Dissertation in the field of architecture: Architect Matti Kuittinen

Carbon footprint in humanitarian construction. What are the CO2 emissions and how to mitigate them?

Architect Matti Kuittinen will defend his dissertation Carbon footprinting in humanitarian construction. What are the CO2 emissions and how to mitigate them?

Opponent: Professor Aoife Houlihan Wiberg, Department of Architectural Design, History and Technology, Faculty of Architecture and Fine Art, NTNU.
Cusots: Professor Tomi Kotnik, Department of Architecture.

The discussion will be in English.

ABSTRACT

Climate change has become a key driver of humanitarian disasters and forced migration. Its impacts are seen globally but the greatest vulnerability is experienced in the cities of the less developed countries. Although the construction sector is globally accountable for around 30% of greenhouse gas emissions, the research of its impact in humanitarian construction is very thin and recommendations for optimising the carbon footprint of transitional shelters or reconstruction are extremely hard to find.

In this dissertation, the knowledge gaps related to carbon footprint estimation and simplified methods are presented. A series of case studies from different countries reveal the carbon footprint and primary energy demand of transitional shelters and reconstruction projects. Novel methods are proposed for setting the benchmark levels of an acceptable carbon footprint in humanitarian construction and for cross-comparing carbon footprint, energy efficiency and construction costs. Finally, the findings are summarised into practical recommendations and a low-carbon humanitarian construction project model. It is exemplified through shelter and reconstruction projects in Syria.

The carbon footprint in humanitarian construction seems to be very material related. Bio-based materials enable low greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, focusing on energy efficiency seems to be relevant in the refugee camps of cold climates, especially if the energy infrastructure is damaged in a humanitarian disaster. Embedding environmental accountability into the development of core humanitarian standards and guidelines is recommended. Leading a sustainable life should be considered as an emerging human right.

WELCOME!