The decarbonisation of the construction sector makes an important contribution to achieving global climate targets. With a share of up to 40 per cent of global CO2 emissions, the construction sector is one of the most energy-intensive economic sectors and is therefore partly responsible for global climate change. This poses major challenges for cities and municipalities.

Through the efficient utilisation of resources and the reuse of building materials, the circular economy has opened up pragmatic prospects and contributes to significant CO2 savings. The decarbonisation of the construction sector is at the heart of this approach, with effective carbon accounting based on a certification system being a key aspect. Cities and municipalities are important players in initiating and supporting this process in an action-orientated manner.

The Connective Cities dialogue event "Climate-friendly construction with bio-based and recyclable materials" in Potsdam in November 2023 addressed aspects of decarbonising the construction sector. At the virtual expert exchange in February - a follow-up activity to the dialogue event - Connective Cities would like to discuss and deepen the topic of circular economy and carbon accounting in cities together with municipal experts from all over the world.

A practical example from Bhutan on the reuse of materials through small cycles and an insight from Germany into CO2 balancing at neighbourhood level by Mr. Matthias Schäpers (Senior Project Manager of the initiative Climate-positive cities and communities at the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB e.V.)) serve as a basis for discussion.

Following the presentations, participants will be invited to share their experiences and challenges in an open discussion.

The working languages of the event are English and German (with interpretation).

If you would like to attend the event, please register via the online registration link on the following website:

Connective Cities virtual expert exchange "Climate-positive cities - circular economy and CO2 balancing" - SKEW (engagement-global.de)

 (Please note that there may currently be problems registering via smartphone. If registration is not possible or you do not receive a registration confirmation, please register via your computer or contact us. Thank you very much!)

If you have any questions or comments about the event, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.

Sibylle Loyeau, sibylle.loyeau(at)engagement-global.de, +49 228 20 717-2587