United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 17th Conference of Parties (COP17)
Durban, South Africa
28 November – 8 December

The Building Sector is well represented during this year's COP17 with a large number of side events and exhibits as part of the official UNFCCC meeting. UNEP-SBCI is also in the spotlight because of the fine efforts of a number of our partners, specifically The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), the US Green Building Council (USGBC), and the World Green Building Council (WGBC). If you are attending this year’s COP-17 in Durban please be sure to attend their presentations during the official side events. You may also wish to visit any of a large number of Building and Energy Efficiency related exhibition booths in the formal exhibition hall. Please keep in mind that all official Side-Events and Exhibits will require UNFCCC accreditation and badge ID.
On this page you will find a number of materials that will be useful if you are attending COP17 including:
UNEP-SBCI Call to Action
UNEP-SBCI COP17 Partner Events
Even if you won't be attending this year be sure to take a look at UNEP-SBCI sponsored Climate Action Program publication

UNEP-SBCI CALL TO ACTION
Ensure your voice is heard at COP 17, download the UNEP-SBCI Call to Action and use this brochure when speaking with national delegates

UNEP-SBCI COP17 MEMBER EVENTS
International Confabulations & Sub-national Actions: Showcasing India’s Response to Climate Change
When: Monday 28 November 2011, 13:45 – 14:45
Where: Room 4
Who: The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), Ms. Suruchi Bhadwal
Description: This paper critiques the (highly diluted) commitments on international negotiations and the disproportionate domestic action being taken. The case of India, wherein every state is developing its climate action plans is presented with an analysis of frameworks, priorities and capacities. Speakers TBC.
Energy efficient buildings and communities for sustainable development: Voices from South Africa
When: Saturday 3 December 2011, 18:30 – 20:00
Where: Room 3
Who: World Green Building Council, Inc. (WorldGBC), Ms. Michelle Malanca
Description: Leading public and private sector organizations explore intersections between energy demand, efficient buildings & communities and climate change in South Africa. Policies, frameworks and financial tools for building and city sector emissions in the context of sustainable development are discussed. Confirmed speakers include:
- Jane Henley, Chief Executive Officer, World Green Building Council (moderator)
- Carl Wesselink, Cape Town Kuyasa CDM Project Manager
- Andrew Etzinger, Senior General Manager, Integrated Demand Management at Eskom (South African Public Utility)
- Brian Willkinson, Chief Executive Officer, Green Building Council of South Africa
- Pooran Desai, One Planet Technical Director
- Sarah Alsen, One Planet Living Country Manager, South Africa
- Mike Deighton, Executive,
- Tongaat Hulett Developments

Driving a Transformation to Energy Efficient Buildings
When: Thursday 1 December 2011, 20:15 – 21:45
Where: Room 4
Who: Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE) and US Green Building Council (USGBC)
Description: Pursuing energy efficiency in buildings offers low-cost emissions mitigation, improved climate resilience and better building performance for occupants and owners. This event shares a collaborative private sector-NGO initiative to deliver a Policy Toolkit and approaches for energy efficiency NAMAs. Speakers: Speakers from Johnson Controls' Institute for Building Efficiency, Roger Platt, Senior Vice President, US Green Building Council, senior policy-makers from emerging economies, NGO partners and the BCSE.

World Climate Summit
When: 3 – 4 December 2011
Where: Off-site
Description: Green Business Generation - GREENING SOUTH AFRICA GREENING THE WORLD: Convening the best South African and international leaders from industry, finance and government during COP-17. Speakers include Roger Platt, USGBC.

WorldGBC Government Leadership Awards
When: 5 December 2011
Where: Room Yellowood at the ICC
Who: World GBC, ICLEI and UN-Habitat
Description: As part of this year’s UN climate change conference (COP-17), the WorldGBC in partnership with ICLEEI and UN-Habitat will be presenting the first annual WorldGBC Government Leadership Awards to highlight world-leading policies by city and regional governments that maximize the opportunity of buildings to mitigate carbon emissions in the environment. Six award recipients at the city-level will be announced on the day.

Cato Manor Green Retrofit Tour and Reception (RSVP required)
When: 5 December 2011
Where: Off-site visit to Cato Manor Green Retrofit
Who: Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA)
Description: Cato Manor a retrofit of green affordable housing in a low-income neighborhood in Durban, followed by a lively reception with local food and musical performances. Speakers include: Jane Henley, WGBC.

Action on Energy Efficiency in the United States and on the Global Stage
When: Wednesday 7 December, 17:00 - 18:30
Where: US Center
Who: USGBC, Ingersoll Rand, Johnson Controls
Description: A U.S. Green Building Council and U.S. Government event to highlight public policies and private sector actions on climate change with a focus on efficient buildings. Panelists will discuss national initiatives and international cooperation such as the Clean Energy Ministerial.
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