Decarbonising Buildings in Cities and Regions
Accounting for nearly 40% of global energy-related 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