Buro Happold and C40 Cities have launched a series of six Clean Construction reports. These reports support cities in resourcing efficient, net zero construction to deliver healthy, resilient and thriving urban communities.
Clean Construction in our cities
Clean Construction means creating a net zero carbon built environment system that tackles the global negative impacts of the construction sector in a just way. This relates to mitigating climate risks, greenhouse gas emissions, resource depletion and socioeconomic inequalities.
The engineering, architecture and construction industry has a huge role to play in bringing about positive social, economic and environmental change. Implementing clean construction principles is part of the solution to create greener, more equitable and liveable cities.
Failure to reduce the impact of construction in our cities poses a serious risk to the environment. As a result, C40 Cities launched its global Clean Construction Programme in 2019. The programme supports cities to mitigate the impact of construction, strengthen resilience to climate risks and facilitate dialogue within the industry.
A series of deep dives into six cities around the world — developed in partnership with Buro Happold — take this one step further.
Clean Construction reports for six cities around the world
Buro Happold’s sustainability consultants and C40 Cities have collaborated with each of the six cities municipalities and construction industry stakeholders to recommend policy interventions.
The reports unpack how construction works in each city and provides local, actionable advice to help governments and municipal leaders make the case for clean construction. These policy recommendations also highlight the broader social benefits clean construction brings to both the local community and within a global context.
The six cities in the series are:
- Toronto, Canada
- Mexico City, Mexico
- Milan, Italy
- Ekurhuleni, South Africa
- Quezon City, Philippines
- Qingdao, China.
This work forms part of the C40 Clean Construction Declaration. These cities have committed to reducing the embodied emissions associated with the construction of buildings and infrastructure by 50% by 2030.
Construction activities contribute significantly to the climate crisis. The construction sector alone is responsible for more than 23% of global GHG emissions and consumes more than 30% of global resources. Implementing clean construction principles is part of the solution to create greener, more equitable and liveable cities.
— C40 Cities
Related specialisms
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