Climate change and the built environment: Why is it so important?

Sector Development Director Built Environment, Americas

Article published 26 January 2022

Additionally, with urban buildings accounting for almost 40 per cent of global carbon emissions (UNEP), the built environment sector is facing growing pressure to reduce energy use and transition to greener solutions in an effort to meet global climate targets.

But what do these figures mean for people and communities around the world? Over 800 million people in over 570 cities could be vulnerable to sea level rises and coastal flooding by 2050, while 1.6 billion people will be regularly exposed to extremely high temperatures. (Building to COP) This means that as well as taking measures to reduce emissions, the sector also needs to ensure that current and future infrastructure is climate-resilient. 

As we spend 90 per cent of our time in buildings, structures need to be safe, suitable and flexible to adapt to the changing demands of the market. For instance, the pandemic has shown us that some space-use types, such as office space, may see much lower demand as many businesses shift to a more flexible working arrangement. What can we do with these vast, unused spaces? How can they be repurposed in a way that benefits both society and the planet?

“With a lifecycle mindset, a building is a blank canvas. Why should an office be an office forever?”

Martin Townsend, Global Head of Sustainability and Circular Economy, BSI

Consumers are increasingly aware of climate issues and are placing higher importance on sustainability commitments when it comes to choosing where they live, work and what they buy.

Energy-efficient buildings could become an investment opportunity worth $24.7 trillion by 2030. Currently, only $3 of every $100 spent on new construction goes into making a building more efficient (Building to COP). What could businesses, organisations and communities gain by investing in green buildings and infrastructure? Quite a bit. One recent report, the World Green Building Council’s Beyond the Business Case report, offers seven reasons for accelerating to a more sustainable built environment. By looking at evidence-based research on the ethical, financial, risk-mitigation and future-proofing value of a sustainable built environment, the report demonstrates how sustainable initiatives and future growth are inextricably linked. 

For example, adopting modular, offsite construction processes not only offers efficiency and emission reduction benefits but also has huge potential for business growth. 

At BSI, we’re at the forefront of sustainability and environmental management, offering a wide range of solutions to help you manage social and environmental responsibilities. From Environmental Management Systems to Waste Management and Energy Audits - learn more about our products and services that are helping to advance a sustainable built environment. 

BSI is also committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with these speaking blogs contributing to Goal 9 on industry, innovation and infrastructure, and Goal 11 on sustainable cities and communities.