In news

The building sector emitted more than a third of global energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) — a record 10 gigatonnes (Gt) — in 2019, as per report of United Nations Environment Programme 

Highlights of the report

• Building operations accounted for 28 per cent global emissions while construction-related industries (cement, glass, etc) added another 10 per cent
  
• The CO2 emissions increased due to a high proportion of fossil fuels used for power generation, combined with higher activity levels in regions where electricity remains carbon-intensive
  
• The sector’s decarbonisation progress was slowing down.
  
• Rising emissions in buildings and construction sector emphasise the urgent need for a triple strategy to aggressively reduce energy demand in the built environment.

Possible solution to mitigate the effect

• To get on track to net-zero carbon building stock by 2050, the building sector emissions should fall by around six per cent per year until 2030.
• Governments should help achieve these gains by systematically including building decarbonisation measures into recovery packages by:

• Increasing renovation rates
• Channelling investment into low-carbon buildings
• Providing jobs and increasing real-estate value

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

It is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.

Mission

To provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.

Source: DTE