G20 Foundation Publications China 2016 | Page 105

and substantial avoided infrastructure and public service costs . Low-carbon strategies are thus as much about building healthier , more livable and more productive cities as about reducing GHG emissions .
Energy Efficiency in Buildings The Energy Efficiency in Buildings ( EEB ) project , led by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development ( WBCSD ), is a catalyst driving collaboration throughout the entire sector value chain in order to unleash these potential benefits . The project recognizes that energy efficiency in buildings is a strong business opportunity . It promotes growth and supports the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction ’ s vision to reach a below 2 ° C path , while delivering economic and social benefits . EEB 2.0 member companies launched the Low Carbon Technology Partnerships initiative for Energy Efficiency in Buildings ( LCTPi-EEB ) to scale up local market engagements around the world , led by the private sector . The EEB project has developed a replicable methodology for publicprivate sector engagement , each engagement uses a standardized approach to create a local action plan and a coordination platform that is shaped around local priorities . This approach has market-tested the methodology in ten cities through three-day ‘ EEB Laboratory ’ engagements that involve all relevant local public and private sector stakeholders to pinpoint issues and priorities and create a coalition to drive transformation . We now aim to scale up the impact of this programme through the framework of the LCTPi . The goal of an EEB Lab is to build a clear understanding of the market , investigate barriers and enablers for greater local market uptake of EEB solutions , define actions to assist market transformation and recruit key stakeholders to develop and implement an action plan for deployment .
EEB Shanghai : Chinese innovators working to revolutionize the local market WBCSD chose Shanghai for its EEB laboratory for the size and condition of the real estate market , public interest in improving the country ’ s energy security , and clear signs of an emerging interest in energy efficiency . Shanghai is also the most populous city in China , with over 23 million inhabitants , providing potential for a significant carbon impact . With the Green Building Professional Partnership-China ( GBPP ), China Business Council for Sustainable Development ( CBCSD ), and support from member companies , the WBCSD held an EEB Laboratory in Shanghai in February 2016 . The Lab developed an Action Plan and EEB Shanghai was formally launched as a platform in June 2016 . The group consists of four action committees :
• Awareness and understanding
• Workforce capacity
• Financing
• Policy and regulation
The committees are coordinated by the GBPP , and work towards short and longterm objectives that aim to bring about radical improvements in building energy efficiency in Shanghai in the coming months and years .
Scaling up EEB advancements around the world The two most advanced engagements in terms of post-EEB laboratory progress are taking place in Houston and Warsaw . As a more mature buildings and construction market , the EEB Lab in Houston devoted significant time to building renovation as
It is crucial for companies and city leaders participating in EEB laboratories , which clearly highlight how the building sector can support national climate objectives . well and new-build , with a specific focus on class B and C buildings . Recent action by EEB Houston has included filming for a new EEB Live program to improve awareness of the multiple benefits of energy efficiency in buildings , and progress towards the creation of a Career Glide-path to enhance the knowledge of EEB among building operators . EEB Houston also supported the creation of a local Property Assessed Clean Energy ( PACE ) program that finances energy efficiency improvements and has a US $ 100 million pipeline of projects . while EEB Warsaw is creating Poland ’ s first Buildings Energy Disclosure Platform . It is crucial for companies and city leaders participating in EEB laboratories , which clearly highlight how the building sector can support national climate objectives . The goal is to scale up EEB projects to 50 local engagements by 2020 , by including more business partners and cities that will lend their urban landscapes to the scrutiny of experts , private and public , to drive transformation from the local level onwards . Transforming the building market requires action across the entire industry but also from policy makers and end users to overcome key market barriers . National and local authorities must fully understand the value of having energy efficient buildings , now and in the future , to host the world ’ s growing population . It is also a major investment opportunity for the building value chain . The Paris Agreement and the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ) have created an irreversible and irresistible pathway to a new lowcarbon world . In the lead-up to those agreements we saw Governments and businesses step up . Now it is time to turn that ambition into implementation . We must make a global effort . The technology and the solutions are available today . To achieve wide-scale implementation , we need policy support from local and national authorities , availability of funding – public and private – and local implementation partners to work together . ■
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