2022 Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction

The 2022 Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction was published by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and authored by a team of experts, including Prof. Ian Hamilton and Dr. Harry Kennard from University College London, alongside professionals from the Buildings Performance Institute Europe and the International Energy Agency. This comprehensive report aims to evaluate the current state of the building and construction sector, emphasizing the urgent need for decarbonization to meet climate goals.

The report highlights that in 2021, operational energy demand in buildings surged by approximately 4% to reach 135 exajoules (EJ), marking the highest increase in a decade. This escalation in energy use corresponds to a 5% rise in CO2 emissions, which climbed to around 10 gigatons (GtCO2), exceeding the previous peak in 2019 by 2%. Consequently, buildings now account for about 37% of global energy-related CO2 emissions, underscoring the pressing need for structural changes within the sector.

Despite some progress, the report indicates that the buildings sector remains "off track" to achieve the Paris Agreement's goals. The Global Buildings Climate Tracker shows a decarbonization index of only 8.1 out of 100, falling short of the target. The rebound in emissions post-pandemic highlights the fragility of progress, revealing that significant systemic improvements are necessary to address energy demand effectively.

Investment in energy efficiency within the global buildings sector rose by about 16% in 2021, totaling over USD 237 billion. However, the report cautions that many emerging economies continue to struggle with limited public investment, leading to a decline in energy efficiency measures. Moreover, only 40% of countries have building energy codes, with a mere 26% enforcing mandatory codes for all building types.

The report stresses the importance of sustainable construction materials, noting that the global consumption of raw materials for buildings is projected to double by 2060. The construction sector is already responsible for approximately 9% of global energy-related CO2 emissions, necessitating a shift in material efficiency strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions effectively.

Africa is highlighted as a region with significant growth potential in the building sector, as 70% of its expected building stock by 2040 has yet to be constructed. However, challenges such as high energy costs, limited access to modern energy, and a prevalent informal housing sector pose threats to sustainable development. The report emphasizes the need for innovative, low-carbon building practices tailored to local contexts.

The report concludes with a call to action for governments, industry stakeholders, and civil society to prioritize decarbonization efforts. It recommends implementing robust building energy codes, increasing investment in energy efficiency, and promoting the use of local materials and traditional building techniques to create a sustainable and resilient built environment. Achieving these goals is essential for aligning the building sector with global climate targets.