Japan’s Efforts and Possible Contribution toward Building Decarbonization

Decarbonization of buildings and the construction sector is critical to achieve global climate goals, contributing 37% of CO2 emissions and 34% of final energy consumption globally. 

Since 2023, the movement of building decarbonization has been accelerated. In 2023, the G7 Climate, Energy and Environment Ministers’ Meeting in Sapporo and the G7 Urban Development Ministers’ Meeting in Takamatsu, Kagawa noted the importance of decarbonizing buildings and their lifecycles in combatting climate change. At COP28, the ‘Building Breakthrough’ was launched as a platform to transform the building sector.

In March 2024, 70 countries including Japan adopted the Declaration de Chaillot at the Buildings and Climate Global Forum, which reinforces execution of climate action initiatives within the building and construction sector at local, national and international levels (e.g. promotion of low-carbon building material use and adoption of ambitious policies in public building procurement).

This seminar will introduce Japan's initiatives and technical solutions for emission reduction from the building and construction sector and discuss ways to accelerate actions with experts in other regions.