The built environment is responsible for 40% of energy related carbon emissions and will play a crucial role in mitigating climate change. It would be near impossible to reach net-zero without making significant improvements to new and existing buildings to reduce carbon emissions. The construction industry uses 50% of extracted materials, with demand on natural resources only set to increase as urbanisation continues. The global rhetoric is focussed around change, but what does this mean and how can it be achieved?

Energy and engagement around COP26 is high, however concerns remain about how exactly this will be translated into progress. Difficult but essential action is required from all stakeholders. Radical collaboration is being called for and targets such as net-zero emissions for every building are being set.  Supply chains and circular business practices also need to be examined. The next step is to outline an actionable and tangible plan to get there using technology, innovation and advanced analytics to measure progress.

The Financial Times partnered with Johnson Controls to present this virtual webinar to establish actionable outcomes from the COP26 discussion on the built environment. The focus was on tangible, practical and measurable strategies for carbon neutrality across buildings old and new.