Embodied energy in buildings: Two decades of research trends, evolution, and implications for climate change mitigation

Abstract

This study assessed the global research trends on embodied energy in buildings over the past two decades (2003–2023), emphasising its role in climate change mitigation. The core problem addressed is the continued overlook of embodied energy and carbon in the built environment, despite their increasing share in total life cycle emissions as buildings become more operationally efficient. This issue is critical since the construction sector contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions, mostly in urbanising and climate-vulnerable regions like Africa. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses method, 303 relevant publications were identified from the Scopus database and analysed with the R Studio-based Bibliometrix software package. The findings revealed a surge in publications post-2016, demonstrating keen global attention to sustainability frameworks such as the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goal targets. Key themes identified include life cycle assessment, circular economy, and carbon mitigation, with embodied carbon emerging as a dominant concept. The study revealed a disproportionate concentration of research in developed countries, with limited contributions from Africa, highlighting a pressing need for localised studies and context-sensitive policy interventions. In addition, the study identified innovative strategies such as bio-based materials, prefabrication, and retrofitting as viable pathways for reducing embodied energy. These findings are significant for informing global climate policy, building standards, and the African Union Agenda 2063 aspiration for sustainable infrastructure. Moreover, the findings could serve as a roadmap for future research, capacity building, and policymaking to decarbonise the building sector globally and regionally.