On 22 July 2025, the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC) and the Cool Coalition hosted a webinar titled “Sustainable Construction in Brazil: Bio-based Materials for a Living Amazon,” as part of their COP30 Buildings and Cooling Pavilion Webinar Series. The event explored how nature-based building practices can support climate action and community resilience in Brazil, ahead of the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém.
Moderated by Antara Islam of GlobalABC, the session addressed the environmental and social impacts of the built environment, emphasizing Brazil’s potential to lead in sustainable, forest-based construction. Mona Abdulghani Naji Mohammed, Programme Officer at UNEP’s Cities Unit, introduced UNEP’s Materials Hub and underlined the role of circular, bio-based materials in achieving near-zero emissions.
Mirey Atallah, Head of UNEP’s Nature for Climate Branch, called for integrating biodiversity and climate goals through forest-based materials like sustainably sourced timber. She emphasized that valuing forests economically is key to both conservation and livelihoods.
Paul King, CEO of Built by Nature, presented the Principles for Responsible Timber Construction, a global framework focused on traceability, biodiversity, and indigenous rights. He also announced the Built by Nature Prize, which will be awarded at COP30.
Silvana Loayza Leon, Sustainable Built Environment Consultant at One Planet, discussed the Global Framework for Action on sustainable public procurement. She highlighted the strategic role of procurement in accelerating low-carbon construction markets.
Architect Noelia Monteiro from Estudio Flume showcased participatory design projects developed with the Jupaú community in the Amazon, using local materials like açaí fiber and bamboo. Luis Ignacio Faria da Silva from Escola da Cidade shared how architectural education in Brazil is adapting to support socio-ecological regeneration through projects such as Floresta.
Speakers emphasized the need for integrated approaches across architecture, policy, and community engagement. The webinar is part of the lead-up to the COP30 Buildings and Cooling Pavilion, scheduled for 10–21 November 2025 in the Blue Zone.
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