The March 2024 report from UNEP highlights that building operations and construction emitted record-high CO2 levels in 2022, comprising 37% of global emissions and using 34% of global energy.

Addressing this, cities like Tampere, Finland, and San Diego, CA, are implementing plans to achieve carbon neutrality and reduce natural gas usage respectively. Public-private partnerships are crucial, with governments promoting sustainable technologies like variable-capacity heat pumps and solar energy.

The engineering community is urged to innovate for sustainability, fostering forums for global collaboration. Businesses investing in sustainable practices can see cost savings and meet customer demands, aligning with future environmental goals.