Sustainable Public Procurement in Construction: Launch of the Global Framework for Action to Drive Demand for Near-Zero Emission and Resilient Buildings

As climate action takes center stage at COP 29, we are thrilled to announce the launch of the Global Framework for Action on Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP) in Construction, an ambitious initiative designed to reshape the construction industry by harnessing the power of public procurement. This high-level virtual event, set for November 19th, 16:00 - 17:30 PM GMT 4 (Baku time), will gather stakeholders from across the globe to explore how sustainable procurement can drive demand for near-zero emissions and resilient buildings (NZERBs). This framework represents a unique and comprehensive approach to addressing the construction sector's significant environmental impact by guiding national and local governments in embedding circular economy principles into procurement processes. 

Why This Framework, and Why Now? 

The construction sector, a pillar of global economies and urban development, is also one of the most resource-intensive. It accounts for nearly 50% of global material consumption and is responsible for 37% of global greenhouse gas emissions, a share that will likely increase as cities continue to expand. With around 50% of the buildings projected to exist by 2050 yet to be built, the choices we make today will determine the sector’s environmental impact for decades to come. Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP) offers a critical lever to steer the construction sector toward sustainability by enabling governments to lead by example, setting standards for circular and sustainable practices that can be adopted by industry and private markets alike. 

Public procurement can influence up to 30% of GDP in many countries, with nearly half of public procurement expenditures directed at buildings and infrastructure. By implementing sustainable and circular procurement practices, governments can dramatically accelerate the transition to low-carbon, resilient buildings, aligning their strategies with international climate commitments such as the Paris Agreement and the Buildings Breakthrough Agenda. 

What Sets the Global Framework for Action Apart? 

The Global Framework for Action stands out by providing practical, actionable strategies that cover the entire lifecycle of buildings—from initial planning and design to construction, operation, and deconstruction. Developed through extensive consultations with over 200 global experts, including representatives from national and local governments, UN agencies, NGOs, academia, and the private sector, this framework goes beyond aspirational goals, focusing instead on specific steps that governments can take to implement circularity in public procurement. 

Unlike other initiatives that may target only specific materials or stages of construction, this framework emphasizes a systems approach that spans the entire building lifecycle, integrating circular principles at each stage to reduce waste, lower emissions, and optimize resource use. By prioritizing circularity, governments can not only reduce the environmental footprint of new construction but also encourage the adaptive reuse and efficient retrofitting of existing structures, thus prolonging the life of materials and minimizing waste. 

How to Get Involved 

The launch of the Global Framework for Action marks the beginning of a concerted effort to mobilize governments, industries, and stakeholders worldwide to make NZERBs the new standard by 2030. By participating in the launch event, stakeholders can learn more about the framework’s strategic insights and best practices for driving sustainable demand in construction and discover how to adopt these approaches within their own institutions. 

We invite you to join this milestone event on November 19th to take part in the global shift towards sustainable and resilient construction practices. Be part of the conversation, connect with experts, and learn how you can contribute to a future where buildings are not only near-zero emissions but also embody the principles of circularity and resilience. 

Register now [link] to join this pivotal event and help shape the future of sustainable construction. Together, we can create a lasting impact that goes beyond today, building a resilient future for generations to come.