The Buildings Breakthrough Interim Report, unveiled by the World Green Building Council, outlines a global framework to accelerate the transition towards near-zero emission and climate-resilient buildings by 2030. Co-led by France and Morocco, and supported by UNEP’s GlobalABC, the initiative seeks to unify international efforts around a shared definition and strategy for sustainable construction.

The report introduces a flexible, qualitative definition of near-zero emission and resilient buildings (NZERBs), designed to be applicable across diverse national contexts. It emphasises reducing emissions from both new and existing buildings, integrating whole-life carbon measures, and enhancing resilience to climate risks. These principles aim to guide policy, investment, and innovation in the built environment sector.

Developed through extensive consultation and collaboration with over 40 organisations and governments, the framework marks a significant step toward harmonising global standards. The next phase will focus on establishing measurable indicators and policy recommendations, with the overarching goal of making energy-efficient, low-carbon buildings the global norm within the decade.