Buildings sector off-track to meet net zero by 2050

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day, reviewed by our editorial team. Read the full piece on Sustainable Views or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: The buildings and construction sector is falling short of global net-zero targets
• UN research shows that to stay on track for a 2050 net-zero pathway, the industry must cut emissions by 56% by 2030 and invest an additional $3.6 trillion in energy efficiency measures

🔭 The context: Construction accounts for half of all global material extraction and has the largest materials footprint of any sector
• Despite progress in building technologies and efficiency standards, current investment levels are insufficient, risking continued carbon-intensive growth and missed climate targets

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Without accelerated decarbonisation, the sector’s energy use and material extraction will drive further climate warming, exacerbate resource depletion, and increase environmental degradation worldwide
• Aligning construction practices with net-zero goals is critical to limit global temperature rise and protect ecosystems

⏭️ What’s next: Policymakers and industry leaders need to scale up green building technologies, retrofit existing stock, and finance sustainable construction projects
• Increased collaboration across governments, investors, and developers will be essential to mobilize the $3.6 trillion needed by 2030

💬 One quote: “The buildings and construction sector must cut emissions by 56 per cent this decade to stay on track for net zero by 2050.” — UN research report

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