Summary
1. Green bonds and loans are pivotal in driving the $35 trillion investment needed by 2030 to achieve Net Zero.
2. The alliance between global green building councils is crucial for standardising green finance and decarbonisation efforts.
3. The Financing Transformation guide provides a roadmap for using building verification and certification standards to meet global climate goals.
4. Collaboration among leading organisations like BRE, GBCA, and USGBC is key to tackling climate change effectively.
5. The built environment sector is at the forefront of sustainability efforts, with professionals and stakeholders playing a significant role in this transformation.
Main Post
When the first episode of the BREEAM podcast went live, I had the privilege of speaking with Davina Rooney, CEO of the Green Building Council of Australia. Davina, alongside Peter Templeton, CEO of the US Green Building Council, joined BRE’s CEO Gillian Charlesworth and Jane Goddard, Chief Marketing Officer and Deputy CEO, to delve into a topic that’s on everyone’s minds – how green bonds and loans can help drive the $35 trillion investment needed by 2030 to achieve net zero.
The conversation was recorded during the launch of “Financing Transformation: A Guide to Green Building for Green Bonds and Green Loans” at London Climate Week 2024. This guide shows how building verification and certification standards can be used to comply with global classifications and bond frameworks, setting a trajectory for the global built environment to meet a sustainable 1.5°C climate threshold.
Davina began by highlighting the importance of green finance in the decarbonisation of the built environment. “Green bonds and loans are not just financial instruments; they are catalysts for change. They provide the much-needed capital to fund sustainable projects and drive the innovation required to meet our climate goals,” she explained.
Peter Templeton echoed this sentiment, emphasising the role of alliances in standardising green finance efforts. “The partnership between the Green Building Council of Australia, the US Green Building Council, and BRE is a testament to our commitment to tackling climate change. By working together, we can create unified standards that make it easier for investors to support sustainable projects,” he said.
One of the key takeaways from the discussion was the launch of the Financing Transformation guide. Gillian Charlesworth described it as a “roadmap for achieving global climate goals.” She elaborated, “This guide provides practical steps for using building verification and certification standards to comply with global classifications and bond frameworks. It’s an invaluable resource for anyone involved in the built environment sector.”
Jane Goddard, who played a pivotal role in the conversation, spoke about the collaboration among leading organisations to tackle climate change. “It’s not just about competition; it’s about collaboration. When BRE, GBCA, and USGBC come together, we bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that can drive meaningful change. Our combined efforts can set the trajectory for a sustainable future,” she remarked.
The dialogue also touched on the role of the built environment sector in sustainability efforts. Davina Rooney emphasised the importance of professionals and stakeholders in driving this transformation. “The built environment is at the forefront of sustainability efforts. Professionals and stakeholders in this sector have the power to influence change on a massive scale. By embracing green finance and adhering to certification standards, we can create buildings that are not only environmentally friendly but also economically viable,” she said.
Peter Templeton added, “The journey to net zero is a collective effort. It’s about creating a culture of sustainability that permeates every aspect of our industry. From architects to investors, everyone has a role to play. Green bonds and loans are just the beginning – they are the tools that will help us build a sustainable future.”
Reflecting on the conversation, it was clear that the BREEAM podcast had achieved its goal of highlighting the critical role of green finance in the drive towards net zero. The insights shared by Davina, Peter, Gillian, and Jane underscored the importance of collaboration, standardisation, and the active involvement of built environment professionals in this journey.
As I wrapped up my interview with Davina, she left me with a thought-provoking message. “Sustainability is not a destination; it’s a journey. And it’s a journey that requires all of us to work together, innovate, and invest in a better future. Green bonds and loans are a step in the right direction, but it’s up to us to turn that step into a leap,” she concluded.
The launch of the BREEAM podcast marks a significant milestone in the conversation around sustainability in the built environment. It brings together experts and leaders who are not only passionate about making a difference but are also actively working towards a net zero future. As we move forward, the lessons and insights from this podcast will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the path to a sustainable world.
Lewis
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