by Brianna Crandall — March 28, 2011—The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) has released a ground-breaking new publication, The Green Economy Report, which makes the case for a shift toward greener economies and buildings worldwide.
The report demonstrates that the greening of economies is not generally a drag on growth but rather a new engine of growth; that it is a net generator of decent jobs; and that it is also a vital strategy for the elimination of persistent poverty. It also seeks to motivate policy makers to create the enabling conditions for increased investments in a transition to a green economy.
The chapter “Buildings: Investing in Energy and Resource Efficiency” specifically acknowledges the role of Green Building Councils in transforming markets: “The role of progressive private sector actors organized for example through Green Building Councils can drive the transition to lower carbon and more resource-efficient buildings.”
The most recent biannual UNEP newsletter also provides information on a number of other recently released reports and initiatives including GREEN Economy—Developing Countries Success Stories; Transitioning to the Green Economy in South African Cities; and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Monitoring in Negombo, Sri Lanka. A list of recent and upcoming events of global significance is also included.
