The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has today responded The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Special Report Global Warming of 1.5ºC.

Julie Hirigoyen, Chief Executive at UKGBC said:

“This report from the IPCC is a wake-up call for governments and businesses across the globe. One of the goals of the international 2015 COP21 climate deal was to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, recognising that this would significantly reduce the risks and impacts of climate change. This latest IPCC report points to the urgency and scale of action required to achieve this, which should be keenly reviewed by every single board room. There is no doubt that business leaders need to make bold decisions today to transition to a low/no carbon economy that can sustain future generations.

The construction and property industry in the UK is an economic juggernaut, and our buildings account for approximately 30% of carbon emissions. It is also the industry with the most cost-effective means of reducing carbon emissions so it will be a vital catalyst for change in the wider economy. At UKGBC we know that built environment businesses can, and must, lead the charge against climate change. Our Advancing Net Zero programme is a collaborative initiative to drive the transition to a net zero carbon built environment before 2050. Only by all working together to effect change at speed and at scale will we stand any chance of rising to the challenge outlined today.”

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