Accelerating the shift to efficient, healthy buildings
Through shared commitment, cities are transforming how we build and retrofit
Buildings define our cities and are where people live, work, study, and play. They’re also responsible for over half of the total city emissions on average and contribute significantly to air pollution. Currently, half a million people die each year due to outdoor air pollution caused by energy used in buildings.
Net-zero carbon buildings are green and healthy buildings. They use energy extremely efficiently and are supplied by renewable sources. They are comfortable homes where money isn’t wasted on energy bills, productive workplaces insulated from extreme temperatures, and healthy schools free from polluted air.
The C40 Net Zero Carbon Buildings Accelerator unites 29 cities to accelerate this transformation, enabling city leaders to deliver lower energy bills, cleaner air, and climate-resilient spaces for their residents while reducing the emissions driving climate breakdown.
Why cities are choosing net-zero carbon buildings
Mayors are transforming buildings because ultra-efficient, renewable-powered structures create healthier communities, generate significant cost savings, and protect the climate.
Lower costs for residents
Cutting energy bills while improving comfort
Ultra-efficient buildings dramatically reduce energy consumption, lowering bills for residents and businesses. This matters most for vulnerable communities that spend a higher proportion of their income on energy. Efficient buildings also maintain comfortable temperatures year-round, protecting residents from extreme heat and cold while reducing energy waste.
Healthier communities
Improving air quality and living conditions
Buildings powered by renewables help eliminate indoor and outdoor air pollution from fossil fuel combustion. Better ventilation and efficient heating, cooling and cooking systems create healthier indoor environments. These improvements directly benefit public health, particularly for children, elderly residents, and those with respiratory conditions.
Immediate emissions reductions
Cutting the largest source of urban emissions
Buildings account for over half of city emissions on average. Transforming them delivers immediate, measurable climate impact. Action today matters because buildings last for generations. Missing this opportunity locks in high emissions for decades to come.
Economic opportunity
Creating local jobs and market innovation
Building retrofits and new construction create employment opportunities across skill levels. Cities that lead on net-zero buildings develop local expertise, pilot innovations, and strengthen their local green building industry. By starting with their own municipal buildings, they can act as testing grounds that inspire broader action.
What cities commit to through the C40 Net Zero Carbon Buildings Accelerator
Cities that join the C40 Net Zero Carbon Buildings Accelerator commit to leading regulatory action on building decarbonisation.. This transforms buildings into efficient, healthy spaces that protect residents from climate impacts while delivering immediate emissions reductions.
Cities achieve this through regulatory action and municipal leadership:
Commitment 1: Citywide building transformation
Enact regulations and/or planning policy to ensure new buildings operate at net zero carbon by 2030 and all buildings by 2050.
Commitment 2: Municipal building leadership (optional)
Own, occupy, and develop only municipal assets that are net zero carbon in operation by 2030. Municipal buildings offer opportunities for rapid action and serve as pilots that build local market capacity and inspire broader transformation.
Cities committed to the C40 Net Zero Carbon Buildings Accelerator:
Cape Town, Cali, Copenhagen, eThekwini/Durban, Heidelberg, Helsinki, Johannesburg, London, Los Angeles, Medellín, Melbourne, Montréal, New York City, Oslo, Paris, Portland, San Francisco, Seattle, Stockholm, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto, Tshwane, Valladolid, Vancouver, Washington DC, Newburyport, San Jose, Santa Monica
How cities deliver on their Net Zero Carbon Buildings commitments
Signatory cities take the following actions to track progress and create a clear roadmap that turns building regulations into climate action. By establishing roadmaps, developing incentives, and reporting progress, mayors can deliver efficient, healthy buildings that benefit all residents:
Commitment 1: Citywide building transformation
- Establish a roadmap for reaching net-zero carbon buildings
- Develop supporting incentives and programmes
- Report annually on progress toward targets and evaluate the feasibility of reporting emissions beyond operational carbon (such as refrigerants)
Commitment 2: Municipal building leadership (optional)
- Evaluate current energy demand and carbon emissions from municipal buildings and identify reduction opportunities
- Establish a roadmap for reaching net-zero carbon municipal buildings
- Report annually on progress toward targets and evaluate the feasibility of including emissions beyond operational carbon (such as refrigerants)
Questions about the C40 Net Zero Carbon Buildings Accelerator?
Cities interested in signing onto an Accelerator or learning more can contact the C40 Buildings team at buildings@c40.org.
Related
Buildings are responsible for more emissions than you might think – 60% on average, and up to 80% in some cities. This means that the transition away from fossil fuels and into renewable energy and green buildings solutions must be an essential part of all climate action.
Urban planning measures are critical for cities to be able to deliver on their greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets and reduce their vulnerability to climate hazards. C40’s Urban Planning work supports cities to develop, implement and share planning strategies and regulations that set a framework for sustainable and equitable urban growth.
Discover how mayors and cities worldwide are delivering on their commitments to take urgent climate action through C40’s High-Impact Accelerators.
