A global climate action organisation has launched a science-based framework intended to accelerate the decarbonisation of the building sector.
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has developed its new framework for companies and financial institutions in the building value chain, intended to encourage them to overcome current climate challenges and create a net-zero future.
It sets 1.5C-aligned emissions reduction targets for the buildings industry. As the organisation points out, the buildings sector is responsible for over a quarter of energy-related emissions,and is “deeply impacted” by the climate crisis. Construction delays due to adverse weather are already costing billions of dollars globally.
The SBTi’s new Buildings Sector Science-Based Target-Setting Criteria takes a ‘whole building approach’ – covering all energy consumption and “fugitive” emissions (leakage) – to enable businesses to play their part in preventing the catastrophic impacts of climate change.
Alberto Carrillo Pineda, chief technical officer at the SBTi, said: “This sector now has the tools to build towards net-zero – companies and financial institutions must take immediate action. Decarbonising both old and new buildings is paramount to tackling climate change. We call on these businesses to lead the net-zero transformation.”
Four key actions for companies and financial institutions in the buildings’ value chain when following the criteria are:
- Stop fossil fuel installations: Public commitment to halting the installation of fossil fuel-based heating, cooking, power generation and hot water equipment from 2030 at the latest
- Reduce in-use operational emissions: In-use emissions are those associated with buildings’ energy use. The SBTi collaborated with the Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor initiative (CRREM) to develop regional pathways for in-use emissions so that targets reflect variations in local power grids and how buildings are used
- Reduce upfront embodied emissions: Global floor area is expected to grow ~15% by 2030, nearly 80% of which will be in developing economies. The criteria requires companies to set a target to reduce embodied emissions, i.e. those from raw materials, manufacturing, transportation and construction
- Retrofit inefficient buildings: 80% of current buildings are expected to remain standing until 2050. Retrofitting needs to more than double by 2030 to align with the IEA’s Net Zero by 2050 Scenario. The SBTi recommends companies commit to implement energy efficiency improvements to decarbonize old buildings
This framework was developed in consultation with an independent Expert Advisory Group (EAG) made up of companies, financial institutions, non-profit and multilateral organisations. The process included a two-month public consultation and four-month pilot test.
Appliance of science
Professor Sven Bienert, head of the CRREM Consortium, said: “As a long-standing advocate for the decarbonisation of the real estate sector, CRREM is pleased to support the release of SBTi’s Buildings Criteria and supplementary resources as a technical partner.
“These tools and actionable guidance provide clear, science-based targets that enable the sector to accelerate decarbonization and drive the global shift to a net-zero economy. CRREM is committed to continuing the collaboration with SBTi to drive meaningful progress in reducing the carbon footprint of the buildings sector.”
Peter Heymann Andersen, chief operating officer at Ramboll, said: “We at Ramboll applaud the SBTi’s latest targets for buildings, offering a definitive channel for the industry to align with the Paris Agreement goals.
“Having science-based targets, recently validated by SBTi, Ramboll has demonstrated our commitment towards reducing carbon emissions, which also includes targeting reductions from our building designs by 50% come 2030.
“Achieving this is no small feat – t mandates a cohesive effort across the value chain. The SBTi’s guidance is invaluable; it not only demystifies ‘Paris-aligned’ for the sector but also fortifies our discourse with partners and clients, steering us toward a sustainable future in unison.”
Patrick Ho, head of sustainable development at Swire Properties, said: “As a member of the Expert Advisory Group, Swire Properties is excited to support the launch of the SBTi Building Sector Target-Setting Criteria.
“The initiative provides a scientifically robust and practical framework for real estate developers and stakeholders to establish pathways aligned with the 1.5C target for both in-use operational and upfront embodied emissions.
“Crucially, the introduction of the ‘whole building approach’ – which includes both landlord and tenant-controlled spaces within the target-setting boundary – enhances accountability for emissions reduction and encourages collaboration between landlords and tenants in decarbonisation efforts. Together, we can accelerate the building sector’s transition to a net-zero economy.”
The SBTi is a corporate climate action organisation that sets out to enable companies and financial institutions worldwide to play their part in combating the climate crisis.
Incorporated as a charity, its partners include CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, the We Mean Business Coalition, the World Resources Institute (WRI), and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
Don McLean, chief executive of global climate tech company, IES, said: “The new industry guidance from the Science Based Targets Initiative is a significant step forward for decarbonisation in the built environment sector, providing a science-backed framework to help the industry put its intentions into meaningful action.
“It’s particularly encouraging to see that the guidance champions a ‘whole building approach’, covering all energy consumption and fugitive emissions, while also addressing upfront embodied emissions related to materials production and construction.
“Building operations are actually responsible for a greater proportion of carbon emissions when compared to materials and construction, so reducing emissions throughout the whole life cycle of a building is essential to supporting wider decarbonisation efforts. The technology is available to help the building sector achieve this with whole-life building performance modelling a key component to complying with the framework.
“From a practical perspective, introducing regional pathways for in-use emissions enables targets to reflect local power grids and building usage, ensuring that goals are achievable and relevant. In turn, this approach sends a strong signal that the built environment sector must take decisive action to align with global net-zero targets.
“Ultimately, widespread industry adoption and effective implementation of this framework will play a key role in the built environment sector achieving meaningful emission reductions.”
Image credit: mokokomo/Shutterstock
Read next: MCS welcomes heat pump installation milestone
Are you a building professional? Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to upload news stories, post job vacancies, and connect with colleagues on our secure social feed.
