Building a new structure generates the same amount of embodied carbon as renovating 2.4 existing buildings.
Every construction project requires materials, energy, and resources. However, the associated carbon emissions can vary considerably. According to an analysis by the German Council of Sustainability (DGNB), renovating existing buildings results in 60% less embodied carbon than constructing new buildings. Why? New construction requires creating a new load-bearing structure, whereas renovations usually retain the existing one. This structure uses many materials, products, and building components that are often produced from primary resources, which are associated with high carbon emissions. Therefore, emissions from new construction are significantly higher than those from modernizing an existing building.