C40 Cities targets net zero carbon buildings by 2030

(eceee news, 28 Aug 2018) C40 Cities, a network aiming to facilitate dialogue amongst city officials, commit to introduce regulations or planning policies for new buildings to be carbon neutral by 2030 (and all buildings by 2050). Municipal buildings will also be used to pilot innovations and build capacity-building in local markets.

Buildings are one of the biggest sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, accounting for over half of total city emissions on average, and a significant source of air pollution, according to C40 Cities.

Currently, half a million people die each year due to outdoor air pollution caused by energy used in buildings. Delivering on the goals of the Paris Agreement, which science tells us we must, requires urgent and dramatic action to cut emissions from buildings, the organization writes.

The C40 Cities Commitment to Net Zero Carbon Buildings Declaration reads:

We commit to owning, occupying and developing only assets that are net zero carbon in operation by 2030.

To meet this commitment, C40 cities will:

  • Establish a roadmap for our commitment to reach net zero carbon buildings.
  • Develop a suite of supporting incentives and programmes.
  • Report annually on progress towards meeting our targets, and evaluate the feasibility of reporting on emissions beyond operational carbon (such as refrigerants).

We pledge to enact regulations and/or planning policy to ensure new buildings operate at net zero carbon by 2030 and all buildings by 2050. 

To meet this commitment, we will:

  • Evaluate the current energy demand and carbon emissions from our municipal buildings, and identify opportunities for reduction.
  • Establish a roadmap for our commitment to reach net zero carbon municipal buildings.
  • Report annually on progress towards meeting our targets, and evaluate the feasibility of including emissions beyond operational carbon (such as refrigerants).

C40 Cities welcomes collective commitment with state and regional governments and the privates sector, who also play a crucial role in setting standards for buildings.

Signatories to the commitment are: Copenhagen, London, Los Angeles, Montreal, New York, Newburyport, Paris, Portland, San Francisco, Stockholm, Sydney, Tokyo, Tshwane and Vancouver.

About C40

C40 networks stated aim is to facilitate dialogue amongst city officials and create conversations, to enable cities to tailor their own actions to their unique situations, and band together to use their collective power to access partnership resources. This also includes technical and financial support.

The cities' climate actions to reduce GHGs and climate risks span over 50+ countries, 20 time zones and 26 languages to accelerate local action with major global impact.

Read more about the commitment here