In 2025 nations must submit their new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the UN. Policymakers face a crucial moment to shape the commitments that will set the course for tackling climate change and building resilience in the years ahead up to 2035. How we address the built environment in those NDCs will determine if our buildings are to become an obstacle or an ally to climate action.
To support countries to raise to this challenge and opportunity, the Partnership for Energy Efficiency in Buildings (PEEB) and the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC) have released an practical guide, NDCs for the Built Environment.
The guide is designed to equip policymakers, planners, and practitioners with a comprehensive framework to integrate ambitious climate actions within the buildings and construction sectors of their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). As countries approach the 2025 deadline, this guide aims to encourage bold and transformative approaches adapted to country circumstances that fully harness the potential of the built environment for meaningful climate action.
The guide emphasizes that incremental gains are no longer enough to tackle the climate crisis, especially with the built environment responsible for 37% of global energy-related CO₂ emissions. To bridge this gap, NDCs for the Built Environment introduces a structured, five-step approach that enables countries to tailor their NDCs based on national circumstances and market maturity. With options to address key areas such as building energy codes, renewable energy, retrofitting, and urban resilience, the guide helps decision-makers develop robust and practical climate commitments.
PEEB and GlobalABC provide an adaptable “menu” of policies and enablers to meet countries’ diverse needs. Covering eight policy types and 42 specific measures, this guide encourages countries to customize their NDCs with strategies suited to their unique stage—whether building foundational policies, expanding existing frameworks, or achieving net-zero and high-resilience goals.
Importantly, the guide includes 27 enabling measures in finance, governance, capacity-building, equity, and digitalization, ensuring that these climate actions are supported by the resources and collaboration they require.
The guide will be presented at the COP29 during two events:
Nationally Determined Contributions for Sustainable, Inclusive Buildings and Cooling: Time for Bold Action
Monday, 18 November from 16:00 to 17:30 at the Buildings and Cooling Pavilion, Blue Zone.
Information about webcast
High Level Roundtable: Green Construction and Energy Efficiency in Buildings and Climate Resilience
On Wednesday, 20 November from 11:00 to 12:20, during the Ministerial Meeting on Urbanisation and Climate Change at Hirkan Room.
Information about webcast
