Lead organisation(s): GlobalABC Adaptation WG, Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), Solar Impulse Foundation, UNECE, U.S. Green Building Council
Format: 2 Keynote speeches and 2 roundtables; In-person only
Watch the recording
Description:
In the face of escalating climate risks to our urban landscapes, and despite the well-understood risks and available preventative knowledge, public policies often lag in prioritizing resilience. Our event seeks to unravel this paradox, spotlighting the critical need for resilient infrastructure and exploring how regions poised for extensive development can lead the charge in this crucial endeavor. On the other hand, organizations globally have committed to Net Zero Carbon (NZC) targets, yet aligning real estate assets with these commitments remains a challenge.
A cohesive global framework is imperative to ensure a comprehensive approach to climate change within the buildings and construction sector. Presently, the framework is fragmented, necessitating a unified strategy. It is crucial to integrate long-term strategies that encompass legal risk and resilience, essentially future-proofing buildings against climate impacts. Urgency is paramount, and to address this, we must reject silos and mobilize financial resources for both adaptation and mitigation initiatives.
Efforts should be directed towards driving down energy consumption and carbon emissions, fostering resilience in the built environment. Simultaneously, there is a need to advocate for and push forward adaptation measures. Financing should be strategically channelled to reduce emissions and enhance community resilience. The focus should extend to incorporating efficiency, low-carbon solutions, and locally sourced materials that augment resilience.
In addition, attention must be directed towards local finance mechanisms. It is crucial to explore how funding can be harnessed to support robust practices and facilitate the scaling of projects. By emphasizing efficiency, embracing low-carbon alternatives, and fortifying local resilience, we pave the way for a sustainable and adaptable future in the buildings and construction sector.
Speakers:
- Moderator: Stéphane POUFFARY (ENERGIES2050)
- Brenda MALLORY, Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality, Executive Office of the President, U.S.A.
- Jean Pierre ELONG MBASSI, Secretary General of United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa)
- Elizabeth BEARDSLEY, Senior Policy Counsel (USGBC)
- Dr. Stefan M. BUETTNER, Chair of the UNECE Group of Experts on Energy Efficiency (UNECE)
- Ryan COLKER, Vice President (ICC)
- Remy KALTER (Solar Impulse Foundation)
- Alida SALEH, Head of Sustainability in Middle East and Africa (JLL)
Agenda:
Agenda
|
9:00-9:05 |
Introduction: the moderator introduces the event and shortly discusses the topics and briefly introduces the GlobalABC Adaptation WG’s report “why are we not adapting?” Moderator introduces Chair Mallory. |
Stéphane POUFFARY |
|
9:05-9:20 |
Keynote speech #1: Focus on what national governments can do to support adaptation. Could include acknowledging the ramifications of climate change, the role of buildings as critical shelter and importance to family and small business economic stability. Highlight how the USG is acting to increase and coordinate resilience, and to address financial hurdles. Importance of leadership by example. Could include offer to collaborate and share technical resources with other national governments under Buildings Breakthrough.. |
Brenda MALLORY, Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality, Executive Office of the President, U.S.A. |
|
9:20-9:35 |
Keynote speech #2: Focus on the local government perspective. Ideas from the organizers: The city mayor or official expresses their commitment to fostering resilience at the local level, highlighting the challenge of translating this goal into tangible actions at the grassroots level. While acknowledging the presence of technical solutions, they emphasize the need for effective implementation that reaches and benefits everyone in the community. |
Jean Pierre ELONG MBASSI (UCLG Africa) |
|
9:35-10:25 |
Roundtable |
|
|
|
||
|
Question #1: The need for new financing mechanisms for adaptation and mitigation to future proof buildings. Discuss need to align finance with adaptation, and to incorporate adaptation along with mitigation investments |
||
|
Question #2: How to support robust practices to scale on the ground. Engage in a more technical and solution-oriented dialogue, delving into practical on-the-ground solutions, financing energy efficiency, innovative low-carbon materials |
