Green building codes are enforceable policies applied to the design, construction and operation of buildings to reduce their environmental impact while being healthier for occupants. They often emphasize energy efficiency, climate resilience, and indoor air quality. The most widely used green building code is the International Green Construction Code, but many cities and countries have their own versions.

Buildings are responsible for as much as 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions each year. This means that reducing their impact by avoiding unnecessary construction, using sustainable materials, powering them with renewable energy, and repurposing or upgrading existing buildings is critical. In many cases, using these practices also saves money over the life of the building.

Architects and building professionals know how to reduce the impacts of buildings, and this is being put into practice more and more. However, green building codes are still uncommon around the world, and many professionals are not changing how they design quickly enough.

Cities and local governments have led the way in implementing these codes. Putting policies in place at every level of government makes adoption easier and more efficient for building professionals. Educating policymakers as well as building professionals on the benefits of green building codes is key, with consistent standards like the International Green Construction Code simplifying education and training.

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• Embodied Carbon Primer (LETI)

• International Green Construction Code (IgCC)

• Embodied Carbon Policy Framework (CNCA)

• Ask your local council what they are doing about the emissions from building projects in the area.

• If you are involved in a new building project, make sure you are building to PassivHaus standards and using clean materials.