The built environment is undergoing a seismic shift as it confronts its role as the second-largest source of climate emissions, trailing only surface transport. According to the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC), the sector is responsible for a staggering 40% of global energy-related emissions annually (CIC, 2021). Of this, 11% stems from embodied carbon linked to materials and construction processes.
A Future with Fewer Emissions
To align with net zero targets by 2050, new and upcoming regulations are set to reshape the construction landscape. One pivotal initiative is the potential Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, which will impose levies on imported carbon-intensive building materials. This transformative approach signals a bold move towards sustainability, making the construction industry’s decarbonization imperative.
Women at the Helm of Change
Despite strides toward a sustainable future, the construction sector remains predominantly male-dominated. Women constitute only 16% of the workforce in the UK and a mere 11% in the US (Office for National Statistics, 2023). However, with the industry projected to grow by 4% before 2030 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021), there’s an urgent need for diverse talent. Women’s unique perspectives and leadership are crucial as the industry embraces sustainability.
Amidst the gender disparity, many women are spearheading efforts to tackle construction’s carbon footprint. Here are some trailblazers making waves in the industry:
Emidat – Lisa Oberaigner
Lisa Oberaigner co-founded Emidat with a vision of a climate-positive construction industry. Emidat’s AI-powered tool generates Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) quickly and affordably, transforming environmental impact assessments for building material manufacturers. Listen to our conversation with Lisa Oberaigner here:
Pathways – Leise Sandeman
Pathways platform integrated directly into manufacturers data-stack generating real-time Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) leveraging AI. These innovations help identify emission hotspots, driving product decarbonisation and create sales documentation. Explore Leise Sandeman’s journey in our exclusive interview here:
Smart EPD – Anna Lasso
Recognizing the need for digitized EPDs, Anna Lasso founded Smart EPD. This platform streamlines the creation, certification, and exchange of product environmental impact data at scale. Hear from Anna Lasso in the video below here:
Preoptima – Aileen Ryan
Aileen Ryan’s Preoptima uses AI algorithms and generative design to inform carbon decisions from the conceptual design stage. Their software enables real-time whole-life carbon assessments and carbon optioneering. Learn about the impact of Preoptima from our chat with Aileen Ryan here:
Tangible – Nicole Granath and Anneli Tostar
Tangible, co-founded by Nicole Granath and Anneli Tostar, offers comprehensive carbon emissions software for real estate developers. This tool helps manage and reduce embodied carbon, future-proofing development portfolios. Discover more about Tangible’s mission in our interview with the founders here:
Qflow – Jade Cohen and Brittany Harris
Founders Jade Cohen and Brittany Harris created Qflow to revolutionize construction sustainability. Their solution captures real-time materials and waste data through photographs, enabling informed decisions on cost, carbon, and quality. Discover how Qflow is simplifying data management and accelerating sustainability goals here.
The construction industry’s journey towards decarbonization is gaining momentum, led by visionary women transforming the field. Their innovative solutions are paving the way for a greener, more inclusive future. Dive into their stories and learn how they are driving the change we need.
