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Global Landscape of Building Energy Codes and Their Enforcement

The World Bank’s report "Unlocking Efficiency: The Global Landscape of Building Energy Regulations and Their Enforcement" highlights the critical role of building energy codes (BECs) in driving energy efficiency within the built environment. In 2022, approximately 2.4 billion square meters of new floor space was constructed without energy performance mandates, a number that grew to 2.55 billion square meters in 2023. This underscores the challenge of locking in inefficiencies in building designs for decades.

The Declaration of Chaillot in March 2024 marked a key milestone in global efforts to enhance building energy efficiency, with 70 countries committing to implement mandatory BECs. The economic potential is significant, with the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimating that energy-efficient buildings could save over $1 trillion in energy costs by 2050. However, challenges remain, including enforcement difficulties, market readiness, and resource constraints.

The report covers 88 countries and reveals both progress and gaps in the adoption, implementation, and enforcement of BECs. To meet goals, building energy intensity must be reduced by 30% by 2030. The findings emphasize the need for stronger verification systems, improved scope and stringency of codes, and context-appropriate strategies tailored to each country’s economic and market realities.