The Zero Carbon Buildings for All Initiative recently launched at the UN Climate Action Summit will aim for upgrading standards so that all buildings are net zero carbon by 2050.
That goal is in accordance with the goals of the Paris Agreement, but with less than 1% of buildings today having achieved net zero, there is a long way to go. Zero Carbon Buildings for All will look to government, industry, and civil society to secure commitments to decarbonize new buildings by 2030 and existing buildings by 2050. It will also mobilize significant funding (at least $1 trillion in Paris Agreement-compliant buildings investment in developing countries by 2030).
Building operations account for 28% of energy-related CO2 emissions, making them among the largest contributors to climate change. Improving efficiency in buildings is one of the most proven, cost-effective climate mitigation solutions available, according to a statement by Zero Carbon Buildings for All.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Mar 20, 2017
Professional liability insurance rates for architects and engineers expected to be stable in 2017
Premiums leveled off in 2015, and claims have been stable, helping to hold costs down.
Codes and Standards | Mar 15, 2017
Energy Star program at risk
The standard-setting initiative for energy-efficient products may be a victim of Trump budget cuts.
Codes and Standards | Mar 14, 2017
Timber Innovation Act to promote tall wood buildings introduced in Congress
The measure has bipartisan support.
Codes and Standards | Mar 13, 2017
U.S. House and Senate have voted to repeal Dept. of Labor’s 'blacklisting' rule
The rule mandates labor compliance review for federal construction contractors.
Codes and Standards | Mar 9, 2017
WiredScore forms Connectivity Advisory Committee
The committee's creation is an important step forward for the group that evaluates internet connectivity in buildings.
Codes and Standards | Mar 8, 2017
New guide examines multifamily high-performance ventilation
The focus is on cost and performance of various systems.
Codes and Standards | Mar 7, 2017
Canada’s national building codes will encompass effects of climate change
Forecasted data, not historical data, will be used as the basis for the codes.
Codes and Standards | Mar 6, 2017
ConsensusDocs updates standard short contract editions
The updates address industry changes impacting insurance, legal, technology, and terminology.
Codes and Standards | Mar 3, 2017
ASCE updates standard for structures using tensile membrane
The new sstandard combines guidelines for conventional tensile membrane structures with frame-covered membrane structures.
Codes and Standards | Mar 1, 2017
EPA's 2017 Construction General Permit now in effect
The regulation governs compliance with effluent limits.
