Espoo analyses development of building stock emissions – construction materials are key
A new scenario analysis, commissioned by Espoo, deepens the city’s understanding of the development of construction emissions, projecting up to the year 2060. Current data indicates that energy consumption will account for the majority of Espoo’s building stock emissions until 2030, after which the largest share will stem from the production of construction materials. The scenario analysis provides a clearer picture of the climate efforts needed in the field of construction.
In addition to the development of overall construction emissions in Espoo, scenarios for the city’s own construction projects were examined, focusing on the development of emissions from buildings owned by Espoon Asunnot(external link, opens in a new window) and the Premises Department.
What are the sources of building stock emissions in Espoo?
The scenario analysis reveals that energy consumption will account for the largest share of Espoo’s building stock emissions until 2030. After this point, emissions from the production of construction materials are expected to exceed those from energy consumption. The emissions of building stock materials, which are, in particular, generated by steel and concrete production, were estimated at 183 kt CO2e in 2022 and are projected to decrease to 151 kt by 2030 and 143 kt by 2035. Figure 2 illustrates the carbon footprint of Espoo’s building stock by emission source in 2022, 2030 and 2035.
The Carbon-neutral Espoo 2030 roadmap steers Espoo towards carbon neutrality, with construction identified as one of the key focus areas. The city’s 80% emission reduction target does not include consumption-based emissions that are generated outside Espoo’s boundaries. However, a significant share of construction emissions is only reflected in these consumption-based emissions. For instance, emissions from construction materials are not included in the emissions generated within Espoo, as the production of these materials takes place outside the city’s boundaries. According to the scenarios, the total consumption-based emissions of Espoo’s building stock are estimated to be approximately 400 kt CO2e in 2030, 340 kt in 2035, and 260 kt in 2060.
Regional and consumption-based approaches are not alternatives to each other but rather complement one another.
Reducing carbon footprint of building stock
The role of consumption-based emissions and the construction sector will become increasingly significant in Espoo’s climate efforts. In addition to its carbon neutrality goal, Espoo has already set a target for reducing consumption-based emissions. The city is able to influence construction emissions through various means, such as land use policies, its own construction and partner cooperation.
Espoo is already taking significant measures to reduce construction emissions. The pioneer perspective explored in the scenario analysis demonstrates that through circular economy solutions and repair construction, the city can achieve even more ambitious emission reductions than through current measures, provided that the market for low-carbon materials develops rapidly.
“The market for low-carbon construction materials is growing. Espoo will increase its cooperation with businesses to reduce construction emissions. It is particularly important that both national and international regulations steer the construction products market towards emission reductions in a way that makes sustainable construction cost-effective,” says Pasi Laitala, Director of Strategy and Development.
The Sustainable Espoo programme’s steering group discussed the results of the scenario analysis on 11 December 2024. Espoo’s innovation culture and pioneering spirit are assets in the promotion of low-carbon construction. The results of the analysis can also be used in the preparation of the Espoo Master Plan 2060 proposal.
The project “Developing Espoo’s climate governance and climate budget” improved Espoo’s understanding of the consumption-based emissions of construction. The work involved a wide range of city units, including City Planning, the Premises Department and Espoon Asunnot Oy. The project received funding from the Municipal Climate Solutions Programme of the Ministry of the Environment.
Enquiries
Karoliina Isoaho, Senior Climate Specialist, karoliina.isoaho@espoo.fi
Sitowise: Group Manager Emma Liljeström, emma.liljestrom@sitowise.fi, Department Manager Nicholas Stewart, nicholas.stewart@sitowise.com
Linkki esitysmateriaaliin
Espoo Climate Watch(external link, opens in a new window)
Municipal Climate Solutions Programme(external link, opens in a new window)