Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction (Buildings-GSR)

The 10th edition of the:

• Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction (Buildings-GSR)

has been released by:

• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
  and

• Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (Global ABC).

About the Report

The report evaluates:

• Global trends in:

  • Buildings

  • Construction

  • Energy consumption

  • Emissions

  • Sustainability pathways

It tracks progress toward:

• Net-zero emissions in the building sector.

Key Findings of the Report

1. Major Contributor to Global Economy

“Buildings and construction contribute 11–13% of global GDP and employ about 9% of the global workforce.”

This highlights the sector’s:

• Economic significance

• Employment generation potential

2. Large Environmental Footprint

The sector accounts for:

• 37% of global emissions

• 50% of global material extraction

• 28% of global energy consumption

“The buildings sector remains one of the largest contributors to climate change and resource consumption.”

3. Energy Efficiency Improvements

Between 2015 and 2024:

• Global building floor space increased by:

  • 20%

• Energy demand increased by:

  • 11%

This indicates:

• Some improvement in energy efficiency
  despite rapid urban expansion.

4. Low Renewable Energy Share

In 2024:

• Renewable energy supplied only:

  • 17.3% of buildings’ energy demand

This is:

• Far below levels required for achieving:

  • Net-zero pathways

Challenges Highlighted

Rising Urbanisation

Rapid construction activities increase:

• Cement use

• Steel demand

• Energy consumption

Dependence on Fossil Fuels

Buildings still rely heavily on:

• Coal

• Oil

• Natural gas

for:

• Heating

• Cooling

• Electricity

Material Extraction

The sector is the:

• Largest extractor of raw materials globally.

Indian Initiatives Highlighted in the Report

The report recognized several Indian measures.

Energy Conservation and Sustainable Building Code (ECSBC) 2024

Administered by:

• Bureau of Energy Efficiency

Objective

To promote:

• Energy-efficient

• Sustainable

• Low-carbon buildings

Other Important Indian Efforts

Energy Efficiency Programmes

• Green building standards

• Star rating systems

• Efficient appliances

Renewable Energy Adoption

• Rooftop solar

• Sustainable urban infrastructure

Climate Commitments

India’s efforts align with:

• Net-zero targets

• Sustainable urbanisation

• Energy transition goals

Importance of Sustainable Buildings

Climate Mitigation

Reduces:

• Greenhouse gas emissions

Energy Security

Improves:

• Energy efficiency

• Renewable energy integration

Economic Benefits

• Lower energy costs

• Green job creation

• Sustainable urban growth

Improved Quality of Life

Enhances:

• Indoor air quality

• Thermal comfort

• Public health

Way Forward Suggested

Increase Renewable Energy Use

• Solar-powered buildings

• Green electricity systems

Promote Green Construction Materials

• Low-carbon cement

• Recycled materials

• Sustainable architecture

Improve Building Efficiency

• Smart cooling systems

• Efficient insulation

• Energy-efficient lighting

Policy and Financing Support

• Green finance

• Building regulations

• Urban planning reforms

Conclusion

“The Buildings-GSR highlights that the construction and buildings sector is central to both economic growth and climate action.”

Accelerating sustainable construction, improving energy efficiency, and expanding renewable energy use are essential for achieving global climate goals and ensuring resilient urban development.