Greenhouse gas emissions appear to have leveled off, according to findings from the United Nations Environment organization
Though emissions from the sector were flat from 2015-2017, they still represent about a third of the global emissions that cause climate change. Nevertheless, the progress being made in designing and constructing greener buildings has helped to hold the line on emissions.
The positive finding was a rare bright spot amid warnings from a UN meeting in Katowice, Poland that not enough is being done to stop the planet heating up. The meeting is aimed at meeting a deadline to agree on rules on how to enforce the Paris Climate Agreement.
Global carbon emissions are projected to rise nearly 3% this year, scientists said. To encourage energy-efficient buildings, nations could push for better insulation and windows by revamping building codes and setting up energy certification schemes, according to a UN report. Actions to lower emissions from common building materials like cement and steel, whose manufacturing generates large amounts of carbon, would also be productive, the report said.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Mar 1, 2019
U.S. cities have become more dangerous for bicyclists and pedestrians
Reduced speed limits, traffic calming, better education seen as keys to improvement.
Codes and Standards | Feb 28, 2019
High-income renters now the fastest-growing housing market segment
Growth is fastest in mid-sized cities with strong economies.
Codes and Standards | Feb 27, 2019
Katerra launches software platform for ‘entire lifecycle of the building process’
Firm is accepting industry applicants to test the product.
Codes and Standards | Feb 26, 2019
AAMA updates two specifications for test methods related to seismic drift
For evaluating window wall, curtain wall and storefront systems.
Codes and Standards | Feb 22, 2019
California’s carbon reduction goals to be aided by programs to convert heating, hot water systems
Switch from propane to electricity is critical to plan.
Codes and Standards | Feb 21, 2019
Researchers develop software that can calculate potential solar energy yield at any location
Accounts for dynamic shading from trees, buildings and other structures.
Codes and Standards | Feb 20, 2019
Hospitals not making much progress in reducing their carbon footprint
Energy benchmarking survey shows flat emissions pattern over past 20 years.
Codes and Standards | Feb 15, 2019
Super Bowl stadium helps alleviate Atlanta’s flood problems
Capacity to store more than 2 million gallons of storm water on site.
Codes and Standards | Feb 14, 2019
ISO publishes first global BIM standards
Based on British standard and a publicly available standard.
Codes and Standards | Feb 12, 2019
Property technology adoption accelerates in commercial real estate industry
New business models create disintermediation.