From Bali to Paris …building sustainability

Dear readers. Apologies for the extended absence during which I have not been able to keep you posted on developments with the EEB project.

I was in Bali at the COP 13 meeting. As you probably know, “the Bali Roadmap” was finally agreed despite the strong positions taken by the US and India in particular not wanting targets on emission reductions. My take is that:

- Climate change is now a real global issue. All countries, developed as well as developing countries, form a global community, that know they have to confront the issue.

- Climate change and development are fully linked to each other.

- Business inputs are needed all along the “Bali Roadmap”. Business can advise policy makers on what will make economic as well as commercial sense.

- Industry sectoral approaches will have to be part of policy solutions and the issue of buildings will be central.

The most memorable statement was made by Mr. Tanaka, head of the International Energy Agency (IEA). He showed great courage. At the WBCSD business day, he presented the dark facts of where we were heading, along the business-as-usual curve with fast increasing emissions levels. Then Mr. Tanaka added his alternative scenario curve to the graph, which bent downwards nicely over time and gave us all hope. Then he said:”If you believe in the alternative scenario then you have to believe in science fiction”. His words swept over the audience like a very cold wind.

Back to Paris and the EEB project….