The global building sector faces unprecedented construction growth with decisions made today locking in energy consumption patterns for decades. While 71 countries have adopted mandatory building energy codes, only 52 demonstrate consistent enforcement, revealing dramatic regional disparities that leave rapidly urbanizing areas vulnerable to high energy consumption. Current building codes have critical gaps in scope and stringency, particularly for existing buildings and fossil fuel phaseout. Countries need context-appropriate implementation strategies tailored to their economic capacity and market readiness, as successful models demonstrate that effective code enforcement is achievable across diverse economic contexts.
Key recommendations for policymakers include: establishing clear authorization frameworks for third-party inspectors with standardized qualification requirements; developing climate-specific performance standards that reflect local conditions; implementing progressive enforcement strategies that begin with basic requirements and evolve as market capacity develops; and creating comprehensive support systems including technical assistance, training programs, and financial incentives tailored to different market segments. Countries starting with minimal requirements should focus first on no-cost and low-cost measures such as passive design strategies that deliver immediate savings with minimal implementation expense.