Build the world’s future while building yours

We are currently faced with one of our most imminent planetary threats: the climate crisis. Global temperatures have already risen by more than 1.1°C since pre-industrial times, disrupting the delicate balance of our ecosystems. A major driver of global warming is the way we build. The construction and operation of buildings and infrastructure, including the production and transport of materials, account for nearly 40 per cent of global CO₂ emissions. With an additional 2.2 billion people expected to live in cities by 2050, the need for a systemic rethinking of our construction practices has never been more urgent. This transformation must extend beyond individual buildings to include neighbourhoods and entire cities, which are at the heart of both environmental and socio-economic challenges.

Building for the Future introduces the concept of a regenerative built environment as a forward-looking alternative to current building practices. It seeks not only to mitigate damage, but also to restore and enhance natural ecosystems. For example, it encourages the growth of natural carbon sinks, such as forests and wetlands, to absorb CO₂ more effectively.

One of the key challenges in achieving this transformation is the lack of accessible, concise information on the relation between the built environment and climate change, as well as innovative ideas and solutions to the barriers in shifting our practices. The project aims to bridge this gap by providing essential facts and actionable insights and build a shared understanding of how to achieve a transformation towards a more regenerative future for our cities and infrastructure.

You can find all publications of the Building for the Future project to date in the Resources tab above.