<p>Global ambitions to mitigate climate change are dependent on the decarbonization of our built environments. Despite the commitment to adopt mitigation measures, Egypt’s global CO₂ emissions signify an inadequacy of stringent climate policies and actions. This paper aims to examine the efficacy of decarbonization policies and/or endeavors in Egypt, with a special emphasis on public awareness, air quality perception, individual and organizational behaviors. It also aims to shed light on the barriers/shortfalls that prevent low-carbon and energy-efficient practices from being implemented, and the actions needed in Egypt. The empirical study is conducted via a survey questionnaire of 94 participants, where the software package SPSS is used for statistical analysis. The inferred statistics reveal differences in the level of awareness according to age, education level and specialization. Also, significant differences in ratings of indoor and outdoor air quality with regards to participants’ location and type of residence are highlighted. Ratings of outdoor air quality in recently constructed cities, particularly those residing villas, are shown higher than in more dense regions, for all other apartment types. Ratings of indoor air quality are shown higher in private than in public institutions, being outdoor air quality in both shown unhealthy. financial constraints are shown at top of the barriers that prevent achieving decarbonization in Egypt, urging for economic development.</p>