In the context of the first Buildings and Climate Global Forum in Paris on 7 and 8 March, 70 ministerial delegations signed the “Chaillot Declaration” to promote decarbonisation and climate resilience in the buildings and construction sector worldwide.
Paula Pinho, a director in the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy, told the meeting that the declaration was “essential if we are to achieve climate-neutral buildings”.
The signatories point out that the buildings and construction sector is responsible for 34% of energy demand and around 21% of total greenhouse gas emissions globally. These emissions result from both energy consumption (combustion - 9%) and electricity or network heat consumption (19%) and the use of building materials (9%).
The delegation also points out that, by 2050, 68% of the population will live in urban areas, compared with 55% today, and that, by 2060, the surface area covered by the buildings sector will globally double, with more than 230 billion m² devoted to new buildings construction.
The ministerial delegations therefore recognise the importance of accelerating the transition towards a buildings sector consistent with the long-term objectives of the Paris Agreement, focusing firstly on planning, which makes it possible to “develop integrated urban planning policies aiming at greater resilience, efficiency, and sufficiency for all buildings, urban spaces, neighbourhoods and inhabitants at all levels (national, regional and local)”, and secondly on construction and redevelopment.
Delegations commit to implementing national policies and measures for inclusive decarbonisation and sector resilience, including long-term regulatory roadmaps and frameworks, as well as financial and fiscal incentives.
They also commit to promoting international collaboration, taking into account the interconnectedness and interdependence of all countries and recognise the need for global action to align the financial system and flows with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
To see the statement: https://aeur.eu/f/b7u (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)