Existing buildings determine the climate task in the built environment, not new construction. Most homes and buildings that will use energy in 2030 already exist today. That means the core of the reduction challenge lies in renovation, insulation, heat supply and building systems in existing neighbourhoods and properties.
This shifts the policy focus from new standards alone to implementation in the existing stock. Ownership, affordability, resident trust, technical condition and neighbourhood planning all matter. New construction can be designed more cleanly, but the largest climate gains come from accelerating upgrades in existing homes, utility buildings and districts.