Businesses Commit to Energy Efficiency in Buildings
WBCSD Manifesto for EEB Reaches 100 Signatories
Geneva, April 14, 2011 – The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) announced the 100th signatory to its Manifesto for Energy Efficiency in Buildings, signaling that companies who are market leaders in sustainable development recognize that buildings are a critical component shaping and driving the world’s energy consumption profile.
Buildings represent nearly 40 percent of the final energy used globally – and more than 50 percent of the energy consumed in manufacturing the steel, cement, aluminum, and glass used in building construction is included – and represents the largest consuming sector of energy.
The WBCSD launched the Energy Efficiency in Buildings (EEB) project in 2005 in order to assess the impact of stock and new construction buildings on energy consumption. The EEB generated data illuminating the gap between reality and perception throughout the building industry, advocating that successful change must address building practices and policies and follow a positive return on investment.
The work of the EEB project resulted in the publication of two decisive reports in November 2009, and also a Manifesto to be signed by the WBCSD member companies. By signing the Manifesto, a WBCSD member company or regional network commits to defining a plan to improve the energy efficiency of its current building portfolio within three years, as well as implementing energy efficiency policies for its portfolio of buildings. The WBCSD has been expanding the promotion of the Manifesto to external companies in order to advocate awareness on the issue and opportunities, and the key milestone of 100 signatories has been reached.
“I submitted this to our members’ CEOs with strong expectations that they would sign on to such a critical issue and begin to look at their buildings in the same way they look at their fleets and industrial operations,” said Bjorn Stigson, President of the WBCSD. “In this way, our members can ‘walk the talk’ that we’re serious about transforming the real estate markets around the world. I am pleased we have reached this important milestone amongst our membership, and now we’re beginning to see action beyond our borders.”
“The Manifesto pledge is key because it will reduce CO2 emissions and result in important energy and cost savings while motivating job creation for the building industry, and I’m proud to lead United Technologies in implementing these goals within the company. Simply put, it’s good for business and good for increasing our customer’s profits,” said William Sisson, Director of Sustainability for United Technologies Research Center.
As more companies sign on, the message will become clearer to the markets, so the WBCSD will keep advocating this issue among its members, as well as now driving it externally. Dedicated events have already been organized to promote the Manifesto in Japan, France, Korea and more recently the U.S. It is also promoted through the WBCSD’s regional offices and networks, and other events are scheduled to take place in the coming months.
For more information about the EEB Project, its two principle reports, roadmap activities, the Manifesto and its ongoing sub-projects, follow this link.
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About the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)
The WBCSD is a CEO-led, global coalition of some 200 companies advocating for progress on sustainable development. Its mission is to be a catalyst for innovation and sustainable growth in a world where resources are increasingly limited. The Council provides a platform for companies to share experiences and best practices on sustainable development issues and advocate for their implementation, working with governments, non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations. The membership has annual revenues of USD 7 trillion, spans more than 35 countries and represents 20 major industrial sectors. The Council also benefits from a network of 60 national and regional business councils and partner organizations, a majority of which are based in developing countries. www.wbcsd.org
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