Global Definition for Near-Zero Emission and Resilient Buildings Issued

In 2023, at the UN Climate Conference known as COP28, over 25 national governments came together to call for the achievement of near-zero emission and resilient buildings (NZERBs) as the new normal by 2030. In support of this call, the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC) announced a consensus definition for NZERBs in a new report titled, Near-Zero Emission and Resilient Buildings: Shared Definitions, Indicators, Frameworks, and Policy Guidance for Implementation.  

The International Code Council (ICC) was a main contributor to this effort, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to building performance capturing sustainability and resilience needs and the essential role of building codes and standards in achieving the definition. Additional input for the report was provided by other members of the Steering Committee of the Buildings Breakthrough Priority Area on “Standards and Certification,” including the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, the World Green Building Council and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. 

Near-Zero Emission and Resilient Buildings: Shared Definitions, Indicators, Frameworks, and Policy Guidance for Implementation 

The report: 

• Provides a consolidated definition of NZERBs and their core building blocks, including operational and embodied emissions, energy efficiency, low-carbon energy, refrigerants, sufficiency and resilience.  
• Presents a framework of high-level, quantitative and qualitative indicators for greenhouse gas emissions, energy performance and climate resilience, linked to existing standards, codes and certification systems.  
• Offers policy guidance to governments and stakeholders across key areas, including planning and legal frameworks, financing mechanisms, capacity development and research. 

Why It Matters 

This report is notable because it provides practical guidance and aligned metrics designed to help governments and industry stakeholders advance policies that support a low emissions, resilient and sustainable building sector.  

It leverages previous work that ICC has undertaken globally to advance resilience, including through the Global Resiliency Dialogue, and it has helped to elevate the importance of resilient building – which requires strong structural and fire safety provisions such as are found in the International Building Code® (IBC) – in addition to energy efficiency and green building measures in discussions related to buildings and climate.  

More information on GlobalABC can be found here. Read the full report here.