By SUKANYA POOKATILL

The buildings we live, work and thrive in shape not just skylines, but the climate story of tomorrow.

The Challenge

The construction and real estate sector contributes nearly 40 percent of global carbon emissions, much of it coming from embodied carbon (emissions from building materials like cement and steel) and operational energy use. Without change, cities will continue locking in unsustainable patterns for decades.

The Opportunity

This sector holds enormous potential for climate action and innovation:

• Green Buildings: LEED- and BREEAM-certified spaces are proving energy-efficient design lowers emissions and costs.
• Embodied Carbon Reduction: Using low-carbon cement, recycled steel and bio-based materials like bamboo and hempcrete are reducing construction footprints.
• Smart Cities & Technology: IoT-enabled energy systems, green rooftops and water recycling are redefining urban living.
• Energy Efficiency: Retrofitting old buildings with better insulation, solar integration and efficient HVAC systems delivers both climate and economic wins.

Case in Point

• Singapore’s Marina One integrates vertical gardens and smart ventilation, cutting energy use by 30 percent.
• Mahindra World City (India) demonstrates how integrated planning with renewable energy and green design creates sustainable urban ecosystems.
• Copenhagen has committed to becoming the world’s first carbon-neutral capital by 2025, with its building sector leading the way.

Call to Action The next frontier in ESG lies in how we build and where we live. As boardrooms, policymakers, architects and citizens, we must ask:

Are we investing in concrete that locks in emissions, or in innovation that builds resilience?

Are our cities expanding sustainably, or will they become climate liabilities?

The future is being built, brick by green brick. Let’s ensure our skylines are symbols of sustainability, not scars on the planet.

Sukanya Pookatill is a sustainability expert at Clearsynth.