Construction sector has an important role in reducing carbon emissions

Stating that buildings and construction-construction processes account for 40 percent of global carbon emissions, Eren said, "It is seen that the construction sector has an important place within the scope of the goal of reducing carbon emissions."

Pointing out that urban transformation is of vital importance for Türkiye, which has a high earthquake risk, Eren said, "Considering the warnings made by experts on this issue, especially for Istanbul, it is understood that we do not have a second to lose."

More than 70 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in cities

Pointing out that another issue that should be given as much importance as earthquakes and urban transformation in urban planning is the global climate crisis, Eren said: "According to a projection made by the World Bank, it is predicted that by 2050, 7 out of every 10 people in the world will live in cities, the urban population will constitute two-thirds of the entire world population and more than 70 percent of global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions will be in cities. In addition, studies show that buildings and construction-construction processes account for 40 percent of global carbon emissions. While the emission caused by the energy used for heating-cooling and lighting during the operating periods of buildings accounts for 28 percent, the remaining 11 percent comes from the carbon caused by the materials and construction works used in the life cycle of buildings. Therefore, it is seen that the urban planning and construction sector inevitably has an important place within the scope of sustainability and the goal of reducing carbon emissions."

"Planning a city is also planning lives"

Emphasizing that building cities is not only about buildings, bridges, roads and infrastructure, but also about building lives, Eren said, "Planning a city includes the quality of life, safety, health, social life and even the legacy it will leave to the next generations. As a matter of fact, our contractors continue to work with this awareness and responsibility and carry out many important projects not only in Türkiye but also abroad."