The global commitment to net-zero emissions and climate change mitigation presents a monumental challenge for the construction sector—an industry that currently accounts for nearly 40% of global CO₂ emissions, a figure projected to continue rising. Adopting sustainable practices is crucial to improving environmental conditions, with primary objectives including optimizing thermal comfort and reducing energy consumption in buildings. How can we achieve this if not through collective learning and knowledge sharing among different professionals and workers in the sector?
This is the core principle behind the project "Strengthening Capacities for Energy Efficiency in Buildings in Latin America" (CEELA). Since 2020, they have worked in the warm climate zones of Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru through training and capacity-building programs, including seminars, diplomas, courses, and workshops. They recognize that both universities and sustainable construction schools in the region play a key role in developing and implementing action plans to reduce carbon footprints. One such example took place in Bogotá in 2023: the International Seminar on Sustainable and Net-Zero Buildings organized by CEELA alongside the Universidad de los Andes, the CCCS, the IEA, and the CAF, which provided valuable lessons on raising awareness of energy demand and fostering a deeper understanding of building lifecycles.
