Hari Srinivas
	Policy Analysis Series E-032. June 2015.

Global warming arises from the release into the atmosphere of gases that absorb the infrared radiation emitted by the earth, thus preventing the escape of the radiation into space. Examples of greenhouse gases (GHGs) include CO2, CH4, NOx and HFCs. The fact is that humans have produced substantial quantities of these greenhouse gases, leading to continuously degrading global environment.

As a result, GHG emissions and energy demand have risen high on the global environmental agenda - given the magnitude of GHG emissions from cities, urban energy efficiency is a significant challenge that requires special consideration. The role of city planners and the construction industry is essential as they create the necessary pre-conditions for energy savings opportunities to be realized.

Implementation of measures that are resource-efficient and mitigate negative environmental impacts are needed in all areas of human activity. The built environment is a clear example of this - buildings have a significant impact on the environment, accounting for one-sixth of the world's freshwater withdrawals, one-quarter of its wood harvest, and two-fifths of its material and energy flows. Structures also impact areas beyond their immediate location, affecting the watersheds, air quality, and transportation patterns of communities.

A deeper understanding of the issues involved is leading to changes in the way the building industry and building owners approach the design, construction, and operation of structures. Incorporation of sustainability principles within such processes is becoming a key goal in not only reducing and preventing negative environmental impacts, but also to implement energy-efficiency in buildings and construction processes. Some important aspects of energy efficient in urban areas include (a) maximizing the energy efficiency of building and infrastructure operations through the use of renewable resources, decentralized co-generation and energy cascading techniques in a manner which optimizes integrated energy flows and minimizes potential global environmental impacts such as GHG emissions, and (b) linking producers and consumers of energy and materials throughout the community, city and surrounding regions to facilitate resource exchanges and recycling networks.

Therefore, the environmental implications of man-made structures - buildings, infrastructure etc. and the urban activities and consumption patterns that go into their design, construction, use, maintenance and demolition, need to be comprehended in greater detail. These issues are indeed the local beginnings of global environmental problems, and have resulted in a rethinking of how we look at cities and urban areas - and of the built environment within these areas.

The increasing focus being placed on incorporating the concept of sustainability within the built environment, particularly on the impact of buildings and the construction process on the environment, has resulted in the development of a series of codes, standards, regulations and decision-support systems. These tools help in working with a range of stakeholders to achieve sustainability in the built environment.

What is missing however is a mechanism to link building and construction processes to the larger global environmental problems through a framework of goals and objectives laid against available codes, standards and regulations. We need greater focus on sustainability and environmental issues in the development of building codes and standards in light of the entire life-cycle of buildings. Built into such initiatives should be a coherent approach for energy-efficiency in the built environment, with the ultimate goal of reducing GHGs.

Adapting appropriate codes, standards and regulations for sustainability in the built environment, particularly in developing countries, requires a methodology for their scaling to different levels of economic development.

Strategy	Outputs/Outcomes
1. Create enabling environments for green construction in developing countries	Guidelines for Initiating, designing, constructing, maintaining, operating and demolishing buildings in an environmentally sustainable manner and the use of technologies Documentation of appropriate and indigenous building technologies and best practicesIdentification of sustainability indicators for the built environment and the construction industry Databases of technologies for green construction Courses on green construction
2. Stimulate the development and use of appropriate building codes and standards for sustainable building and construction.	Recommendations for codes and standards on sustainable design, assessment, management of building and construction Inventory of tools for environmental declaration and labeling of buildings Inventory of tools for assessing energy efficiency of buildings Databases on technologies for green constructione
3. Build required capacity to apply codes and standards among defined - institutional and professional - stakeholders.	Sustainable urban planning manual and guidelines Sustainable Planning Code of Practice Case studies and good practices in sustainable planning and building construction Award/Prize on good practices in green construction

Appendix 1 Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the building and construction sector Energy-efficient design: Promote energy-efficient building designs that optimize insulation, ventilation, and natural lighting to reduce the need for artificial heating, cooling, and lighting. Renewable energy integration: Encourage the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, wind turbines, or geothermal systems, to power buildings and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Efficient HVAC systems: Install high-efficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to minimize energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Building envelope improvements: Upgrade windows, doors, and insulation to improve thermal performance and reduce energy loss from the building envelope. Sustainable materials: Prioritize the use of sustainable and low-carbon building materials, such as recycled materials, responsibly sourced wood, and low-emission cement or concrete alternatives. Life-cycle assessment: Conduct life-cycle assessments to evaluate the environmental impact of building materials and systems, considering emissions from extraction, production, transportation, use, and end-of-life phases. Water efficiency: Implement water-efficient fixtures and systems to reduce water consumption and associated energy use for water treatment and distribution. Waste management: Develop strategies for waste reduction, recycling, and proper disposal of construction and demolition waste, which can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions if not managed effectively. Green building certifications and standards: Encourage compliance with green building certifications and standards, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), which promote sustainable practices and emissions reductions. Operational efficiency: Educate building occupants on energy-efficient practices and encourage responsible energy use through behavior change programs. Retrofitting existing buildings: Retrofit older buildings with energy-efficient technologies and systems to improve their performance and reduce emissions. Collaboration and partnerships: Foster collaboration among stakeholders, including architects, engineers, contractors, policymakers, and building owners, to develop and implement sustainable building practices. Government policies and incentives: Advocate for and support government policies, regulations, and financial incentives that promote energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, and sustainable building practices. Research and innovation: Invest in research and development of new technologies, materials, and construction methods that have lower environmental impacts and contribute to emissions reductions.