The “Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction 2024-2025” by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction reveals that building sector emissions stalled in 2024, marking a pivotal shift as emissions did not rise for the first time since 2020.

Despite this milestone, the sector remains a significant climate challenge, contributing one-third of global emissions, even as building sector emissions stalled in 2024.

The report highlights initial progress in energy efficiency and renewable energy use but stresses that slow advancements and funding gaps threaten global climate goals. To placate this swift action, including zero-carbon energy codes and increased investments, is critical to decarbonize this key sector.

Building Sector’s Impact on Global Emissions

The building and construction industry creates large amounts of waste which cannot be recycled, breaking the circular economy. Construction materials are the most difficult to make sustainable, notably cement and steel, contributing to 18% of global emissions. This sector consumes 32% of the world’s energy and produces 34% of global CO2 emissions leaving a large carbon footprint.

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Progress and Challenges in Decarbonizing Buildings

In 2024, building sector emissions held steady, reflecting gains in energy efficiency and a nearly 10% drop in energy intensity. Renewable energy’s share in the sector’s energy demand rose by almost 5%, a step toward sustainability.

Yet, progress is too slow to meet climate targets, hindered by insufficient funding and policy action. A lack of energy code regulations in over 50% of new buildings in emerging and developing economies sets us back further.

Urgent Need for Investment and Policy Action

Global building energy efficiency investments must double from $270 billion to $522 billion by 2030 to cut emissions effectively. Solutions like circular construction, green leases, retrofitting, and low-carbon materials are essential to drive reductions.

Workforce training programs are needed to address skill shortages and support decarbonization efforts.UNEP and partners pledge to aid countries and businesses, using the report to shape ambitious climate commitments for COP30 in Belem, Brazil.

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