Jun 22

Build like the year is 2050, today.

building materials

Photo courtesy of Alusid

2050 is a number we hear a lot about these days, and for good reasons.

To keep global warming below 1.5 degrees, the world needs to secure global net zero by mid-century. This is exactly why a week ago governments from around the world gathered in Glasgow to set emission reduction targets with the goal of reducing the impacts of climate change.

What are companies doing?

Companies around the world are moving ahead by setting targets to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, or sometimes even by 2030. Such steps are necessary to ensure a better future.

However, not all commitments come with a plan…

Unfortunately, setting targets for 10, 20 or 30 years into the future allows us to assume the future will be very different from today. This means that we make big assumptions about carbon capture and storage technology, as well as large process improvements.

UKGBC graph

UKGBC, 2021: Carbon Intensity reduction (2050) breakdown per material category

2050 seems a bit far away, doesn’t it…?

It does, and it is.

We believe that thinking too far into the future often delays action that’s needed today.

When brainstorming on what to name our sustainable product comparison platform, our main goal was to remind the industry that solutions exist today.

We don’t need to wait for magical carbon capture and storage technology nor do we need to offset emissions for everything we do. Instead, what we need is the ability to find and compare solutions holistically as early as possible. It’s a big task, but we’re working on exactly that!

You can think of 2050 Materials as a materials platform or a time machine. Instead of 2050 being a year far ahead into the future, we wanted it to be the place architects, designers and engineers go to find the most sustainable construction products on the market, today.

What are we working on?

We love materials.

And we love the people working on turning natural, abundant resources into the building products of the future.

The 2050 Materials platform shouts “change is here”! We are launching soon and can’t wait to share it with you…
2050 Materials Platform

If you’re an architect or designer, follow us on LinkedIn to get updates and early access.

If you’re a manufacturer producing sustainable products and would like to be featured on the platform, drop us a line.

-Co-founder, Phanos Hadjikyriakou

Previous What world is your building design creating?
Next Redefining “value” in the value engineering process

Related articles

IndiTherm Hemp Insulation Flexibatts available on 2050 Materials platform
Data & Research Nov 13

9 Progressive Hemp-Based Products for Construction and Insulation

This article examines 9 groundbreaking hemp-based products, detailing their sustainability credentials, unique advantages, and specific applications in construction.

Read more
Processed glass from Cardinal Glass Industries on 2050 Materials Platform
Data & Research Nov 07

The Most Innovative Products for External Walls & Facades in 2024

These products are designed to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy performance, and minimize the depletion of natural resources, all while maintaining high standards of durability and design.

Read more
Overview of sustainability regulations in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry
Data & Research Oct 30

Tracking Embodied Carbon Regulations in Construction (Updated Oct 2024)

This tracker is designed to map current embodied carbon regulations across various regions and countries, providing you with an overview of key facts and relevant supporting articles.

Read more