Introduction

Buildings account for nearly 40% of global energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, making the sector central to climate mitigation and resilience strategies. The report states that established climate technologies can reduce operational and embodied emissions while improving resilience to extreme heat, flooding and resource scarcity. However, deployment remains constrained by high upfront costs, outdated building codes, weak policy frameworks and limited technical capacity, particularly in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

Established climate technologies and solutions for buildings

The report categorises climate technologies into hardware, software and “orgware” solutions. Hardware includes heat pumps, solar panels and advanced insulation. Software includes energy management systems, while orgware includes green building codes and traditional knowledge systems. Technologies are classified as mitigation, adaptation or cross-cutting solutions.

Climate technologies must be adapted to local climatic and economic conditions. Tropical regions benefit from green roofs, reflective materials and treated bamboo. Arid regions rely on passive cooling systems and reflective roofing. Temperate and alpine regions require advanced insulation, glazing and efficient heating systems. Developing countries face resource and financing constraints, making locally available materials, circular construction practices and decentralised renewable systems more practical.

Building performance is measured through energy intensity, embodied and operational carbon emissions, and renewable energy use. The report highlights the importance of life-cycle assessments and behavioural change programmes to improve efficiency.

Energy-efficient building materials, smart glazing and energy management systems can significantly reduce operational emissions. AI-enabled energy management systems can reduce energy consumption by up to 30% in commercial buildings and 15% in residential buildings. Advanced heat pumps can achieve efficiencies of up to 300% and could meet more than 90% of space and water heating demand by 2050.

Nature-based solutions, including green roofs and permeable pavements, provide cooling, flood mitigation and biodiversity benefits. Circular economy construction practices, including recycled concrete and reclaimed timber, are promoted to reduce waste and embodied carbon, with the construction sector generating around one-third of global waste. Modular construction reduces waste and project timelines, while low-emissions cement alternatives address the fact that cement production accounts for approximately 8% of global CO₂ emissions. Renewable energy systems and decentralised microgrids are highlighted as scalable solutions for reducing grid dependence and improving resilience in remote areas.

Creating an enabling environment for climate technology deployment

The report identifies economic, regulatory, technical and social barriers to deployment, including high upfront costs, weak governance, limited technical expertise, unreliable supply chains and low public awareness.

Recommended actions include stronger regulatory frameworks, minimum energy performance standards, renewable energy integration requirements and mandates for low-emissions materials in public infrastructure. Countries implementing strong standards have achieved 30–50% reductions in energy consumption per square metre in new buildings.

The report also supports long-term urban planning, public-private partnerships, international knowledge sharing and workforce training. Financing mechanisms such as green bonds, revolving loan funds, blended finance and energy performance contracting are identified as critical for scaling adoption. The report further emphasises targeted subsidies, community engagement and support for women-led businesses to ensure equitable access to climate technologies and avoid widening social inequality.