Built environment

Smarter energy use in towns and cities.

Built environment image

Overview

40% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions come from buildings and, if left unchecked, they're set to double by 2050. Energy efficiency has a vital role to play in lowering energy demand, reducing emissions and driving the clean energy transition.

We're working with leading businesses and governments committed to owning, occupying and developing net zero carbon buildings. We're calling on policymakers and utilities to accelerate the uptake of energy efficient light-emitting diode (LED) technology. Where solutions are not yet in place, such as net zero steel we bring together leaders to drive forward innovation.

Our work on the built environment

EP100

Every single net zero conversation must begin with energy efficiency

EP100 is a global corporate energy efficiency initiative bringing together over 120 ambitious businesses committed to measuring and reporting on efficiency improvements.

LED Scale-Up

Calling for LED city lighting by 2025

LED Scale-up is a global initiative calling on policymakers to switch to energy efficient light-emitting diode (LED) technology for all city street lighting by 2025 and define long-term strategies to encourage its uptake worldwide, including by utilities.

LED Scale-Up is led by the Climate Group in partnership with Signify (formerly Philips Lighting).

Built environment stats

1/3

Of buildings' share of global energy demand

Buildings account for as much as a third of energy consumption worldwide. Better energy efficiency can do a lot to lower their impact. Source: International Energy Agency (IEA)

50%

Potential energy savings from improving chillers

Cooling is the fastest growing consumer of energy in buildings. Optimising the operation of chiller plants can lower energy consumption by 20-50%. Source: General Services Administration (GSA)

7%

Proportion of global emissions from cement

Cement is the key ingredient of concrete, used to build homes, schools, hospitals and much of our built environment. With production set to rise by 12-23% by 2050, saving energy is key. Source: IEA