Developing criteria for effective building-sector commitments in nationally determined contributions

The number of countries mentioning building sector climate actions in their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) has risen from 131 in 2020 to 168 in 2023. However, the wide variety of ways in which these actions are included and described makes it difficult to determine their contribution to Paris Agreement targets or national climate goals, including energy and the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission targets. Some countries only briefly mention building sector actions as contributing to energy or industry mitigation goals, while others detail more specific actions and targets. This heterogeneity makes NDCs less transparent and difficult to assess for the mitigation potential of individual and collective commitments on emission reduction and adaptation. This research addresses this gap by applying a modified Delphi method, engaging a panel of global experts (n = 14), to develop a framework of 11 aligned criteria as recommendations for structuring building-related chapters in NDCs. The developed criteria for effective building sector commitments in NDCs include: (1) political commitment; (2) stakeholder engagement; (3) sector-specific targets; (4) ambitious goals; (5) a roadmap; (6) a policy framework; (7) comprehensive actions; (8) coordinating bodies; (9) financing; (10) measurement, reporting, verification, evaluation and data; and (11) education and knowledge-sharing. PRACTICE RELEVANCE This study addresses the need for a consensus-driven framework to define and assess effective building sector commitments in NDCs. The resulting framework is valuable to a range of stakeholders. For policymakers, this framework serves as a practical tool for designing transparent, ambitious and actionable NDCs, aligning national and subnational building sector actions with broader climate goals, addressing both mitigation and adaptation. For donors, the framework provides a reliable method to evaluate the viability of building sector commitments, ensuring that key elements such as political commitment and financial backing are in place. Additionally, it offers scholars and advocacy groups a structured approach to evaluate and track climate commitments, promoting greater accountability and driving more effective climate actions within the building sector. The proposed framework also has relevance for UNFCCC Conference of Parties’ (COPs) preparations and negotiations.