By 2030, 70% of the world’s population will live in cities. This means that the choices city leaders make today will shape the built environment for decades. Without action to consider building efficiency, cities risk locking in high operating costs and increasing resource demand and greenhouse gas emissions. Improving the performance of buildings can help address the health, productivity and the environment in which residents live and work.   

Building efficiency is an important part of our “Optimize, Electrify, Decarbonize” framework, which encourages cities to focus on three steps to build momentum for climate action and reach a tipping point beyond which zero-carbon infrastructure becomes mainstream.

WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities’ Buildings Initiative speeds the adoption of innovative solutions for efficient, sustainable buildings. We connect city decision-makers with the information and partners they need to improve their buildings. To do this, we work in four areas:

1. Making buildings a part of an active energy system by demonstrating that they can consume less power, generate their own clean energy and help “balance” the electricity grid system
2. Supporting building performance analysis, information and certification
3. Scaling up business models and finance strategies to deliver efficiency
4. Serving as the lead partner of the Building Efficiency Accelerator, an effort of the United Nations’ Sustainable Energy for All initiative

Today, buildings consume nearly 40% of global energy and account for about one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions. However, some of the best opportunities to improve efficiency and confront these challenges remain unrealized.

The Buildings Initiative engages partners, policymakers, and practitioners to accelerate building efficiency action in cities around the world. Our practical resources help cities succeed with policies, technologies, and innovative investment strategies. Together, we deliver better buildings, cleaner air, and a more efficient built environment.

For global updates on innovative policies, projects, and partnerships to improve energy and water efficiency in buildings, subscribe to the Buildings Initiative newsletter here.

Read more about WRI Ross Center’s buildings work on TheCityFix.