Unep highlights buildings energy-saving potential

The building sector could deliver emission reductions of 1.8 billion tonnes of CO2 worldwide, according to a new report from the UN's environment programme (Unep). Between 30 and 40 per cent of the world's energy is consumed by buildings, it said on Thursday. "Passive" measures such as better insulation and encouraging behavioural changes by building users could create massive savings, it said. Unep said these should be made eligible for technology-transfer support under the Kyoto protocol's flexible mechanisms. "Active" energy saving measures such as installing solar panels are already eligible. See Unep buildings report.

• Climate