The World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) has released a new report calling for action for the built environment industry and policy makers to respond to the climate crisis with both the building and infrastructure sectors acting together.

In the report titled Beyond Buildings: Why an integrated approach to buildings and infrastructure is essential for climate action and sustainability, the WorldGBC presents the interconnection between buildings and infrastructure, and argues that systemic and integrated solutions will unlock improved sustainability outcomes. They will also accelerate the change in trajectory of GHG emissions from the built environment.

Through presenting the roles that both the private and public sectors must play in terms of investment, policy and procurement, WorldGBCs work identifies that a global framework of principles is necessary to accelerate sustainability performance across infrastructure.

If we are to succeed in this critical decade, united action across all sub-sectors of the built environment industry is essential as the purpose of much of our built infrastructure is to create and support places for people, the report said.

WorldGBC calls for collaboration amongst all actors in the development of a framework of principles. These principles should be adapted and verified at a local level in order to align with the 1.5C emissions trajectory and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and be applicable to all asset types, to be co-created, agreed, and universally pursued. This report sets us on the path of that journey.

Nigel Topping, UN High Level Climate Champion for COP26, said: How our towns, cities and countries continue to grow really matters to the global climate crisis. We have to realise that what worked in the built environment and infrastructure sectors in the past will not work in the future.

The world faces crisis on multiple fronts, which is why were putting collaboration in infrastructure and built environment a sector that contributes 75% of annual global GHG emissions - at the heart of everything we do. Only by forging new partnerships and all-party agreements can we overcome the challenges facing our planet and society today.

Cristina Gamboa, CEO, World Green Building Council, said: In the lead up to the Cities, Regions and Built Environment day at COP26, the importance of considering all aspects of the built environment - both the buildings we live in, and the infrastructure that supports them - is critical for taking a holistic and systemic approach to climate action and sustainable development.

If were to build a better, brighter future, the infrastructure sector needs to de-link its growth from emissions by embracing a systemic approach which delivers sustainable built environments for everyone, everywhere.

The Beyond Buildings report sets out a path forward to support the rapid adoption of best practice sustainability outcomes across the building, construction and infrastructure space. It identifies critical next steps for the deep transformation needed to meet 2030 reduction goals.

Our green building network, its partners, members and other organisations advancing sustainable infrastructure and buildings are ready to accelerate this massive transition and ensure a zero carbon, resilient, healthy and sustainable future, she added.

Richard Palmer, Director of Global Sustainability, Integral Group, said: The built environment is such an important part of addressing both the causes and impacts of climate change. This report highlights the opportunities between buildings and infrastructure to accelerate climate action at the scale and speed demanded by science. TradeArabia News Service

Copyright 2021 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).

Disclaimer: The content of this article is syndicated or provided to this website from an external third party provider. We are not responsible for, and do not control, such external websites, entities, applications or media publishers. The body of the text is provided on an as is and as available basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither we nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this article. Read our full disclaimer policy here.