The building industry must play a central role in reducing global carbon emissions, says a UN report on climate change.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) singles out the industry in an assessment report for policymakers on how best to tackle climate change.

The report says: “Energy efficiency options for new and existing buildings could considerably reduce carbon emissions with net economic benefit … By 2030, about 30% of the projected greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector can be avoided with net economic benefit.”

But the report also warns of some of the problems, including availability of technology and the limitations inherent in building designs.

The report calls for the public sector to take the lead in promoting energy efficiency, noting that government purchasing could increase the demand for energy-efficient products and technology.

It also advocates the increased application of standards, building codes and certification, but warns that a “periodic revision of standards is needed”.