Thematic session: Buildings as active players in the energy transition

Event background

In today’s context of energy market volatility and economic uncertainty, energy efficiency remains essential for affordability, energy security and competitiveness. The 11th Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency will bring together global leaders to accelerate action, with efficient, interactive buildings emerging as a key part of more flexible and resilient energy systems.

Buildings account for a large share of global energy demand, which is expected to grow further with electrification, cooling needs and urbanisation. Improving building efficiency and enabling smarter interaction with the grid can lower energy costs, optimise power systems and strengthen resilience.

Governments are not starting from scratch. Established policy tools such as building energy codes, appliance standards, energy performance certification and targeted financial incentives have already delivered major improvements in building efficiency and energy management. These policies have reduced energy consumption, lowered costs for households and businesses, and stimulated innovation across the construction and technology sectors. Such policies remain the foundation of effective building strategies and will continue to play a critical role in avoiding long-term lock-in of inefficient and inflexible buildings.

Through smart and connected technologies, interactive buildings have strong potential to provide demand flexibility while maintaining comfort, supporting energy security, reducing peak demand and avoiding costly grid investments.

This session will explore how countries can future-proof policies to unlock the potential of interactive buildings for affordability, resilience and competitiveness. Participants will learn from international experience, explore emerging approaches, and identify solutions to reduce energy demand and strengthen system resilience.