For thousands of years buildings have sheltered us, kept us safe, and given us places to live, learn, work and heal.
But in the 21st century they can do so much more.
They can tame floodwaters and cool us during heatwaves and droughts. They can clean the air we breathe and improve the health of communities. They can reduce our energy use and bills, cut our waste, and regenerate our resources.
The building sector holds over 40% of the solutions needed to double energy intensity improvements by 2030.
That’s why World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) and our global Green Building Council (GBC) network are on a mission to turn buildings from part of the climate problem to the ultimate climate solution.
Buildings surround us, yet are often overlooked in climate action plans. COP30 in Belém, Brazil, will be a decisive moment as governments submit updated national climate plans (NDCs) that shape policy and investment for the next decade.
By putting buildings at the heart of these plans, governments have an opportunity to deliver real benefits for their citizens:
To support governments, WorldGBC has developed a powerful tool that helps countries:
Find out more about the NDC Scorecard for Sustainable Buildings here.
Sustainable buildings aren’t just good for the planet – they’re one of the smartest business strategies available today.
By prioritising sustainable buildings, businesses have the power to:
For World Green Building Week from 8–12 September 2025, we’re celebrating the businesses taking bold steps to construct a greener, cleaner, smarter future – for themselves and the world.
The coming years are critical – global emissions must fall 42% by 2030 to keep 1.5°C alive.
Buildings are responsible for over a third of global emissions. Sustainable buildings cut emissions, protect communities, create jobs, and lower bills. Leading businesses are already delivering real-world solutions — and through the COP30 Business Action Statement, they are calling on governments to scale them, now.
Together, policymakers and businesses can create a built environment that works for people, economies, and the planet.