COP31 marks a critical opportunity to accelerate implementation of global climate commitments. With the Presidency placing a strong emphasis on electrification, energy efficiency and circularity, buildings are central to delivering these priorities.
Buildings are among the world’s largest consumers of energy, but they are also a powerful part of the solution. By reducing energy demand, replacing fossil-fuel systems with clean electricity and integrating renewable energy, buildings can help cut emissions, lower costs, strengthen energy security and support more reliable power systems.
As climate impacts intensify, our buildings must also protect people and communities, adapt to changing conditions and make better use of precious resources.
At the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC), we are working with our global network of over 80 Green Building Councils and 50,000 partners to scale the solutions that already exist, connecting international commitments with the policies, investment and practical action needed to deliver them.
At COP31, our focus is on delivery at scale. Working across our global network and with partners, we will push for the policies, investment and collaboration needed to scale solutions across buildings and the built environment.
Through the Global Climate Action Agenda and wider COP31 programme, we will show how buildings can deliver on climate and energy goals in practice, connect existing commitments to implementation, and build momentum for action beyond COP.
Throughout COP31, we’ll be representing our global network in high-level dialogues on electrification and adaptation during the Leaders’ Summit, hosting events and speaking across the Blue Zone to champion the role of buildings in delivering climate action at scale.
If you would like to speak with one of our team on the ground, discuss a partnership, collaboration, speaking or media opportunity, then please get in touch.
Buildings are one of the largest sources of energy demand. Heating, cooling, cooking, on-site renewables, storage and smart controls make them central to clean electrification.
Efficient buildings reduce wasted energy, lower costs and make clean electrification faster and easier for grids to manage.
Construction and demolition are major drivers of material demand and waste. Circular design, reuse and resource efficiency can deliver system-wide change.
WorldGBC is calling for buildings to be a critical part of the COP31 implementation agenda.
Delivering the buildings we need requires collaboration across governments, industry, finance and civil society.
Connect with WorldGBC and our global network to help build a future-ready built environment. Find your local Green Building Council to start the conversation.
Our global #BuildItReady campaign champions buildings that are prepared for tomorrow’s challenges and opportunities.
At COP31, we are highlighting how clean electrification, energy efficiency, climate resilience and circularity work together to create a built environment that performs better for people, economies and the planet.
Efficient buildings reduce wasted energy, lower running costs and make clean electrification more affordable and easier to deliver. Combined with renewable energy, smart technologies and flexible energy use, they can also strengthen energy security and support the wider power system.
Buildings are our first line of defence against extreme heat, flooding and other climate impacts. Integrating resilience into building design, construction and renovation helps safeguard lives, protect investments and create healthier, safer places for communities.
The built environment is responsible for a significant share of global resource use and waste. By prioritising building reuse, designing for durability, recovering materials and preventing waste, we can reduce environmental impacts, preserve valuable resources and create lasting economic value.
WorldGBC is helping advance implementation through the Global Climate Action Agenda 2026–2030. The Action Agenda is focused on turning climate commitments into real-world delivery. At its heart are Plans to Accelerate Solutions (PAS), practical, time-bound plans that bring together policy, finance and implementation to overcome barriers and scale proven solutions.
For buildings, WorldGBC is leading and supporting Plans to Accelerate Solutions that bring our global network and partners together to turn global priorities into national and local action at scale.
Our work includes:
Together, these initiatives provide established pathways for turning COP31 priorities into delivery at scale.