DECIBS

In the DECIBS (Decoupling in the Buildings and Construction Sector) project funded by GIZ, the Wuppertal Institute and Technology Action for Rural Advancement India (TARA) have investigated ways to decouple growth in the construction sector and the use of resources.

Under the umbrella of "Strategic Environmental Dialogues", bilateral and international exchange on environmentally friendly and low-carbon business strategies between Germany and a number of emerging economies is promoted. India and Germany are major players in a transition towards a green and inclusive economy. Against this background, an interdisciplinary working group of renowned experts from leading research institutions and political think tanks in India and Germany has been set up in November 2013 to enhance collaborative learning, contribute to informed decision making in both countries and feed into the international debate on a green and inclusive economy. This "Indo-German Expert Group on Green and Inclusive Economy" has, among others, identified the buildings sector as decisive for any decoupling efforts.

The joint studies of TARA and Wuppertal Institute analyse status quo scenarios, barriers and opportunities for both the resource use for construction and the energy use during the use phase of buildings. Building on that, evidence-based policy recommendations were developed which will be discussed and disseminated to the relevant stakeholders.