BUILD_ME joins key discussions on decarbonizing the built environment at COP29

The BUILD_ME project proudly participated in two impactful panels at the UNFCCC COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, showcasing innovative solutions to decarbonize the built environment and emphasizing collaboration for energy efficiency.

In the first panel on November 14th, organised by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)'s Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC), we highlighted the critical importance of data availability across the building sector to accelerate financing of innovative solutions to decarbonise the environment. Moritz Schaefer (Guidehouse) and Dr. Maged Mahmoud (RCREEE) presented BUILD_ME's achievements, including the creation of a building typology, the development of the BEP Tool, and the integration of an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). These activities enable financial institutions to assess energy-efficient buildings effectively and confidently.

The second panel, organised by Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD) on November 16th, provided an excellent platform to dive deeper into the BEP Tool's features and its holistic approach. Moritz shared how the tool facilitates matchmaking between project developers and financial institutions, streamlining the path to sustainable building projects. This session also highlighted other regional-specific tools developed for the MENA region, sparking discussions on the rise of energy efficiency and sustainability certifications.

A key takeaway from both sessions is the growing momentum for developing and implementing standards to enhance energy performance in buildings. These efforts are vital to aligning regional and global energy efficiency goals, signaling a transformative shift across the MENA region.