The construction industry, a significant contributor to global carbon emissions, is undergoing a crucial transformation toward sustainability. A pivotal focus of this shift is the supply chain’s role in mitigating Scope 3 emissions, which include material sourcing, transportation, and disposal.
At the Big 5 Global event, the “Big 5 Talks” panel, moderated by Almas Tholot, featured experts like Mahesh Ramanujam, President of the Global Network for Zero, and Nadia Ibrahim, Middle East Director for Sustainability at Ricardo. They emphasized the need for collaboration across the supply chain to achieve net-zero construction goals.
Mahesh Ramanujam highlighted that only 0.023% of buildings globally are truly net-zero, underscoring the need for tools like Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) to assess and minimize emissions. Nadia Ibrahim pointed to advancements in 3D printing and AI, which are revolutionizing material efficiency and waste management in the Middle East.
Experts agreed that achieving sustainability requires integrating green frameworks, leveraging technology, and fostering global collaboration. As Nadia Ibrahim stated, “Decarbonization must be the objective at every stage of the construction value chain.”
