On December 6, at COP28’s thematic day focusing on “Multilevel Action, Urbanization, and Built Environment/Transport,” the United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference marked the formal launch of the Buildings Breakthrough, which received support from 28 countries, including the U.S.
This cross-sectoral campaign aims to facilitate the universal adoption of near-zero emissions and resilient buildings by 2030. The initiative is backed by 18 private sector-led endeavors, notably the Building Capacity for Sustainable and Resilient Buildings initiative spearheaded by the International Code Council (ICC).
Acknowledging the ICC’s contribution to advancing a holistic approach to building safety regulations and the crucial role of capacity building, the organization was recognized during the official launch. Dominic Sims, chief executive of the ICC, emphasized the key role buildings play in global sustainability and resilience, expressing readiness to assist in developing and implementing solutions for climate adaptation and mitigation goals.
White House national climate advisor, Ali Zaidi, reinforced the importance of modern building codes during the launch, highlighting the U.S.’s commitment to supporting jurisdictions in enhancing their capability to design, implement, and enforce standards. Zaidi emphasized that codes are only effective when rigorously enforced.
The next phase of the Buildings Breakthrough involves setting priority actions to drive progress. This will occur at a meeting of building- and construction-related ministers scheduled for March 2024 in Paris, France. While building and energy codes are central to the initiative’s goals, the ICC presented a brief at COP28, titled “Building Codes and the International Breakthrough Agenda,” outlining specific opportunities to leverage existing code solutions.
Several global organizations, including Architecture 2030, ASHRAE, HOK, International Living Future Institute (ILFI), Saint-Gobain, and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), are serving as partners to the ICC in the Buildings Breakthrough.
