The Limits of Voluntary Programs for Low-Carbon Buildings for Staying Under 1.5°C

COSUST, 2018, Volume 30, page 55-66

14 Pages Posted: 26 Apr 2018

See all articles by Jeroen van der Heijden

Jeroen van der Heijden

Victoria University of Wellington, School of Government; Australian National University, School of Regulation & Global Governance (RegNet)

Date Written: April 9, 2018

Abstract

Voluntary urban climate programs challenge firms and citizens to reduce resource consumption and carbon emissions at city level but without the force of law. High hopes are expressed about their capacity to accelerate a transition towards low-carbon building and city (re)development. This article explores, maps, and interrogates a global trend of voluntary urban climate programs, with a specific focus on action-networks, performance recognition programs, and eco-financing for low-carbon building initiatives. It finds that, thus far and within the boundaries of the literature reviewed, voluntary programs for building initiatives have not contributed to resource consumption and carbon emissions reductions at a level that will help achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement (i.e., staying under 1.5°C). It concludes with approaches that will help to make better use of these programs.

Keywords: Urban Climate Governance, Climate Action, Voluntary Programs, Built Environment, Sustainable Development

Suggested Citation

van der Heijden, Jeroen, The Limits of Voluntary Programs for Low-Carbon Buildings for Staying Under 1.5°C (April 9, 2018). COSUST, 2018, Volume 30, page 55-66 , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3159387

Jeroen Van der Heijden (Contact Author)

Victoria University of Wellington, School of Government ( email )

PO Box 600
Wellington 6140
New Zealand

HOME PAGE: http://https://www.victoria.ac.nz/sog/about/staff/jeroen-vanderheijden

Australian National University, School of Regulation & Global Governance (RegNet) ( email )

Australian National University
Building #8
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 0200
Australia

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