In the global fight against climate change, buildings stand as both a significant contributor to greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions and a promising solution. Stringent energy efficiency regulations for buildings are vital in curbing emissions and preparing the built environment to a changing climate. Integrating renewable energy sources, implementing building energy efficiency design principles, and fostering sustainable construction practices are essential components of a comprehensive strategy to address the environmental impact of buildings and promote a resilient and low-carbon future.
Energy efficiency codes for buildings provide a standardized framework to enhance building performance globally by establishing criteria and guidelines for constructing and retrofitting buildings in a manner that reduces energy consumption and environmental impact. Regulations targeting the residential and commercial sector also play a pivotal role in alleviating energy poverty, primarily by lowering electricity consumption and consequently costs for households and firms [i] underlining the need for customized standards at both national and subnational levels. As the global community collectively strives towards energy efficiency and reduced emissions, this emphasis on localized standards becomes a cornerstone for fostering impactful and context-aware building energy policies [ii].
Assessing building energy efficiency codes and standards comprehensively involves evaluating three critical aspects: stringency, coverage, and enforcement.
- Stringency refers to the rigor of requirements imposed on buildings to meet energy efficiency targets. It is essential to continuously update and enhance the stringency of codes and standards to reflect advancements in technology and best practices. More stringent codes lead to greater energy savings and reduced emissions over the lifespan of buildings.
- Coverage pertains to the types of buildings, building systems, and energy uses subject to regulatory requirements. Comprehensive coverage ensures that all relevant aspects of building design, construction, and operation are addressed, maximizing energy savings and environmental benefits. This includes both new construction and existing buildings to capture opportunities for energy efficiency improvements across the building stock.
- Effective enforcement mechanisms are crucial for ensuring compliance with energy efficiency codes and standards. This involves regulatory oversight, inspection processes, compliance verification, and penalties for non-compliance. Capacity building and training for building industry professionals, code officials, and enforcement agencies are essential to enhance understanding and enforcement efforts.
This initiative aims to compile a comprehensive dataset encompassing quantitative and comparable measures on building energy efficiency codes and standards in 88 cities worldwide. The dataset not only addresses the existing knowledge gap but also provides a benchmarking tool for researchers, policymakers, and civil society.
[i] Allard, I., Nair, G., & Olofsson, T. (2021). Energy performance criteria for residential buildings: A comparison of Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish, and Russian building codes. Energy and Buildings, 250, 111276. ISSN 0378-7788.
[ii] Aydin, E., & Brounen, D. (2019). The impact of policy on residential energy consumption. Energy, 169, 115-129. ISSN 0360-5442.