Buildings
A source of enormous untapped efficiency potential
The buildings and buildings construction sectors combined are responsible for over one-third of global final energy consumption and nearly 40% of total direct and indirect CO2 emissions. Energy demand from buildings and buildings construction continues to rise, driven by improved access to energy in developing countries, greater ownership and use of energy-consuming devices, and rapid growth in global buildings floor area.
Key findings
Buildings sector energy intensity in selected regions in the Sustainable Development Scenario, 2000-2030
OpenThe speed of energy intensity reductions in the buildings sector has fallen in recent years
This slowdown is symptomatic of decelerating energy policy progress, demonstrating that the evolution of building energy codes in particular is not keeping up with rapid growth in emerging economies. To get on track with the Sustainable Development Scenario, annual drops in energy intensity per square meter globally need to return quickly to at least 2.5% – the rates of the early 2000s.
Related fuels and technologies
Related analysis
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Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction 2019
Towards a zero-emissions, efficient and resilient buildings and construction sector
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Delivering on action plans for sustainable air conditioning
Tracking report
Tracking Buildings
Part of Tracking Clean Energy Progress
Country report
Energy Policies of IEA Countries: Ireland 2019 Review
Report
The Critical Role of Buildings
Perspectives for the Clean Energy Transition
Technology report
Material efficiency in clean energy transitions
Report
Multiple Benefits of Energy Efficiency
From “hidden fuel” to “first fuel”
Events
28 Jan 2020 17:30—18:45
Roadmap for Buildings and Construction in Latin America
28 Jan 2020 15:00—16:15
Roadmap for Buildings and Construction in Africa
28 Jan 2020 08:30—09:45
Roadmap for Buildings and Construction in Asia
16 Jul 2019
Singapore-IEA Regional Training Programme on Green Buildings (16-18 July 2019)
News
Registrations open for the IEA and Development Bank of Latin America’s Spanish-language online course on energy efficiency in buildings
IEA contribution to Brazilian government report deepens insights on energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is the cornerstone for building a secure and sustainable energy system
Only 4 out of 38 clean-energy technologies are on track to meet long-term climate goals
Our work
The IEA is a key member of the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction.