UNEP workshop on Green and Sustainable Chemistry in the buildings and construction sector

With the buildings and construction sector consuming almost 50% of the total material footprint across the global economy, and urbanization driving rapid growth in the sector, timely action is needed to address the environmental impacts of building materials[1][2]. As the buildings and construction sector grows, so will the global market for construction chemicals, which is expected to reach over 50 billion USD by the end of 2024. While the increasing use of chemicals along the buildings and construction value chain can result in negative impacts on human health and the environment, new opportunities may arise to implement green and sustainable chemical innovations. In this context, UNEP is carrying out activities to advance green and sustainable chemistry innovation which addresses impacts on health, climate and circularity along the buildings and construction value chain.

The workshop was organized by UNEP’s Chemicals and Health Branch, the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC) Secretariat and Bioregional, with support from the Life Cycle Initiative. The event builds upon UNEP’s Manuals on green and sustainable chemistry innovation, as requested by Member States at the Fourth Session of the UN Environment Assembly in 2019. The workshop brought together experts in green and sustainable chemistry, and those working towards a more sustainable buildings and construction sector. Participants discussed the potential of chemical innovations to support a more sustainable buildings and construction value chain, and key strategies to reach that potential.

A key output of the workshop is the Analysis and Workshop Outcome Report. The report captures and summarises outputs of the discussions, presentations and group breakout sessions at the expert workshop. It also contains relevant analyses and examples, a diagram of the nexus chemicals and buildings and construction value chain, and recommendations to apply UNEP’s 10 Objectives and Guiding Considerations for Green and Sustainable Chemistry to the sector.

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[1] United Nations Environment Programme (2021). Catalysing Science-based Policy action on Sustainable Consumption and Production

[2] United Nations Environment Programme (2019). Global Chemicals Outlook II