In 2023, the buildings and construction sector saw a reduction its emissions, despite a 3% rise in floor area. However, the sector still accounted for approximately 34% of energy-related CO₂ emissions and over 32% of energy demand. Essential building and construction materials, such as cement and steel, are responsible for 18% of global emissions and generate significant construction waste. Decarbonizing the sector will require multiple strategies; one such solution is the use of low carbon materials. Cognition recently received a certificate from one of our suppliers, Cemex, in recognition of our significant carbon reductions through use of low carbon materials.

By using Cemex’s lower carbon cements, Cognition reduced CO₂ emissions by 145 tonnes in 2024. That is equivalent to the CO₂ emissions of 578 hours flown,12 hectares of forest, or 578,195 miles driven – an amazing contribution to our carbon savings and a demonstration of our commitment to sustainability and combatting climate change. As part of our continued efforts to reduce our carbon emissions and maintain our carbon natural status, we are proud to get acknowledgement for using industry leading products that help us to achieve this goal.

To find out more ways that our sector can decarbonize to meet UN Sustainable Development Goals, please visit the following links:

• https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/emissions-building-sector-stopped-rising-first-time-2020-un-finds 
• https://globalabc.org/global-status-report 
• https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:EU:3057d6a5-2cab-4210-b4ea-9359950702ef