The World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) and C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40) have announced a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating city-led climate action in the built environment, with a strong focus on creating low-carbon, resilient, and equitable buildings worldwide.
The collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), brings together city leadership and a global network of green building experts to scale sustainable solutions across urban environments.
Cities at the Center of Climate Action
Cities are increasingly recognized as the frontline of climate action due to their concentration of population, infrastructure, and emissions. By combining policy innovation with technical expertise, cities can drive rapid transformation in how buildings are designed, constructed, and operated.
Through this partnership, C40’s network of nearly 100 global cities will connect with WorldGBC’s ecosystem of:
- 85+ Green Building Councils (GBCs)
- 51,000+ member companies
- Reach across nearly 80% of the global population
This integrated approach aims to translate climate commitments into measurable, real-world impact.
Building on Existing Climate Initiatives
The partnership builds on an established track record of collaboration between the two organizations.
Key joint initiatives include:
- The Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment, led by WorldGBC
- The Net Zero Carbon Buildings Accelerator, driven by C40
These programs have already achieved tangible results, with:
- 160+ signatories globally
- Over 1 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions reduced
In addition, both organizations have worked together on:
- Climate policy frameworks
- Affordable housing strategies
- Urban resilience and adaptation plans
- Global climate forums, including COP summits
Key Priorities Through 2027
The MoU, which runs through November 2027, will focus on scaling climate solutions in cities through targeted initiatives.
1. Delivering the BEERI Plan
A central pillar of the partnership is the Building Efficiency, Electrification and Renewable Integration (BEERI) Plan, co-led by:
- WorldGBC
- C40 Cities
- International Energy Agency (IEA)
The initiative has been recognized by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and COP presidencies as a key global plan to accelerate climate solutions.
It aims to:
- Align urban climate policies
- Mobilize investment for green buildings
- Implement transparent monitoring systems
- Deliver measurable emissions reductions
2. Supporting National and City-Level Roadmaps
The partnership will also assist governments and local authorities in developing actionable roadmaps for:
- Building decarbonisation
- Climate resilience
- Sustainable urban development
These frameworks will help translate high-level climate goals into practical, implementable strategies.
Driving Equitable and Resilient Urban Development
A major focus of the collaboration is ensuring that climate action in buildings is not only environmentally effective but also:
- Affordable
- Inclusive
- Health-focused
By integrating social equity into climate strategies, the partnership aims to create sustainable communities that benefit all residents, not just reduce emissions.
Momentum from Global City Leadership
The agreement builds on momentum generated at major global gatherings such as the C40 World Mayors Summit 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, where city leaders reaffirmed their role in driving climate solutions ahead of global climate negotiations.
From cities like London to São Paulo, local governments are demonstrating that urban-scale action can deliver faster and more adaptable climate outcomes compared to national-level initiatives.
Shaping the Future of Sustainable Cities
The WorldGBC C40 partnership climate buildings initiative underscores the growing importance of cross-sector collaboration in tackling climate change.
By combining city leadership, industry expertise, and global networks, the partnership aims to:
- Transform building sectors worldwide
- Accelerate the transition to net-zero cities
- Improve quality of life in urban environments
As cities continue to expand, initiatives like this will play a crucial role in ensuring that urban development aligns with global climate goals—delivering a resilient, equitable, and zero-carbon future.
