The Challenges of Sustainable Development Goals faced by the building sector

Abstract

Buildings require huge amounts of energy, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Green building projects aim to reduce the environmental impact of buildings throughout their life cycle, from planning, design, construction, use and disposal. The projects strive to achieve water and energy savings through, for example, the use of smart meters and LED lighting. A sustainable building is a solution that mitigates climate change. The Energy-efficient construction of new buildings and the renovation of existing ones can reduce energy consumption for space and water heating in buildings by 40–50%. However, if current inefficient building practices persist, buildings could account for 70% of CO2 emissions by 2050. The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in September 2015 confirmed the need for political commitments by the international community in pursuit of sustainable development, in line with the principles of Agenda 21, including common but differentiated responsibilities. The Summit’s outcome document provides guidance for achieving sustainable development as a means of increasing the welfare of present and future generations in all countries – the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. These are based on minimising the types of consumption and production that have negative externalities, while seeking to maximise the types of consumption and production that have positive externalities. In this broad context, climate and environmental protection must become a global endeavour – the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals have this aim.