Bridging the gap: enhancing material efficiency in residential buildings and cars

Edgar Hertwich, Reid Lifset, Stefan Pauliuk, Niko Heeren, Saleem Ali, Peter Berrill, Tomer Fishman, Qingshi Tu, Paul Wolfram

November 2019

Abstract

Research has shown that demand-side material efficiency offers substantial GHG mitigation opportunities that are complementary to those obtained through an energy system transformation. Demand-side material efficiency widens the spectrum of emissions mitigation strategies and may therefore reduce the need for other risky, contested, unproven or expensive technologies. Knowledge gaps regarding the link between material efficiency and climate change mitigation continue to exist, especially regarding the efficacy of policies where the focus of material efficiency has largely been confined to the end-of-life stage, such as targets for increased recycling. Socioeconomic transformations are crucial to harnessing the full potential of material efficiency, as, for example, greater intensity of use implies significant changes in use patterns or car ownership.

Type

Book section

Publication

Emissions Gap Report 2019

Chapter 7 of the UN Emissions Gap Report 2019

Figures

GHG emissions in GtCO2e associated with materials production by material (left) and by the first use of materials in subsequent production processes or final consumption (right)

Figure 7.1. GHG emissions in GtCO2e associated with materials production by material (left) and by the first use of materials in subsequent production processes or final consumption (right)

Annual emissions from the construction and operations of buildings in the G7 and in China and India, in a scenario that follows Shared Socioeconomic Pathway SSP1 to mitigate emissions to below 2°C Sector

Figure 7.2. Annual emissions from the construction and operations of buildings in the G7 and in China and India, in a scenario that follows Shared Socioeconomic Pathway SSP1 to mitigate emissions to below 2°C Sector