UKGBC at COP29

Time: 11:00 – 12:30

Location: UK Pavilion, Blue Zone

UKGBC attendee: Simon McWhirter

This live recorded Outrage+Optimism podcast will provide an opportunity to celebrate the UK’s publication of its high-ambition NDC, reflect on how to turbocharge its implementation, and explore how collaboration between major international powers can help tip the balance on climate action before the mid-way point this decade.

Learn more here and stream the event here.

Time: 9:00-10:00
Location: Blue Zone, 6th Capacity Building Hub / room 4

UKGBC Speaker: Simon McWhirter

With growing climate risks impacting 85% of the global population, this session aims to bridge finance, policy, and the built environment to enable resilience and adaptation. This includes co-creating decarbonisation and resilience roadmaps aligned with NDCs, fostering policies, and aligning investments to build a sustainable, resilient future.

Learn more here.

Time: 11:25 – 12:10

Location: Climate Action, Baku Marriott, Main stage

UKGBC Moderator: Simon McWhirter

85% of the world’s population will be in emerging markets by 2050 and 70% of them will be living in cities. Understand the importance of sustainable procurement and design to ensure cities’ prosperity and credit worthiness.

Learn more here.

Time: 15:00 – 16:00

Location: Climate Action, Baku Marriott, Nagiyev Room

UKGBC co-chair: Simon McWhirter

The Buildings Breakthrough was launched at COP28 by the Governments of France and Morocco, together with the UN Environment Programme. Its mission is to make near-zero emissions and climate resilient buildings (NZERBs) the new normal by 2030. One year on, this roundtable will look at priorities for the next 12 months, aligning the Buildings Breakthrough with the NDCs 3.0 and how businesses and organisations in the buildings sector can contribute to these national plans in an impactful manner.

Learn more here.

Time: 10:00 – 11:30

Location: Buildings and Cooling Pavilion, Blue Zone, pavilion ICC – International Code Council, Number G10

UKGBC Speaker: Simon McWhirter

This session will address the importance of bringing all stakeholders together to identify pathways and set targets to decarbonize the building sector. It will discuss the importance of buildings and construction roadmaps for aligning stakeholders behind a common vision to achieve zero-emission, efficient and resilient buildings and construction.

Learn more here.

Time: 11:00 – 12:00

Location: Baku White City Pavilion, Green Zone

UKGBC panelist: Simon McWhirter

Decarbonising the built environment is essential, as the sector is responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, driven significantly by energy use and the production of construction materials. By adopting robust net zero carbon standards and practices, the industry holds the potential to transform its environmental impact, contributing significantly to the fight against climate change, while also fostering a more sustainable and resilient future for all.

This special COP29 event, hosted and moderated by Mina Hasman, Sustainability Director at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) representative at COP29, will provide a comprehensive update on the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (the ‘Standard’). Attendees will gain valuable insights into the collaborative development of the Standard by leading UK built environment organisations and subject matter experts, responding to the market’s need for a unified, clear definition of net zero carbon-aligned assets in the UK. The event will also explore practical strategies for accelerating decarbonisation, drawing on SOM’s latest innovations in sustainable design and construction.

Learn more here.

Time: 14:30 – 16:30

Location: Blue Zone, Buildings and Cooling Pavilion G10

UKGBC Round Table participant: Simon McWhirter

Following the launch of the Buildings Breakthrough at COP28 and the presentation of the first set of its priority actions during the Buildings and Climate Global Forum in March 2024 in Paris, this event will present progress and COP29 landing points. It will also serve as a platform for discussion on future objectives leading up to COP30, allowing participants to help shape the next steps and refine strategies.

Learn more here.