UKGBC calls on government to keep 1.5C alive

Ahead of COP27, the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) calls on government to uphold its position as a global climate leader and set out the long-range policies needed to prevent a climate breakdown.

UKGBC’s Chief Executive Officer, Julie Hirigoyen, said: 

‘The UK positioned itself as a global climate leader at COP26 and this commitment must be maintained and demonstrable progress toward net zero evidenced if we are to handover the Presidency leading by example.  The science clearly shows we’re running out of time to deliver the radical change needed to prevent a climate breakdown. And while there will always be domestic challenges to navigate, the climate crisis needs our attention now more than ever; we must remain steadfast in keeping 1.5 degrees alive.  

The built environment is directly responsible for around a quarter of the UK’s carbon footprint. Many of the solutions to delivering the net zero transformation across the UK economy lie within our sector. However, we need the government to put in place the strategic long-range policies that will enable these and turn around the UK’s fortunes on energy security and cost of living. 

COP27 is an opportunity to boldly present the significant business force behind the sustainable built environment movement in the UK, showing government that we remain committed to this pathway and championing the growth opportunities which net zero can deliver. That is precisely why UKGBC is calling on its members and businesses across the built environment to demonstrate their commitment to reducing emissions through signing up to the UN-backed Race to Zero campaign.’ 

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