The World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) has announced major policy breakthroughs in the global effort to align national climate commitments with the buildings sector. With over 40 countries now using its NDC Scorecard for Sustainable Buildings, governments worldwide are accelerating the integration of sustainable construction into their climate action plans ahead of COP30.
Since its launch in June 2025, the NDC Scorecard has triggered a wave of international collaboration. More than 50 national workshops have been held, engaging over 1,100 stakeholders from government, business, and finance, and resulting in 150 policy recommendations to 19 governments. These efforts have already produced 16 National Action Plans and catalysed new building policies in countries such as Brazil, Chile, Morocco, and Nigeria — collectively benefiting millions of people.
In Nigeria, for instance, six new building policies have been embedded within the country’s NDC, including updates to the national building code to integrate energy efficiency and climate resilience, plans for two smart green cities in every zone, and mandatory hazard mapping in local planning.
Developed by WorldGBC and its network of over 85 Green Building Councils, the NDC Scorecard provides governments with a framework to assess and strengthen the role of buildings in achieving the 1.5°C climate target. Buildings account for nearly one-third of global energy-related carbon emissions, making them a vital part of the solution to the climate crisis.
Cristina Gamboa, CEO of WorldGBC, said: “We are now firmly in the era of implementation — and the NDC Scorecard is a proven tool to deliver it. From Colombia to Nigeria and Brazil, it’s enabling real policy shifts that support circularity, resilience, and economic opportunity. Buildings are not just part of the climate challenge — they are one of our most powerful solutions.”
The Scorecard’s pilot phase, implemented in Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Nigeria, and the Philippines, was refined with input from more than 40 international organisations including the International Energy Agency (IEA), C40 Cities, SEforALL, and the World Resources Institute (WRI).
To date, 16 National Action Plans have been developed to identify gaps between global best practice and national policy. Key recommendations call for governments to modernise building codes, integrate energy and water efficiency standards, and coordinate climate action across ministries. Industry and finance sectors are also urged to adopt green certification schemes, develop green finance tools, and prioritise access to funding for SMEs and low-income communities.
Felipe Faria, CEO of Green Building Council Brasil, highlighted the human impact of this work: “Our buildings are pivotal in helping people adapt to extreme climate events. A green, high-performance building shows the immediate benefits of climate action — efficiency, health, and sustainability in everyday life.”
As the world prepares for COP30, WorldGBC’s call to #BeBoldOnBuildings reinforces that sustainable infrastructure is essential to achieving global climate goals. The organisation’s collective efforts through the NDC Scorecard prove that collaboration between governments, industry, and finance can transform national commitments into lasting, measurable impact.
For more information, visit www.worldgbc.org.
