More than 60 of the largest and most influential global architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, planning, and construction firms issued a document to government leaders attending the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP 26) challenging them to increase emissions reduction targets for the built environment.
The companies collectively put in place over $300 billion in annual construction, and the two dozen industry organizations represent more than one million building industry professionals worldwide. The letter urges governments to meet the Paris Agreement’s 1.5-degree carbon budget.
Buildings are the largest source of the world’s carbon emissions globally, accounting for about 40% of total emissions. When embodied carbon of buildings is included, that percentage is substantially higher. Thus, decarbonizing the built environment is essential to achieving the goal of the Paris Agreement.
Progress made in the United States in reducing carbon emissions in the built environment is encouraging, though. The U.S. building sector has not increased its energy consumption since 2005, even though the nation added more than 50 billion sf of buildings during that time. Today, carbon emissions in the U.S. building sector continue to decline each year and are currently down 30% from 2005 levels.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | May 7, 2018
Plan advances in Los Angeles for Climate Emergency Mobilization Department
Would oversee efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the city.
Codes and Standards | May 3, 2018
Data collection, machine learning boost building efficiency
Sensors, software algorithms squeeze out waste.
Codes and Standards | May 2, 2018
Energy Department releases Updated EnergyPlus and OpenStudio building energy modeling tools
The tools can now accept input in epJSON format.
Codes and Standards | May 1, 2018
ASHRAE publishes new energy simulation-aided design standard
Requires building energy modeling during schematic design.
Codes and Standards | Apr 30, 2018
CALGreen projects pre-approved for streamlined LEED v4 requirements
Reduces need to run additional energy models.
Codes and Standards | Apr 26, 2018
New standard supports community resilience
ASTM International guidance supports cost-effective ways to withstand and recover from disasters.
Codes and Standards | Apr 25, 2018
Lessons learned from decades of Superfund cleanups guide contaminated land reuse
Sites repurposed for residential, commercial use, and solar energy generation.
Codes and Standards | Apr 24, 2018
Vibrant downtown core the key for urban multifamily development
Nighttime activity makes the difference.
Codes and Standards | Apr 19, 2018
ILFI launches new Zero Carbon Certification
Offers greater flexibility around project fuel types and offsetting renewables.
Codes and Standards | Apr 18, 2018
New Green Globe pilot program launched
Precursor to revised Green Globes Assessment Protocol for Commercial Buildings.