Setting the scene for decarbonising buildings

Abstract

This chapter sets the scene and offers a rationale for decarbonising buildings in cities and regions, and the challenges and opportunities this process presents. Buildings and construction are a central element in the transition to a low-carbon future. They account for nearly 40% of global CO2 emissions and have the potential to generate co-benefits in health, energy affordability and jobs. Decarbonisation of buildings calls for subnational policy actions beyond new construction, in particular renovating existing buildings and reducing life-cycle carbon emissions. This report draws on the findings of a dedicated survey of global cities and regions. It documents why cities and regions are important, demonstrates key roles they can play and actions they can undertake, identifies key obstacles and provides policy guidance for scaling up and accelerating the efforts to embark on this transformation.