By replacing energy-intensive building materials and sequestering carbon in the atmosphere, building with sustainable wood could save more than 100 Gt CO₂ by the end of the century – but there's a catch. Vflow of buildings and construction it's still going in the wrong direction on climate. Despite the boom in investments in increasing energy efficiency and lower energy intensity, emissions and energy consumption from buildings and construction rebounded from the pandemic levels to an all-time high. According to the latest assessment the sector accounts for 34 % of energy demand and 37 % of CO₂ emissions related to energy and processes. Energy-related operational emissions reached ten gigatonnes (Gt) of CO₂ equivalent in 2021 – 5 % from 2020 levels and 2 % from the pre-pandemic peak in 2019. Similarly, demand for operational energy for heating, cooling, lighting and equipment increased in buildings by 4 % from 2020 and 3 % from 2019. Decarbonisation of the sector is a priority if there is to be a chance of limiting global warming to even 2°C to avoid the most cataclysmic impacts of climate change. The industry desperately needs to further improve the energy performance of buildings, reduce the carbon footprint of building materials, multiply political commitments alongside actions and increase investment in energy efficiency. (Oliver Goron, Energy Monitor)