The building sector is the largest contributor to global warming and climate change as it accounts for more than 30% of global GHG emissions (UNEP).
Despite the goal of the Paris Agreement to reduce global warming to 1.5°C, with current policy and national commitments we are on a disastrous 3-4°C global warming pathway (IPCC).
GLOBAL WARMING
The built environment must be decarbonised in order to limit global warming and mitigate climate change.
Urban population is set to increase by 2.5 billion between 2015 and 2050. African, Asian, and Latin American cities will absorb 95% of the new urban population growth (UNDESA).
The building stock is expected to double by 2050, offering enormous potential to create affordable, liveable, and carbon neutral buildings for all (UNEP).
URBANISATION
A “city of 1.4 million” has to be built every week between now and 2050 to house new urban population - doing this in an environmentally sustainable manner is instrumental in mitigating climate change and eradicating poverty.
EQUALITY
Comfortable, healthy, and environmentally sustainable buildings should be accessible to everyone.
Inequality is rising - the average income of the richest 10% of the population is about nine times that of the poorest 10% across the OECD in 2020, up from seven times 25 years ago (OECD).
People living and working in spaces with good visual & thermal comfort and access to nature are more productive and less likely to fall sick (BRE).