risking material innovation and incentivizing circular practices, material efficiency and material substitution measures in permit issuing and procurement requirements. • Engaging stakeholders in the supply chains for basic materials, such as steel and cement, to work collectively towards securing financing and de-risking investments in low-, zero- or negative-emissions technologies.
