International Code Council @ COP

The International Code Council (ICC) is engaging globally to communicate the Codes at the Core message: building codes and the activities that support their effective use are central to the realization of a climate resilient future.

This is why ICC engages at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC) and now participates annually at the Conference of the Parties (COP).

Read the new report, released in November 2023, Building Codes and the International Breakthrough Agenda

Visit the Building Capacity for Sustainable and Resilient Buildings Initiative to learn more about the International Commitment in Support of the Buildings Breakthrough here.

Communities are facing increased disaster events, many driven by climate change. At the same time, governments are looking for solutions to stem the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that continue to drive changes in climate.

The built environment is central to enhancing resilience and mitigating GHG emissions. Buildings are our shelter against the storm, the homes of our governments and institutions, drivers of economies, and symbols of our ideals. At the same time, buildings are significant users of energy and materials.
Policies at the national and sub-national levels to achieve net-zero emissions and enhance community resilience must include a strong focus on current and future buildings.

COP 28 Sessions Featuring the International Code Council

The International Code Council is collaborating with the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC) and the We Mean Business Coalition to host the Business & Buildings Pavilion at COP28. Visit us at the Buildings Pavilion throughout the entirety of COP28 and at our joint exhibit with ASHRAE and Architecture2030 on December 1-3 in the Blue Zone (Opportunity Blue Zone, North Side Zone B6, Exhibit Booth #06).

A Dialogue on the Importance of Carbon Accounting in Buildings: Coming Together on Common Methodologies
Blue Zone – Buildings Pavilion
December 2
View the Recording

Buildings and Climate Global Forum: Fostering International Cooperation for Buildings’ Decarbonisation and Resilience
Blue Zone – French Pavilion
December 5

Disrupting Climate Trends through Next-Generation Leadership: Advancing innovation, policy, and the workforce to meet ambitious goals for a more sustainable future for all
Blue Zone – Buildings Pavilion
December 6
View the Recording

Accelerating the material transition for a holistic energy transition: A kingdom perspective
Blue Zone – The Saudi Pavilion
December 8

Decarbonizing the built environment: Building codes and capacity building for implementation and enforcement
Green Zone – Energy Transition Hub, Global Decarbonization Accelerator Pavilion
December 8
View the Recording

One size fits no one: rethinking the just transition from forests to cities
Blue Zone – Buildings Pavilion
December 8
View the Recording

Accelerating Climate Resilience in the African Built Environment
Blue Zone – Botswana Pavilion
December 9

Leveraging Carbon Dioxide Removal, Negative Emissions and Renewable Energy Solutions
Blue Zone – SE Room 9
December 9

Net Zero and Resilient Futures: Navigating Climate Challenges in Urban Development and Real Estate Sustainability
Blue Zone – Buildings Pavilion
December 10
View the Recording

Sustainable Construction and Urban Development: Innovations for Carbon Reduction and Resilience
Green Zone – Energy Transition Hub, Global Decarbonization Accelerator Pavilion
December 10
View the Recording

Relevant COP28 Resources

Buildings Breakthrough Sessions

Buildings and Climate Global Forum: Fostering International Cooperation for Buildings’ Decarbonisation and Resilience
Blue Zone - French Pavilion
December 5

Buildings and construction for sustainable cities: New key partnerships for decarbonisation, adaptation and resilience
Blue Zone - Presidency Event Space, Al Waha Theatre
December 6

Delivering the Buildings Breakthrough
Blue Zone - Implementation Lab
December 6

Recap of COP26

We joined with stakeholders from around the world during COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland, from November 1-12, 2021, strengthening the message that creating and fostering a zero-emission, efficient and resilient buildings and construction sector is an essential component for governments seeking to meet their Paris Climate Agreement targets.

Read about what we’ve done