Decarbonising Buildings in Cities and Regions
Accounting for nearly 40% of global CO2 emissions and sometimes as much as 70% in
large cities, buildings and construction are central to the low-carbon transition.
Decarbonising buildings, especially the old stock, through energy efficiency improvements
and renewable energy use, not only reduces carbon emissions, but also generates co-benefits
in health, energy affordability and the labour market. Additionally, global mega-trends
and the transition to a green recovery from COVID-19 provide impetus for stakeholders
to take action. Cities and regions have a key role to play and can leverage prerogatives
in regulation, public procurement and stakeholder engagement, while addressing multiple
governance, capacity and funding gaps. To accelerate and scale up their action, cities
and regions need to work with national governments to create an effective governance
mechanism. Drawing on the findings of a dedicated survey of cities and regions of
all sizes from both OECD and non-OECD countries, this report explains their significant
role, explores sub-national policy measures, identifies key obstacles, and provides
policy recommendations and a checklist for both national and subnational governments
to drive the decarbonisation of buildings in cities and regions.
Published on March 28, 2022
In series:OECD Urban Studiesview more titles