Sustainability and Embodied Carbon
Let's (literally) build a future with clean and equitable energy
By Diego Angulo Jiménez
We take advantage of World Energy Day to reflect on the challenges we face globally and that, without a doubt, we can translate to our own localities. Energy is the engine of our daily lives; it is so essential that we often overlook its importance. We turn on the light when we get home, take a hot shower, cook our dinner, charge our electronic devices and close the day with entertainment on television or social networks. All of this seems so natural to us that we rarely stop to think about how lucky we are; however, a few blocks away from us, there may be families that do not have these privileges, something that for us are simply basic needs.
In this century, the UN established the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), a framework that recognizes human needs and the right to development, always with responsibility and environmental awareness. One of these goals is to guarantee access to affordable, safe, sustainable and modern energy for all. World Energy Day, celebrated every February 14, seeks to highlight the importance of this issue and encourage the development of infrastructure that ensures equal opportunities.
One of the key sectors in this energy transition is construction. Sustainable architecture has found an ally in wood to reduce the environmental impact and improve the energy efficiency of buildings. Building houses in wood reduces the carbon footprint and also allows for better thermal performance, which reduces the need for heating and air conditioning. Incorporating wood in construction is one of the most viable strategies to balance development and sustainability. In addition, wood constructions offer a renewable and durable alternative that promotes the responsible use of natural resources and contributes to mitigating climate change.
Access to energy is not just a convenience, it is a right. The evolution of our societies has been based on the use of energy and the future will increasingly depend on it. According to a report by British Petroleum, energy demand will continue to increase, making it imperative to guarantee its supply in an efficient and sustainable manner. It is a challenge that must be a priority for our leaders and for those of us who work in sectors related to energy and sustainability.
The current generations have grown up with a strong environmental awareness and with the idea that we are responsible for the degradation of the planet. In this context, energy consumption has been demonized, but in reality, the problem is not its use, but how we generate it. If we have made great progress in civilization, especially in the last hundred years, it has been thanks to understanding and innovation in energy production.
Today, we live in a transitional stage that allows us to be optimistic: technology and knowledge bring us closer to cleaner, more accessible and more equitable solutions.
Energy allows us to enjoy entertainment and comfort, but it also impacts fundamental aspects of our quality of life. In regions without access to clean and safe energy, energy deficiencies directly affect education, health care and economic opportunities.
In many developing countries, there is still a large dependence on polluting fossil fuels, which also perpetuates conditions of poverty and social backwardness. Mexico, for example, still faces significant challenges on this issue. According to the study “Energy consumption patterns in the residential sector of Mexico: an analysis from the perspective of end uses”, prepared by M.I. Mitzi Contreras in 2022, 34% of the energy used in Mexican homes comes from burning wood; this shows the need to accelerate the transition towards more sustainable and accessible options.
We are at a key point in history in which our decisions will determine the energy future of the planet. While the challenges are great, so are the opportunities. The commitment of governments, companies and citizens can make a difference in building a fairer and more sustainable energy model. Because energy is not just a resource: it is life, it is development, it is the path to a better future for all.
It is time to reflect and act. From our daily decisions to the projects in which we participate, we can all contribute to a world with equitable access to energy. If you are part of the construction sector, consider how wood and other sustainable solutions can make a difference. If you are a citizen, get informed and support initiatives that promote clean energy. Together, we can drive a more sustainable and fair future.
The importance of communicating sustainability
By Carlos Yanez
There are topics that are attractive to the masses by themselves, others that, being more specific or specialized, are attractive to investors, stakeholders or decision makers; but there are also some others in which everyone should be interested and where lines converge in which several of the aforementioned actors intervene, and also have an impact on the lives and activities of everyone. I am referring to sustainability.
All productive activity has great impacts on the surroundings and the environment. Due to the moment of humanity in which we find ourselves, many of these activities must continue to avoid crises and provide solutions that help to face challenges such as water scarcity, climate change or the lack of information on what is currently being done to promote sustainable production methods; for the purposes of what is addressed in our initiative, sustainable construction methods.
This is where communication takes on a vital role. Any advance, achievement or innovation must be known by the greatest number of people so that it can be replicated, adopted or even surpassed. Knowledge and information will always be important allies for those who strive to generate positive change on the planet.
Wood Architecture is based on principles such as ecology, social responsibility, governance and ethics; conditions and characteristics that, if they remain good intentions or do not come to light, would not have the expected effect and would not give impetus to new projects and initiatives that revolutionize the way of carrying out productive and constructive activities, the ways of doing business or how we protect and interact with the environment.
A sample that bears witness to the above is the study The Rise of Sustainable Media carried out by Dentsu and Microsoft Advertisement. The document reveals that 91% of the people surveyed want brands to take into account the environment and the protection of the planet when making decisions.
Giving visibility to good actions, volunteering, programs, studies, construction methods and the ways in which we can all contribute to a better world, generates healthy competition and disseminates the direction that humanity must take in the 21st century, in addition to broadening the vision of consumers so that they promote the initiatives of those of us who are taking action on the matter.
Today, the public is better informed, making purchasing decisions based on knowing where the products they buy come from, how they were produced, what impact their manufacturing has and what their role is in the entire sales chain. All this information must be put into the appropriate channels so that it is available to all those who can do something with it; whether to direct a company towards a new path, legislate on better ways of producing or acquiring goods and services that care about and take care of saving resources, reduce their negative impact and offer tangible solutions that benefit everyone.