## Brazil’s Buildings: A Key to Achieving Climate Goals
Brazil faces a notable chance to integrate building efficiency into its climate strategy,according to Professor Lamberts,who emphasizes a multifaceted approach encompassing regulation,embodied emissions awareness,and appliance efficiency standards. Addressing the challenges within existing informal settlements is also crucial, representing a starting point for broader improvements.
The issue extends beyond new construction. Professor Lamberts highlights the complex realities of *favelas*, built with salvaged materials frequently enough posing health risks. Affordability is a core concern, exemplified by instances where residents leave lights on continuously due to a lack of light switches, coupled with generally low education levels. This underscores the need for holistic solutions addressing affordability, health, and education, with housing serving as a potential entry point.
Central to progress,Professor Lamberts asserts,is robust regulation. “We must implement the system of asking the industry to recognize the efficiency level of the buildings that are put into the market. Construction companies wouldn’t like a ‘C’ on their buildings. So regulation can change everything, and it allows complementary systems like financial incentives.”
A key focus is reducing embodied emissions, notably those stemming from cement and steel production – major contributors to CO2 output in Brazil’s construction sector. Increasing clarity regarding the CO2 emitted during building construction will elevate the importance of retrofitting existing structures and extending their lifespan. Demolishing buildings, Professor Lamberts explains, “waste[s] a lot of CO2 that was embodied.”
Beyond the buildings themselves, appliance efficiency plays a vital role. Brazil has already demonstrated success in this area through improved labelling systems. Specifically, a shift in cooling system labelling from COP (Coefficient of Performance) at maximum temperature to CSPF (Cooling seasonal Performance Factor) dramatically improved market performance. The ‘A’ level rating increased from 3.4 under the old system to 5.5 with CSPF, and is projected to reach 7 next year.Despite initial industry resistance, consensus was reached and the government implemented the change, which Professor Lamberts calls “climate policy in action.”
A similar story unfolded with refrigerators. A previous system of ’A’, ‘A+’, ‘A++’, and ‘A+++’ standards, tied to incentives, is being revised to a simpler ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘D’ system. this change aims to better recognize and value the higher efficiency offered by inverter technology in refrigerators; a recent compilation showed 97% of refrigerators already met ‘A’ standards under the previous system.
Professor Lamberts believes Brazil doesn’t have to choose between protecting its forests and developing its building sector. “Brazil has a unique chance,” he states. “We can avoid locking in inefficient buildings and show that advancement, equity, and climate action go together.” He emphasizes that improved building efficiency reduces peak demand,minimizes system losses,and avoids unnecessary rebuilding,lessening pressure on the power grid,households,and ultimately,the land. With the world’s attention focused on Brazil as the host of COP30, the nation has a unique opportunity to demonstrate this integrated approach.
