A new UNEP report reveals that emissions from the building and construction sector remained stable in 2024 for the first time since 2020. While the sector reduced energy intensity by nearly 10% and increased the share of renewables by 5%, it still accounted for over a third of global emissions.
Despite these improvements, slow progress and insufficient funding threaten global climate goals. UNEP’s Inger Andersen emphasized the need for faster action, urging countries to integrate building emissions reductions into their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Key findings include:
- Nearly half of future buildings are yet to be constructed, making ambitious energy codes essential. However, more than 50% of new buildings in developing economies lack such policies.
- Zero-carbon building codes should be adopted by 2028 for major emitters and by 2035 for all others.
- Construction materials like cement and steel contribute 18% of global emissions.
- Global investment in energy efficiency must double from $270 billion to $522 billion by 2030.
The report highlights the need for circular construction practices, green leases, retrofitting, low-carbon materials, and workforce training. The findings will inform climate commitments ahead of COP30 in Belem, Brazil.
