PROFILE
zero and even beyond net zero .”
Strength in collaboration Collaboration throughout the project is imperative to its success . With common misconceptions amongst government apprehension , organisations commonly work in silos , something of which the WGBC seeks to overcome to drive partnerships with the public and private sector in cities . Whilst mayors in cities may say they want to make a commitment around net zero , but are concerned about the reaction of the private sector , the private sector solely want certainty from governments , and want to know what the policies are going to be so they are aware of the definitions , with assurance that they will not be amended . With both parties wishing to support , Wills explains that it is vital these partnerships are implemented , at which the organisation works to enable companies which are part of green building councils , green councils working with cities and governments to sit in a room and figure ways to achieve this same goal .
Further collaboration can be seen through the WGBC ’ s involvement with the Global Alliance for Buildings in
Construction in order to reduce global warming to two degrees . Uniting over 20 countries , the alliance is working with the French government to build on this ambition , adopt net zero policies and the introduction of National Determined Contributions ( NDC ). Resulting from the Paris Agreement , every country has voluntarily given an NDC , where they will reduce a specific level of emissions by 2050 . However , Wills explains that the WGBC is now aiming to encourage countries to go a step further and create a buildings NDC , where they will commit an emissions reduction by 2050 through buildings . “ This will allow countries to become more specific in their targets and enable the WGBC to work with them and set strong targets in relation to buildings and build strong policies and regulations ,” adds Wills . Vancouver is one such city adopting great leadership , where the Mayor and Deputy Mayor were awarded the World GBC Chairman ’ s Award in 2016 . “ They have a net zero policy in place where no buildings should be built below net zero standard by 2030 , so we ’ re encouraging more cities and governments to come forward ,” Wills adds .
14 June 2017