retrofits creates ten to 14 direct jobs and three to four indirect jobs. If the demand for new buildings that exists in developing countries is considered, the potential to increase the number of green jobs in the sector is still higher. Various studies point to job creation through different types of activities, such as new construction and retrofitting, production of resource-efficient materials and appliances, the expansion of renewable energy sources and services such as recycling and waste management. Greening the building industry also provides an opportunity to engage the informal sector and improve working conditions across the industry, by implementing training programmes targeting new skill requirements and improving inspection approaches.
5. Developing countries have the opportunity to lay the foundation of energy-efficient building stocks for decades to come. Significant new construction is expected in the developing world in order to provide adequate housing for over 500 million people, while providing access to electricity for some 1.5 billion people. Urbanisation and economic growth in emerging economies also point to the rapid growth of new building stock. In developing countries, taking into account sustainable building considerations at the time of design and construction makes good economic sense. Green retrofitting at a later stage invariably carries higher costs, both financially and environmentally, than integrating sustainability considerations already at the early stages of design and construction. For developed countries, which account for the majority of the existing building stock, the priority is to put in place measures and incentives that will enable large-scale investments in retrofitting programmes.
6. The role of public policy and leadership by example is vital in triggering the greening of the building sector. A life-cycle approach is required covering the building design, the manufacturing of material supplies, the construction process, buildings operation and maintenance as well as the disposal, recycling and reuse of building, construction and demolition waste. Considering, in particular, the hidden costs and market failures that characterise the building industry, regulatory and control measures are likely to be the most effective and cost-efficient in bringing about a green transformation of the sector. These need to be combined with other pricing instruments for greater impact, given realities such as the level of development of the local market and household income-levels. Additionally, government-owned buildings such as public schools, hospitals and social housing units are ideal locations to begin implementing greener building policies, including green public procurement. At the same time, the role of progressive private sector actors organised, for example, through Green Building Councils can drive the transition to lower carbon and more resource-efficient buildings.