One of the systems with the biggest impact on planetary boundaries is the built environment. The buildings we occupy, the roads, bridges, tunnels we use, the factories we build, the energy and water infrastructure we need; all together they account for a massive 40% of global energy-related CO2 emissions, using half of the earth’s raw materials, and generating 40% of global waste streams.
Only a systemic approach engaging all actors and decision-makers involved in planning, building, occupying and using buildings and infrastructure can help us reduce the massive impact of the built environment around us and bring it in line with the planetary boundaries.