A new report calls on the built environment industry and
policy makers to respond to the climate crisis with both the building and
infrastructure sectors acting together.
In Beyond Buildings, the
WorldGBC presents the interconnection between buildings and infrastructure, and
argues that systemic and integrated solutions will unlock improved
sustainability outcomes. They will also accelerate the change in trajectory of
GHG emissions from the built environment.
Through presenting the roles that
both the private and public sectors must play in terms of investment, policy
and procurement, WorldGBC’s work identifies that a global framework of
principles is necessary to accelerate sustainability performance across
infrastructure. If we are to succeed in this critical decade, united action
across all sub-sectors of the built environment industry is essential as the
purpose of much of our built infrastructure is to create and support places for
people.
WorldGBC calls for collaboration
amongst all actors in the development of a framework of principles. These
principles should be adapted and verified at a local level in order to align
with the 1.5° emissions trajectory and the United Nations´ Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs), and be applicable to all asset types, to be
co-created, agreed, and universally pursued. This report sets us on the path of
that journey.
Nigel Topping, UN High Level Climate Champion for COP26, said:
“How our towns, cities and countries continue to grow really matters to the
global climate crisis. We have to realise that what worked in the built
environment and infrastructure sectors in the past will not work in the
future.
“The world faces crisis on multiple
fronts, which is why we’re putting collaboration in infrastructure and built
environment – a sector that contributes 75% of annual global GHG emissions - at
the heart of everything we do.
“Only by forging new partnerships
and all-party agreements can we overcome the challenges facing our planet and
society today.”
Cristina Gamboa, CEO, World Green Building Council, said: “In
the lead up to the Cities, Regions and Built Environment day at COP26, the
importance of considering all aspects of the built environment - both the
buildings we live in, and the infrastructure that supports them - is critical
for taking a holistic and systemic approach to climate action and sustainable
development.
“If we’re to build a better, brighter future, the
infrastructure sector needs to de-link its growth from emissions by embracing a
systemic approach which delivers sustainable built environments for everyone,
everywhere.
“The Beyond Buildings report sets
out a path forward to support the rapid adoption of best practice
sustainability outcomes across the building, construction and infrastructure
space. It identifies critical next steps for the deep transformation needed to
meet 2030 reduction goals.
“Our green building network, its partners, members and
other organisations advancing sustainable infrastructure and buildings are
ready to accelerate this massive transition and ensure a zero carbon,
resilient, healthy and sustainable future.”
Richard Palmer, Director of Global Sustainability, Integral Group, said: “The built environment is such an important part of addressing both the causes and impacts of climate change. This report highlights the opportunities between buildings and infrastructure to accelerate climate action at the scale and speed demanded by science.”
