Lead organisation(s):European Solar Shading Organisation, ES-SO; Passive House Institute/International Passive House Association; The American Institute of Architects; World Green Building Council(moderator)

Format: Presentations and panel discussion, hybrid

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Description:

This event aims to showcase existing solutions from across the sector, that are available to implement today, to decarbonise our built environment. Together, stakeholders from across the value chain, both private and policymakers, are collaborating to position buildings as a critical climate solution, one that is helping to build the transition to a net zero future.

According to the IEA Net Zero 2050 scenario, the two most important mitigation measures for tackling emissions related to buildings are energy efficiency and electrification. This session will profile several solutions related to these mitigation measures, and beyond, in order to highlight how buildings can contribute to the overall transition to net zero.

Energy efficiency measures for buildings have a significant advantage: they can be designed and implemented comparatively quickly. When done correctly, these measures provide long-term energy and financial savings, improve the building structure and its durability, help facilitate the transition to renewable energy and provide improved comfort (even in a crisis). These measures contribute to climate protection and a sustainable future by unlocking the potential for an all-renewable energy supply for everyone significantly faster than without energy efficiency measures.

The session will also highlight how delivering sustainable, decarbonised and resilient buildings can further support additional positive outcomes for occupants and the wider community. Well designed and constructed buildings can contribute to improved health and wellbeing, improve social equity and nature / biodiversity. Therefore, it is not only the ‘energy’ transition that the transformation of buildings and the built environment are actively contributing towards, it is also the regenerative and just transition as well.

The session will end with a call to action. For private sector stakeholders, we need to see more accelerated action ahead of 2030 to stay on track for a Paris Agreement 1.5oc scenario. For policymakers, take note of the action being taken by the industry, and match this with ambitious and accelerated policy and regulations that will engender further action from mainstream actors, supporting the Buildings Breakthrough.

Speakers:

• Matthew Black, Programme Manager Advancing Net Zero, WorldGBC
• Nadine Abu-Odeh, Built Environment Associate, High-Level Climate Champions Team
• Jessica Grove-Smith, Joint managing director, Passive House Institute
• Anders Hall, President, ES-SO
• Emily Grandstaff-Rice, FAIA, 2023 AIA President 
• Yvonne Soh, CEO, SingaporeGBC
• Ibrahim Kronfol, Dar
• Thomas Andre, Director of Operations, REN21

Agenda: