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 | Sep 21, 2017
After construction crane collapses during Irma, regulations questioned
Cranes rated for 140 mph winds didn’t hold up to 100 mph gusts.
Codes and Standards | Sep 20, 2017
Energy efficiency measures pay off in some not-so-obvious ways
Access to better financing, tax incentives, rent premiums, among the benefits to greener buildings.
Codes and Standards | Sep 19, 2017
Benchmarking regulations prompt jump in green certified properties
2016 saw a slight rise in total certified U.S. green office space.
Codes and Standards | Sep 18, 2017
Changes likely to come to federal wetlands regulations
However, states may step up regulations as feds relax them.
Codes and Standards | Sep 14, 2017
Gentrification means a new mindset for city planners
Rising rents elicit reexamination of zoning principles.
Codes and Standards | Sep 13, 2017
OSHA issues extension for compliance with crane operator certification requirements
Comments on proposed rule sought through Sept. 29.
Codes and Standards | Sep 12, 2017
Washington, D.C. is first LEED Platinum city in the world
All city government buildings are powered by renewables.
Codes and Standards | Sep 11, 2017
Natural solutions would be most effective flood resilience policies for Houston
New green infrastructure should be part of rebuild.
Codes and Standards | Sep 8, 2017
Los Angeles luxury high-rise is first U.S. apartment building to achieve WELL Multifamily certification
Hollywood Proper Residences have verified indoor air and water quality features.
Codes and Standards | Sep 7, 2017
More than half of Houston properties at high or moderate risk of flooding are not in FEMA flood zone
Properties outside of these zones are not required to carry flood insurance.