COP29’s Call to Action: Decarbonising Buildings for a Resilient Future
As the world convened for COP29—the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change—held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 11 to 22 November 2024, the urgency to tackle climate change and decarbonise the built environment reached a pivotal moment. Buildings accounted for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, making them a critical focus in the journey toward net-zero. The decarbonisation of buildings represented not only a necessary shift to meet international climate goals but also an opportunity to reshape urban infrastructure for resilience, health, and sustainability.
Why Decarbonising Buildings Was Crucial
Buildings were responsible for both operational emissions—those produced from energy use such as heating, cooling, and electricity—and embodied emissions, which came from the manufacturing, transportation, and construction of building materials. With increasing global urbanisation, the demand for energy-efficient, low-carbon buildings accelerated. At COP29, decarbonising buildings emerged as one of the top priorities, underscoring the role that energy-efficient design, renewable energy sources, and innovative materials played in reducing emissions and creating a sustainable future.
In addition, extreme climate events such as wildfires, flooding, and heatwaves further highlighted the vulnerabilities of traditional building practices. Resilient, low-carbon buildings not only lowered emissions but also created healthier indoor environments, improved air quality, and promoted social well-being. COP29’s renewed focus on the built environment served as a call to action for engineers, architects, developers, and policymakers alike.
COP29’s Goals for the Built Environment
COP29 outlined several ambitious goals aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of buildings worldwide:
Enhanced Energy Efficiency Standards: Established more rigorous standards for building insulation, heating and cooling systems, and ventilation to reduce operational emissions.
Renewable Energy Integration: Incentivised the use of on-site renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind, for new and retrofitted buildings.
Embodied Carbon Reduction: Promoted the use of low-carbon building materials, including recycled materials and sustainable alternatives to conventional concrete and steel.
Smart Building Technologies: Leveraged advanced technologies, like IoT and AI, to monitor and manage energy use, optimising for efficiency and reducing emissions over time.
These goals aimed to reduce emissions while enhancing building resilience to cope with climate impacts, setting the stage for buildings to become proactive contributors to sustainability.
Decarbonising Buildings: Key Strategies for Success
To meet these ambitious goals, several strategies proved essential in the design, construction, and management of buildings.
Retrofitting Existing Buildings
Since a significant portion of buildings in use today will remain operational by 2050, retrofitting existing structures became crucial. By upgrading insulation, installing energy-efficient windows, and replacing outdated heating and cooling systems with energy-efficient alternatives, buildings significantly reduced operational emissions. COP29 emphasised the importance of government incentives to support retrofitting initiatives on a broad scale.
Utilising Low-Carbon Materials
Embodied emissions became a growing area of concern, and using low-carbon materials proved essential for reducing a building’s overall environmental impact. Green concrete alternatives, timber construction, and recycled steel gained traction. COP29 encouraged circular economy principles in construction, promoting reuse and recycling within the industry.
Incorporating Renewable Energy
One of COP29’s central recommendations was for buildings to integrate renewable energy sources. Solar panels, geothermal systems, and wind turbines proved effective ways for buildings to generate clean energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. These technologies were particularly impactful in large commercial buildings and urban developments.
Adopting Smart Technologies
The implementation of smart building technologies enabled real-time energy monitoring and automated systems that adjusted lighting, temperature, and ventilation. These systems not only optimised energy usage but also helped building managers identify inefficiencies and reduce waste.
Resilient Design for Future Climate Conditions
Buildings designed with resilience in mind became better equipped to withstand extreme weather events, ensuring occupant safety and reducing the need for costly repairs. Features like elevated foundations, stormwater management systems, and heat-resistant materials made buildings more prepared for a future shaped by climate change.
The Role of Policy and Collaboration in Decarbonising the Built Environment
COP29 emphasised that achieving these ambitious goals required strong policy frameworks and collaboration across sectors. Local and national governments played a key role in enforcing stricter building codes, offering financial incentives, and supporting research into sustainable building practices. Industry collaboration—from architects and engineers to technology providers and material suppliers—was also essential in driving forward innovation and ensuring the widespread adoption of sustainable practices.
Policies such as carbon pricing, subsidies for green buildings, and mandates for energy efficiency accelerated the shift towards net-zero buildings. Furthermore, public-private partnerships proved crucial for mobilising the resources needed to fund green infrastructure and ensured that even small developers and local communities could participate in the transition.
Building a Resilient Future Through Decarbonisation
COP29 spotlighted the need to decarbonise buildings, not just as an environmental imperative but as an opportunity to build a resilient future. Decarbonised buildings reduced emissions, improved indoor air quality, and were better equipped to withstand the impacts of climate change. In taking action, stakeholders addressed the climate crisis while shaping cities and communities that could thrive in the decades to come.
For stakeholders in the built environment, COP29’s call to action provided a roadmap to align with climate goals while creating a positive legacy of sustainable, resilient development. Through commitment and collaboration, buildings were transformed from carbon liabilities into carbon-neutral assets, leading the way to a sustainable future for all.
Are you ready to decarbonise your building projects and contribute to a resilient, net-zero future? Contact us to explore sustainability solutions tailored to the built environment.
