In celebration of World Environment Day (5 June), the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) announces its 12th annual World Green Building Week event, taking place on 20-24 September 2021.
Following a challenging year, the campaign focuses on building back better by accelerating resilience in the built environment. Throughout the week, the WorldGBC network will host events across the world and share examples of #BuildingResilience — buildings that foster resilience to climate change and resilience for people and economies.
This year’s campaign ties into WorldGBC’s #BuildingToCOP26 campaign which supports the UN’s Race to Zero and Race to Resilience campaigns.
Cristina Gamboa, CEO of World Green Building Council: “The Cities, Regions and Built Environment Day at COP26 marks an unprecedented opportunity to decarbonise the building and construction sector and bring to the forefront the resiliency agenda.
“While often overlooked, the impact of the global built environment is immense. It accounts for around 40% of energy use, 10% of employment and 50% of all wealth. And our changing climate has made four billion people all over the world vulnerable to its impacts.
“World Green Building Week 2021 represents our sector’s drive to continue to bring the Sustainable Development Goals to the top of the agenda. This year we reiterate our collective commitment to unlock the green and zero carbon recovery, enable a just transition, and empower and protect our most vulnerable people and communities.
“Through radical collaboration, we can win the UN’s Race to Zero. But we can’t win the Race to Zero without winning the Race to Resilience as well. In this spirit, we invite you to join us as we profile the businesses and governments accelerating an equitable, resilient and net zero transition for everyone, everywhere.”
#BuildingResilience will highlight how the built environment can support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals through three areas:
#BuildingResilience to climate change
A resilient built environment combats climate change by generating its own affordable and clean energy. It also accelerates the adaptation and mitigation to the impacts of climate change on our most vulnerable regions and communities.
#BuildingResilience for people
Resilient built environments future-proof communities. They can provide healthy environments and fairer access to vital social infrastructure such as schools, hospitals and green spaces.
#BuildingResilience for economies
Rebuilding a more resilient built environment ensures investment works harder, delivers long-term gains that grow green jobs, and bolsters economies through a just transition.
Find out more at www.worldgbc.org/WGBW2021 and join the social media campaign on @WorldGBC, #BuildingResilience and #WGBW21.
