The Big 5' to drive ESG-focused, net-zero targets by 2050

The first-ever Global Construction Impact Summit will be held on the third day of the event (7 December), and it will assist drive a coordinated strategy to reach local and global emission and waste reduction targets. How to accelerate change by scaling up solutions and collaboration; attaining zero waste through the use of replacement materials; reporting on ESG measures; all of these and more will be discussed during the day with a focus on their applications in the construction industry.

“According to the recent WGBC Beyond Buildings Report, the macro urban built environment is responsible for 75% of annual global greenhouse gas emissions, with buildings alone accounting for 37%,” said Ben Greenish, Senior Vice-President of Construction at dmg events, organizer of The Big 5. “The industry must demonstrate a willingness to make changes if we are to meet the World Green Building Council’s (WGBC) targets for the sector which include achieving at least 40 percent less embodied carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving 100 percent net zero emissions by 2050. By driving the shift from high-emission products for example to near-zero emission products, the industry can take a significant step forward.”

Greenish added, “The sustainability spotlight on the Middle East and Africa is shining brighter than ever courtesy of the next two editions of COP taking place in the region. As world leaders meet in Egypt this week for COP27, ahead of the UAE hosting COP28 next year, the construction sector must do its part to help both nations realize their commitments to net-zero ambitions. The Global Construction Impact Summit will emerge as a green pathway for the regional industry, which has the chance to demonstrate international leadership by highlighting commitment to national net-zero visions.”

“Having the opportunity to bring the Race to Zero campaign to the upcoming Global Construction Impact Summit is both exciting and timely. Our campaign, backed by the United Nations, is in full swing but lacks representation from the UAE. We need to continue to drive action and ambition in the region as we look ahead to COP 28 in Dubai,” said Bex Porter, Built Environment Lead, Climate Champions Team. “We are rallying non-state actors – including companies, cities, regions, financial and educational institutions – to take rigorous and immediate action to halve global emissions by 2030 and deliver a healthier, fairer zero-carbon world in time. In joining the Race to Zero, non-state actors can drive the ambition loop to show policymakers that the sector is stepping up to the needed transformation. On behalf of the team, we look forward to updating the industry on how we are progressing through our plan and hope to find partners to help us deliver our goals.”