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Emissions from the global building sector have stopped rising for the first time since 2020, according to a new report from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC). Despite the positive development, the sector's ongoing reliance on high-emission materials and insufficient progress in some areas threaten global climate goals.

Progress and Challenges in Decarbonizing the Building Sector

The "Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction 2024-2025 – Not Just Another Brick in the Wall" highlights that more countries are working to decarbonize buildings, but significant challenges remain. The report identifies key barriers such as slow implementation of energy-efficient building codes, limited renewable energy adoption, and financing difficulties. These factors put the achievement of climate goals at risk.

Inger Andersen, UNEP’s Executive Director, emphasized the importance of accelerating efforts. "The buildings where we work, shop and live account for a third of global emissions and a third of global waste," she said. "The good news is that government actions are working, but we must do more and do it faster."

Emissions Decoupling and Energy Efficiency Gains

The report reveals that 2024 marked the first year in which the growth of the building sector was decoupled from associated greenhouse gas emissions. The sector's energy intensity decreased by almost 10%, while the share of renewable energy in final energy demand rose by nearly 5%. These gains were achieved through measures such as mandatory building energy codes and performance standards, as well as increased investments in energy efficiency.

However, the sector still remains a significant contributor to the climate crisis. It accounts for 32% of global energy consumption and 34% of global CO2 emissions. Key materials used in construction, such as cement and steel, are responsible for 18% of global emissions and contribute significantly to construction waste.