Steps to Achieve a Global Carbon Neutral and Green Energy Code Standard

The urgency of climate change mitigation requires significant changes in building energy codes (BECs) globally, as buildings contribute to 37% of global energy-related emissions. According to the World Bank, only 88 countries have adopted mandatory BECs in at least one city, and 55% of these codes have not been updated since 2015, compromising their effectiveness. With most new floor area growth expected in developing economies, there’s a critical need for updated and stringent energy codes. Here’s a roadmap for both developing and developed countries to achieve carbon neutrality through robust global energy code standards.

Developing Countries: Building the Foundation

For developing countries, establishing robust BECs is essential. Many currently lack comprehensive codes, critical for reducing energy consumption in buildings. The first step involves adopting BECs that cover the entire building envelope, including HVAC systems, water heating, and lighting. Setting Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) ensures that new buildings meet specific energy efficiency benchmarks.

Financial incentives such as grants, tax credits, and rebates are crucial to motivate builders to adopt energy-efficient technologies. Additionally, training programs can educate stakeholders on the benefits and implementation of these technologies. Developing countries should establish robust mechanisms for pre- and post-construction inspections to ensure compliance, including mandatory energy audits and energy modeling software during the design phase. Encouraging passive design strategies, like optimal building orientation and natural ventilation, can further reduce energy demand without significant costs.

Providing education on these topics is paramount. Understanding the role buildings play in global emissions is crucial for these nations, where construction activities are rapidly increasing. Educating builders, architects, and policymakers about sustainable materials and practices can lead to significant reductions in energy consumption and emissions. By implementing sustainable materials, developing countries can create more energy-efficient buildings, reducing their overall carbon footprint. Education initiatives should focus on the benefits of sustainable construction, the use of local and renewable materials, and the long-term economic and environmental advantages of energy-efficient buildings. This knowledge empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions that align with global sustainability goals.

Developed Countries: Enhancing and Harmonizing Standards

Developed countries, with their existing BECs, need to regularly update and tighten these codes to keep pace with technological advancements. Harmonizing regulations across regions can provide a consistent approach to energy efficiency, essential for a unified global standard. A significant focus should be on retrofitting existing buildings, which constitute a large portion of the building stock in developed nations. Implementing stringent retrofitting standards and offering incentives for energy-efficient renovations can substantially reduce emissions from these buildings.

Effective enforcement is critical, including comprehensive pre- and post-construction requirements and leveraging technology for real-time monitoring and compliance verification. Supporting innovation and research in energy-efficient technologies and materials can help set higher performance standards. Investing in pilot projects and demonstrations can showcase the benefits of innovative solutions and encourage wider adoption.

Despite general awareness of the environmental impact of buildings, there is a gap in the education provided on BECs in developed countries. More comprehensive education and training programs are needed to fully realize the benefits of energy-efficient buildings. These programs should target builders, architects, and policymakers to deepen their understanding of BECs and their practical application.

By fostering a deeper understanding of these codes, developed countries can ensure that both new constructions and retrofitted buildings contribute significantly to reducing global emissions. Through consistent education and stringent enforcement, developed nations can lead by example, showcasing the benefits of energy-efficient buildings and driving global efforts toward sustainability.

Global Collaboration and Data Sharing

A standardized global dataset on building energy efficiency is necessary for meaningful comparisons and identifying best practices. International organizations such as the World Bank and the International Energy Agency can facilitate this effort. Countries should actively engage in knowledge exchange to learn from successful implementations of BECs and standards. Platforms for sharing case studies, policy frameworks, and technological advancements can accelerate global progress.

Building energy codes should outline clear pathways toward achieving net-zero carbon emissions. This involves progressively tightening regulations and setting long-term goals that align with international climate commitments. Committing to net-zero pathways will drive continuous improvement in building energy efficiency, essential for mitigating climate change.
The pathway to decarbonizing the building sector involves a multifaceted approach. Passive design strategies, such as optimal building orientation and natural ventilation, should be complemented by stringent enforcement of energy codes. Developing countries need to focus on building capacity and establishing baseline standards, while developed nations should push for advanced technologies and regular updates to their codes. In both contexts, collaboration and shared resources are crucial. By providing financial incentives, offering training and resources, and fostering international cooperation, both developing and developed countries can move towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient built environment.

The Need for Expert Guidance

Navigating the municipal approvals process for building projects, both locally and nationally, involves various challenging components, including understanding the crucial relationship between jurisdictional approvals and building codes. Our current and potential customers need us to help them overcome these hurdles efficiently. They struggle with complex regulatory requirements, and our expertise ensures that their projects comply with all relevant codes and standards. By providing guidance through the approvals process, we enable our clients to focus on the successful completion of their building projects, ensuring compliance and promoting sustainable practices.
The primary focus of Burnham Nationwide Inc. and the Code Consulting Division is to assist our clients in understanding and interpreting the specific codes, ordinances, and methods of compliance applicable to their projects to obtain municipal approvals in the most timely and cost-effective manner possible.  

To keep pace with technological advancements, building energy codes (BECs) need to regularly be updated and tightened.  We assist the project team with the most valuable and current knowledge of the processes and interpretations enforced by municipalities throughout the country. We do this through detailed code research, plan review, documentation, and communication with clients and authorities. Our extensive experience and exposure to a variety of project types and sizes, and on retrofitting existing building, which constitute a large portion of the building stock, enables us to provide superior energy efficient technical direction and guidance to architects, designers, engineers, contractors, developers, and owners alike – and we do this with professionalism, enthusiasm, and integrity. 

Through the combined forces of permitting, code, and compliance expertise, our experience with the processes enforced by the various municipal departments we have interacted with over the last 25 years across the nation allows us for work in many jurisdictions with regard to code interpretations, rules and policies that are not always available on websites or other means.

For more details, you can read the full article on the World Bank's blog here.