The Universal Challenge for the built environment means simultaneously addressing sustainability and climate change, providing homes, transport and workplaces, implementing inclusive design while incorporating innovation and technology. A starting point are the drivers for change towards net zero in the built environment. Lasting change can only be achieved through collaboration between various industry participants including industry associations and similar organisations. GlobalABC is the UN organisation responsible for the built environment but lacks the history and track record of the International Maritime Organisation. Useful lessons can be learned. Governments at National, State and City levels are of great importance in setting legal and regulatory frameworks and different governance models exist.