IIT Madras researchers estimate that Chennai could cumulatively emit 231.9 million tonnes of CO2 by 2040. (file photo)
The researchers suggest that switching to renewable sources of energy for the operational needs of buildings will be a key driver in reducing emissions from Chennai.
Indian Institute technology Madras (IIT Madras) researchers estimate that Chennai could cumulatively emit 231.9 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) by 2040 due to rapid urbanization just from the construction and operation of buildings.
The researchers suggest that switching to renewable sources of energy for the operational needs of buildings will be a key driver in reducing emissions from Chennai.
The study was conducted by a team of researchers from the Center for Technologies for Low Carbon and Lean Construction, IIT Madras and the Indo-German Center for Sustainability (IGCS) IIT Madras, which included Professor Ashwin Mahalingam, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Madras. Madras, and Shri Pokharaj Nayak, Alumni, IIT Madras.
Explaining the importance of this study, Professor Ashwin Mahalingam, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Madras said, “To achieve our emissions targets, we need to benchmark how our ‘business as usual’ future will be.” what the emissions are likely to be and work backwards. This study represents a step in trying to quantitatively address this problem.”
Rapid urbanization is likely to increase the built-up stock across the country. In India, the building industry is estimated to account for about a quarter of the total CO2 emissions. This is mainly due to the emissions generated from the production of raw materials (such as cement and steel), their transportation to construction sites, the energy used during construction, and most importantly, the energy used during the operation of buildings. Is.
Researchers at IIT Madras have conducted a quantitative study to address the issue of rising CO2 emissions due to the construction of buildings. The researchers conducted the study in three phases. In the first phase, the team leveraged geospatial modeling techniques to simulate what Chennai would look like in 2040. In addition, the researchers used Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) techniques to understand the extent of carbon emissions in Chennai due to urbanisation. The team then developed several scenarios where alternative building materials and energy sources are used in Chennai’s development to evaluate the technologies that could lead to the greatest reduction in emissions.
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