Today, October 24, is the International Day against Climate Change, with the aim of alerting the world community about the harmful and devastating effects of climate change on the planet.
This international day pursues one of themost important Sustainable Development Goals, number 13: Climate Action.
The role of the real estate sector in climate change
The real estate sector plays a fundamental role in the fight against climate change, as it is the main emitter of greenhouse gases, accounting for almost 40% of global emissions. According to the INE, more than 19 million new homes will be built in Spain alone in the coming years. This represents a major challenge for the sector.
It is crucial that real estate adapts to European regulations and adopts practices that promote sustainability and climate resilience.
How is the real estate sector responding to climate change?
As awareness of the need to address climate change increases, the real estate industry is evolving to promote sustainability in the construction and use of buildings.
- Sustainable construction: There is a growing trend towards green and sustainable buildings that minimize the use of natural resources and reduce the generation of waste and carbon emissions during construction.
- Energy efficiency: The implementation of energy-efficient technologies and systems in buildings, such as the use of LED lighting, efficient heating and cooling systems, and solar panels, can help reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Green infrastructure development: The incorporation of green spaces in real estate projects can contribute to the reduction of the urban heat island effect and improve air quality, in addition to providing residents with a healthier and more sustainable environment.
- Adapting to climate change: Real estate developers are beginning to consider climate risks, such as floods, droughts, and more intense storms, when designing and siting new buildings.
This involves using construction techniques and materials that can better withstand the impacts of climate change. - Sustainable certifications: The adoption of sustainability certifications and standards, such as LEED and BREEAM, are gaining momentum in the real estate sector as a way to demonstrate commitment to sustainability and reduced environmental impact.
Alignment between SDG 13 and sustainable certifications
SDG 13, “climate action”, involves taking urgent action to combat climate change and its effects.
In this sense, certifications such as LEED, BREEAM and WELL contribute to this sustainable development objective.
LEED, on the one hand, includes measures to reduce gas emissions and energy consumption, which contributes to climate change mitigation.
BREEAM promotes the sustainable use of energy, the minimization of greenhouse gases, resilience to flood risk and the implementation of climate change adaptation measures.
WELL, while focusing on the health and well-being of building occupants, indirectly contributes to climate action by aligning itself with practices and standards that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Fighting climate change
On the International Day against Climate Change, we recall the urgent need to address the effects of this challenge for the planet.
The real estate sector, as a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, is taking on a crucial role in sustainable investment and climate change mitigation.
In the coming years, as millions of homes are built around the world, the sector must embrace sustainability and climate resilience as part of its commitment. Today, on this international day, we remember that our planet deserves a sustainable future, and the real estate sector has a key role to play in achieving it.
