United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction (Buildings-GSR) 2024

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Report was published jointly by UNEP and Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC).

Key findings
- Building and Construction Sector (BCS) accounts for about 21% of global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions.
- In 2022, buildings were responsible for 34% global energy demand and 37% of energy and process-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
- India is attributing 40% of its CO2 emissions to buildings.
- Need to Decarbonise BCS:
  - Limit global warming to 1.5°C (Paris agreement) and achieve net zero by 2050 by reducing embodied carbon in building materials.

Initiatives taken for Sustainable BCS
- Global:
  - Declaration de Chaillot (adopted at first ever Buildings and Climate Global Forum): Document aimed at fostering international cooperation to address climate challenges within building sector.
  - Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (European Union): Zero emission standards for new buildings by 2030.
  - Buildings Breakthrough initiative (by France and Morocco at COP 28): Near-zero emission and resilient buildings by 2030.
  - Clean Heat Forum (initiated by UK).
- India:
  - First city-specific Zero Carbon Buildings Action Plan (ZCBAP) launched in Nagpur.
  - Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022 provides for Energy Conservation and Sustainability Building Code.

Founded at COP21, it is leading global platform for all built environment stakeholders committed to a common vision: A zero-emission, efficient and resilient buildings and construction sector.

Poor building practices can contribute to maladaptation, leading to increased energy consumption and GHG emissions.
Continued construction of carbon intensive new buildings in climate risk exposed areas.

Developing building energy codes aligned with Zero-Emissions Building principles.
Providing financial incentives for greater investment in decarbonizing BCS.

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