COP29’s Legacy: Decarbonising Buildings for a Sustainable Future
COP29, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 11–22 November 2024, reinforced the urgency of decarbonising the built environment as a cornerstone of global climate action. With buildings contributing approximately 40% of global carbon emissions, addressing their impact was critical to advancing the goals of the Paris Agreement and mitigating climate change impacts.
Key Outcomes of COP29 Related to Decarbonising Buildings
1. Emphasis on Energy Efficiency Standards:
Delegates at COP29 highlighted the importance of adopting more stringent energy efficiency standards for new and existing buildings. These include advanced insulation, efficient heating and cooling systems, and improved ventilation. This aligns with EGB Engineering’s commitment to supporting energy-efficient infrastructure projects that minimise operational emissions.
2.Support for Low-Carbon Materials and Circular Economy:
A focus was placed on reducing embodied carbon through the use of sustainable building materials, such as green concrete, timber, and recycled steel. COP29 further promoted circular economy principles in construction, encouraging material reuse and recycling. These priorities resonate with EGB Engineering’s sustainability targets to integrate innovative, low-carbon solutions into engineering projects.
3. Integration of Renewable Energy in Building Design:
One of the most significant outcomes was the encouragement for buildings to incorporate on-site renewable energy solutions, such as solar panels and geothermal systems. This reduces reliance on fossil fuels, which aligns with EGB’s goal of advancing renewable energy applications across urban and rural developments.
4. Resilience to Climate Extremes:
COP29 underscored the need for climate-resilient design. Enhanced building codes and proactive features, such as stormwater management systems and heat-resistant materials, aim to protect against extreme weather events, which are increasingly frequent due to climate change. EGB Engineering’s focus on future-proofing infrastructure supports these resilience goals.
5. Role of Policy and Collaboration:
Strong policies, including subsidies for green building projects and mandates for energy efficiency, were identified as pivotal to achieving net-zero in the built environment. Collaborative efforts among architects, engineers, and policymakers were deemed essential. These align with EGB’s advocacy for interdisciplinary collaboration to deliver sustainable engineering solutions.
Challenges and Future Steps
While COP29 set ambitious targets, progress was hindered by disagreements over financing and specific commitments to phase out fossil fuels. For example, the UAE Dialogue to advance energy transitions faced pushback from some nations, delaying key resolutions until future summits. Despite these setbacks, the adoption of the Baku Adaptation Road Map offers a path to track resilience improvements in buildings, providing hope for continued progress.
EGB Engineering’s Role in Decarbonising the Built Environment
COP29’s outcomes reaffirm EGB Engineering’s strategic focus on decarbonising infrastructure through innovative engineering solutions. By prioritising energy efficiency, renewable integration, and sustainable materials, the company is well-positioned to contribute to a net-zero future. Through collaborative initiatives, EGB is poised to address operational and embodied emissions, aligning its projects with global climate goals.
For stakeholders committed to sustainable development, the lessons from COP29 offer a roadmap for action. EGB Engineering stands ready to partner with industry leaders to transform buildings into resilient, low-carbon assets, paving the way for a sustainable, climate-adaptive future.
