Built Environment Decarbonization

The built environment is currently responsible for almost 40% of global energy and process-related CO₂ emissions. To achieve full system decarbonization, we need to ensure each company focuses not only on its own emission reduction but also on how they can actively support an overall net-zero transition of buildings. Central to these efforts is achieving net zero for entire buildings across their full life cycle, rather than a siloed approach that detaches products in the system from one another. 

To decarbonize the building system in line with the Paris Agreement, we need a low-carbon business vision and joint action. This workstream offers a platform for multi-stakeholder collaboration that can accelerate the delivery of solutions for achieving net-zero emissions over the lifetime of built structures. The opportunity for businesses lies in developing, disseminating and sharing solutions and best practices.

Our Decarbonization workstream drives alignment and gathers best practices on net-zero solutions in the buildings and construction sector. We bring companies together to overcome value chain fragmentation and to engage with policymakers, finance and civil society. Together, we advocate for actions and policies supporting market transformation toward a net-zero built environment. To reduce total life-cycle emissions of buildings, we develop guidance, metrics, and a common language that can serve as a base for decision-making and collaboration.