Azerbaijan has partnered with the International Finance Corporation to develop a green building roadmap, aiming to implement sustainable urban practices like energy-efficient infrastructure and eco-friendly materials.

This initiative, highlighted at COP29, aligns with global efforts to reduce the built environment's significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.

UN Habitat's Anaclaudia Rossbach stressed the need for cities to maximise land use and combat urban sprawl, which threatens climate and food security. 

Nature-based solutions like green roofs were also emphasised for enhancing biodiversity and decarbonisation. However, UNEP’s Inger Andersen noted the need for more robust climate targets in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).