UNEP has developed several initiatives with the aim of improving the sustainability of the buildings sector, particularly in developing countries. This means improving the potential for climate change mitigation as well as the social, economic and environmental performance of buildings.

The Sustainable Buildings and Climate Initiative
(UNEP-SBCI)

SBCI is a partnership between UNEP and leading organizations from the building sector. It aims to promote the worldwide adoption of sustainable building practices.

SBCI provides a common platform for addressing sustainability issues of global significance, especially climate change. The initiative also works to establish globally recognized building performance baselines, based on a life cycle approach, with a first focus on energy efficiency and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

SBCI provides the building sector with reports, tools and strategies for achieving progress towards a sustainable built environment. SBCI members and partners contribute directly to the development and implementation of the initiative.

Click here to visit the SBCI website (a new browser window will open)

UNEP and its partners are developing a methodology and tools to enhance the sustainability of social housing programs in developing countries.

The project is being implemented in Thailand (Bangkok) and Brazil (Sao Paulo) with local partners, including municipal authorities, social housing developers and academics. Innovative solutions to improve the environmental health and resource efficiency of buildings will be identified, implemented and showcased.

To find out more, please contact Tatiana.deFeraudy (at) unep.org

Sustainable Buildings Policies in Developing Countries (SPoD)

This project aims to reduce the carbon footprint from buildings, particularly in developing countries. SPoD’s objectives include:

1. Providing methodologies to governments for identifying the impact of the building sector at local and national levels; and
2. Realising the opportunities for sustainable buildings through the introduction of appropriate policy tools.

The approach will be tested through pilots in two countries and the results disseminated globally.

To find out more, please contact Niclas.Svenningsen (at) unep.org

What's New?

The UNEP-SBCI web site has been renovated and updated. Check out our new look!

Relevant Publications

Buildings & Climate Change: Summary for Decision Makers (pdf)

GHG Reduction Potentials from Buildings in
Mexico (pdf)

GHG Reduction Potentials from Buildings in
South Africa (pdf)