19 mayors of some of the world's largest cities have vowed to make all buildings carbon neutral by 2050, ensuring that they make no contribution to climate change. All new buildings will have to be carbon neutral by 2030, while all existing ones are expected to reach the same goal by 2050. The cities which took part in the pledge include in particular London (United Kingdom), Copenhagen (Denmark), Johannesburg (South Africa), Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver (Canada), Paris (France), Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, Washington DC (United States), Stockholm (Sweden), Sydney (Australia), and Tokyo (Japan).
Buildings make up a significant portion of the total greenhouse gas emissions for most cities (around 50%), and this figure can reach up to 70% in some cities such as London and Paris. Carbon neutral buildings are usually using carbon-neutral technologies such as renewable sources, LED lights and roof-top solar panels.
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