With everyone focused on transport and agriculture, buildings tend to sit under the radar in terms of emissions. In fact, buildings and construction account for almost 40 per cent of CO2 emissions related to energy use, according to the UN Environment Programme.
That makes the sector a target for governments as they scramble to meet commitments to limit global warming to well below 2C, preferably 1.5C, compared with pre-industrial levels — which are legally binding under the Paris climate agreement.
Regulation is going in only one direction. The government said in January that by 2025 new housing must produce 75 per cent to 80 per cent fewer carbon emissions than allowed at present and no new homes should be built with fossil fuel heating,
