Episode II: Built Environment

“The buildings and construction sector accounts for almost 40% of global energy and process-related carbon emissions. We must establish the Built Environment as a critical sector for climate action, without which we cannot meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. Transforming this sector to net-zero offers huge co-benefits to society, including maximising job creation, health and equity benefits and supporting a circular economy.”

“Achieving systems transformation towards a net zero and resilient built environment at the pace and scale required will not be possible without radical collaboration from all stakeholders across the entire value chain. This showcase of action by a critical mass of non-state actors will subsequently send a resounding ambition signal to policymakers and governments to go further faster in their efforts to decarbonise and build resilience.”

“With an estimated 40% of all carbon emissions coming from buildings, the built environment represents what is perhaps the most significant opportunity for us to achieve a more sustainable and green carbon-neutral future. It is exciting to see Cities and Places team from around the world bringing their best to this challenge. As designers of the human habitat, we are working together every day to think differently, to radically integrate expertise and to deliver solutions that will positively impact the planet.”

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“Globally, the buildings sector is responsible for more than half of global electricity consumption and one quarter of energy-related CO2 emissions. More than ever, there is a need to deliver sustainable buildings and ensure the built environment can shift to a net zero and resilient future.”

“Each built environment net zero story is unique. Whilst they all have their own strategies, complexities, and opportunities, they share a common, absolute and ambitious goal; to achieve net zero carbon in operation. No matter where you are on your sustainability and net zero journey there are numerous ways to make meaningful change within the built environment.”

"Monash University is proud to be a leader in taking action on climate change, and we recognise the opportunity and the responsibility we have as a world-leading research and education institution to make a real difference.

"The work we are doing is not for Monash but through Monash - through our education and research, we will help to address the global challenges of the age, including climate change. And we are working very strongly to partner with industry and communities to develop the solutions and the market capability to accelerate our global economy and society towards net zero emissions."