UKGBC responds to Keir Starmer's speech at COP29

Simon McWhirter, UKGBC's Deputy Chief Executive, responds to Keir Starmer's pledge to cut emissions at COP29.

Simon McWhirter, Deputy Chief Executive of UKGBC, responds to Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s pledge to cut emissions.

Increased ambition is important, but it must be accompanied by strong policy and clear delivery plans to make much-needed progress. The announcement of the UK’s commitment to reduce emissions by 81% on 1990 levels by 2035 through its new nationally determined contribution (NDC) at COP29 is welcome. Ramping up our climate ambitions on the international stage is necessary – it’s the real world delivery that’s been woefully absent in recent years.

The new 81% NDC emissions reduction target is in line with the recommendation made by the government’s official advisers, the Climate Change Committee, but must be accompanied with a detailed delivery plan and a sense of urgency to get us back on track for existing commitments. Strong policy, funding, and fiscal levers will be vital to seize this critical opportunity and set the bar for global climate action.

With more than a quarter of carbon emissions coming from the built environment, this sector can play a key role in achieving these ambitious goals. The UN Buildings Breakthrough initiative, launched at COP28, recognised this potential, with a mandate to make near-zero-emission and resilient buildings the new normal by 2030. Our sector is central to much-needed action – and we can steal the march on these targets.”