WorldGBC Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment expands scope to include embodied carbon

Today, WorldGBC announces an update to the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment (the Commitment), expanding its scope to recognise enhanced leadership action in tackling embodied carbon emissions from the building and construction sector. The Commitment is already catalysing industry action on net zero, by challenging companies to reach net zero operating emissions in their portfolios by 2030 and to advocate for a net zero carbon built environment by 2050. 

The Commitment is a cornerstone of UKGBC’s advocacy initiatives in the run up to COP26 and is recognised as a ‘front runner initiative’ under the Race to Zero campaign. UKGBC members are already taking a leadership position, with 47 member signatories, making up a third of global signatories. 

In line with UKGBC’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Framework and upcoming Whole Life Carbon Roadmap, the latest updates to the Commitment recognise the need to rapidly reduce embodied carbon, alongside the Commitment’s existing requirements for operational carbon. New signatories to the Commitment must now:  

• Account for the whole lifecycle impact of all new buildings and major renovations under direct control, maximising reductions in embodied carbon and offsetting residual upfront emissions. 
• Track and report business activities that influence the indirect reduction of whole life carbon emissions. 

Existing signatories will be encouraged to voluntarily upgrade to the latest version of the Commitment, before being automatically transitioned by 1 January 2023.  

Karl Desai, Senior Advisor: Advancing Net Zero at UKGBC:

“WorldGBC’s update to the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment signals a ratcheting up of scope and ambition to keep pace with the findings from the latest IPCC report. Make no mistake, the new requirements will be challenging for signatories, but it’s the path that leaders forge which enables others to follow. I encourage all UKGBC members to sign up to the Commitment to demonstrate real action and lead the charge on net zero buildings.”

For more information on how to sign up to the Commitment as a new or existing signatory, please contact Anna.Biggs@ukgbc.org. 

GLOBAL LIST OF SIGNATORIES

UKGBC LIST OF SIGNATORIES

WORLD GBC PRESS RELEASE

INTRODUCTORY GUIDELINES

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