Building Urban Futures: City Carbon Actions Anchored in Building Codes and Standards

The report discusses the urgent need for low-carbon buildings and effective building codes to reduce urban carbon emissions, highlighting the potential for significant energy savings and health benefits in cities worldwide.

(Generated with the help of GPT-4)

Quick Facts
Report location: source 2
Language: English
Publisher: The Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Authors: Maddie Koolbeck, Samuel Tabory, Karen Weigert
Time horizon: 2050
Geographic focus: Global

Methods

The research method involved a comprehensive review of existing literature, case studies from various cities, and consultations with experts in urban sustainability and building codes. The authors analyzed the current state of building energy codes globally and identified best practices and principles for effective implementation.

(Generated with the help of GPT-4)

Key Insights

The report emphasizes the critical role of buildings in urban carbon emissions, accounting for a significant portion of global energy use and CO2 emissions. With urban populations projected to increase dramatically, the construction of new buildings will double the existing global building stock by 2050. This growth presents both challenges and opportunities for cities to implement low-carbon building practices. The report outlines the importance of building energy codes, which can significantly reduce energy consumption and emissions. However, many regions lack effective codes, particularly in developing markets. The authors propose nine principles for cities to adopt ambitious building codes, enhance compliance, and link building practices to broader sustainability efforts. These principles aim to foster collaboration among governments, private sectors, and civil society to create thriving low-carbon cities. The report concludes that immediate action is necessary to ensure that future urban development aligns with climate goals and public health benefits.

(Generated with the help of GPT-4)

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