This year’s Buildings Global Status Report provides an update on the drivers of CO2 emissions and energy demand globally since 2018, along with examples of policies, technologies, and investments that support low-carbon building stocks. Furthermore, it zooms in on some emerging issues that have started to receive greater attention in the sector: Materials and circular economy, highlighting the need for closed-loop systems, reduction of virgin materials, and potential of biobased materials; the potential of nature-based solutions for greening cities and buildings while lowering energy and cooling demand; the reciprocal relationship between housing and health and wellbeing; and the urgent need for sustainable cooling solutions for resilience and adaptation.