The implementation of building energy codes in 85 countries is accelerating the decarbonization process.
Report informs that Ombretta Tempra, head of the Land, Housing and Shelter Section at the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and lead specialist on housing provision, said this at the "Open-ended Intergovernmental Expert Working Group on Adequate Housing for All: Intersessional Meeting on Housing Resilience and Sustainability," held as part of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13).
According to her, although there are a number of challenges, there are also equally emerging opportunities and solutions: "Through the Open-ended Working Group, we can share and socialize them and, where appropriate, consider applying them in our respective contexts.
"Sustainability frameworks such as life-cycle assessment methodologies and green building certification schemes are expanding, although they often lack a holistic understanding of sustainability that goes beyond energy efficiency. Decarbonization of the buildings and construction sector is progressing, with 85 countries adopting building energy codes, while energy-efficiency retrofits are being expanded in many countries.
"Measures to strengthen the climate resilience of the housing stock are also expanding, and circular construction is gaining increasing recognition. However, these efforts still lag behind international targets on climate mitigation and adaptation.
"Several governments have introduced environmental standards specifically targeting affordable housing provision. Integrated upgrading approaches are emerging for informal settlements, combining perspectives of climate resilience, environmental restoration and gender sensitivity. Innovative initiatives also support green and sustainable practices in incremental and self-build processes."