Exploring the first international declaration on pathways to building decarbonization

In early March over 1,400 building industry leaders gathered in Paris for the first Buildings and Climate Global Forum. The major achievement at the forum was the creation and signing of the Declaration de Chaillot. 

Signed by representatives from 70 countries including the United States, the Declaration establishes shared values, a common framework, and a course of action for international cooperation around accelerating the transition to a decarbonized and resilient built environment. It marks the first time the building industry has aligned internationally on a common framework to achieve the Paris Agreement on climate change.

The infographic below summarizes the key sections and takeaways of the declaration. The full text of the declaration can be found here.

The Declaration de Chaillot lays out, for the first time, a roadmap for countries to lower building emissions as part of their nationally determined contributions toward limiting climate change. The declaration “gives everyone a framework to now go back to your country and decide what your opportunities are to carve out from your building sector emissions,” said Anica Landreneau, director of sustainable design for global architecture and engineering company HOK, who attended the Buildings and Climate Global Forum.