Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction

The "Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction" (Buildings-GSR) is a prominent publication produced by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which facilitates the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC). This annual report serves as a critical tool for understanding the progress and challenges within the buildings and construction sector worldwide, particularly in relation to sustainability and the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement.

The 2022 Buildings-GSR highlights significant developments and ongoing issues in the buildings sector. Despite a notable increase in investment aimed at improving energy efficiency and a global reduction in energy intensity, the sector's total energy consumption and CO2 emissions have surged beyond pre-pandemic levels. Specifically, buildings energy demand rose by approximately 4% in 2021, reaching 135 exajoules (EJ), marking the largest increase in the past decade. Furthermore, operational CO2 emissions from buildings hit an unprecedented peak of around 10 gigatons (GtCO2), reflecting a 5% rise from 2020 and surpassing the previous high recorded in 2019 by 2%.

Crucially, the report indicates that the buildings and construction sector is not on track to meet its decarbonization targets by 2050. The widening gap between the sector's actual climate performance and the required decarbonization pathway raises serious concerns for future sustainability efforts. Stakeholders are urged to take immediate action to address these discrepancies.

The document also notes that global energy price volatility and increasing interest rates pose significant challenges for investment in building decarbonization. This situation threatens to impede financial commitments from governments, households, and businesses, thereby affecting the overall progress towards sustainable housing solutions.

The 2022 Buildings-GSR features an in-depth examination of various aspects of the buildings sector, including a specific focus on Africa and an analysis of building materials. These insights are intended to provide stakeholders with the evidence necessary to persuade policymakers and the wider construction community to prioritize sustainability.

The full report is accessible online through the UNEP's website, serving as a vital resource for those interested in understanding the current status and future direction of sustainable housing initiatives globally. For more detailed insights, please refer to the report available at UNEP Global Status Report.