UKGBC Accelerated Race to Zero hits Breakthrough Built Environment Targets

On Wednesday 26^th October, just 5 days before the beginning of COP26, the High Level Climate Champions Team shared the news that they had exceeded the targeted sign ups mapped out for the Race to Zero during this critical time for the climate.

UKGBC are pleased to share that, in particular, the built environment sector has been “signing up in waves”. Globally organisations are joining the Race to Zero, and over the last year accounted for:

• $1.2 trillion real estate assets under management are part of Race to Zero.
• Percentage of construction companies in the Race to Zero doubles in the two months prior to COP26.
• Over 100 SME construction companies across 10 countries join Race to Zero.
• 2030 Breakthrough reached as 20% of Architects and Engineers join the Race to Zero.

The Race to Zero is the UN-backed, global campaign to rally leadership and support from all non-state actors for a healthy, resilient, zero carbon recovery. They now have hundreds of members globally, from across the built environment industry and beyond. All members are committed to the same overarching goal: halving emissions by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2050 at the very latest.

In the words of Christina Gamboa, head of the World Green Building Council:

“Winning the Race to Zero means prioritising net zero buildings, infrastructure and cities. By working together, businesses and governments can help our sector ensure a safe and prosperous future for everyone, everywhere.”

UKGBC is proud to be an Accelerator to the Race to Zero calling for our members join and create meaningful action to tackle the climate crisis. UKGBC updated our member requirements in May 2021, mandating all 60+ of our Gold Leaf member to join the Race and strongly advocating for other members to do the same. We are pleased to share that 88 UKGBC members have signed up so far, with more considering joining. To learn more about UKGBC’s role in the Race to Zero please see here.

We believe the momentum shown in the recent successes of the Race to Zero campaign demonstrates real promise for the future of our built environment. With the built environment being responsible for 40% of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, it is clear that we must act now to achieve net zero. Signing up to the Race shows a clear commitment and deliberate action which has never been more critically needed as we look to the COP26 proceedings starting this Monday.

If you’re a UKGBC member interested in the Race to Zero, you can find out more here.

The post UKGBC Accelerated Race to Zero hits Breakthrough Built Environment Targets appeared first on UKGBC – UK Green Building Council.