Buildings are the largest consumers of energy worldwide. In many IEA member countries, the buildings sector accounts for over 40% of primary energy consumption. Globally, the sector’s final
consumption doubled between 1971 and 2010, driven primarily by population increase and economic growth. The number of buildings will continue to increase, adding further pressure on
energy supplies around the world. Global energy demand of buildings is projected to grow by an additional 30% by 2035.

In IEA member countries, where current buildings stock will remain in place for years to come, the main focus should be on renovation, through implementation of energy codes and minimum
performance standards in existing buildings. In non-IEA countries, where more than half of the buildings stock needed by 2050 has yet to be built, new buildings should be designed to be lowenergy consumers, with codes that specify strict performance standards. Comprehensive policy packages are needed to facilitate and promote the use of advanced building energy codes.

This joint IEA and UNDP report shares best practices and lessons learned among IEA member countries and non-IEA countries in improving energy efficiency in the building sector. The objective is to limit pressures on global energy supply, improve energy security and contribute to environmental sustainability.

Part of the IEA Policy Pathway series, Modernising Building Energy Codes to Secure our Global Energy Future sets out key steps in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation stages. The Policy Pathway series aims to help policy makers implement the IEA 25 Energy Efficiency Policy Recommendations endorsed by IEA Ministers (2011).