The Global Status Report series tracks progress made towards sustainability in the buildings and construction sector. The 2018 edition found that while 136 countries have mentioned buildings in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), few have specified the actions they will use to reduce emissions. It called for nations to prioritise actions to decarbonise this essential sector, including switching to renewable energy sources, improving building design, and being more efficient in heating, cooling, ventilation, appliances, and equipment.
This 2019 edition shows that the sector is not on track with the level of climate action necessary. On the contrary, final energy demand in buildings in 2018 rose 1 percent from 2017, and 7 percent from 2010. It provides examples of country, city, and private sector actions as well as examples of how the buildings and construction sector is reforming. In addition, through a series of regional roadmaps, it highlights regionally appropriate actions across eight priority areas: urban planning, new buildings, retrofits for existing buildings, building operations, materials, resilience of buildings, clean energy, and appliances, lighting, cooking, and systems. These roadmaps and actions can then be further adapted nationally.