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World Bank Group

04/15/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/13/2025 18:35

Launch of “Unlocking Efficiency” – A Global Report on Building Energy Regulations and their Enforcement

Join us on April 15, 2025 from 10 to 11 A.M.

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World Bank HQ staff can join this event in-person in MC 2-800

The building sector stands at a critical juncture in global climate action. While contributing 37% of global CO₂ emissions, buildings' energy demand continues to rise at an alarming rate. Approximately 71 countries have adopted mandatory building energy codes, but significant regional disparities exist-Europe shows near-universal adoption, while rapidly urbanizing regions in Africa and South Asia remain largely unregulated. This regulatory gap becomes critical given projected construction growth, with estimates showing that 68% of the world's population will live in urban areas by 2050, driving unprecedented building activity that will shape energy consumption for generations.

The World Bank's "Unlocking Efficiency" report identifies dramatic disparities in building energy code enforcement that create significant missed opportunities for climate action. Beyond simple policy adoption, success requires comprehensive implementation systems-the study reveals only 33 out of 88 countries have established robust frameworks for inspector qualification and oversight. Economic analysis shows implementing codes during initial construction is substantially more cost-effective than retrofitting later. Meeting Paris Agreement targets requires a three-pronged approach: expanding coverage to regions with no current requirements, strengthening verification in countries with existing codes, and creating innovative solutions for the massive existing building stock that remains largely unregulated in most jurisdictions

10:00 - 10:05 AM

Opening Remarks

10:05 - 10:25 AM

Presentation of main findings of the report and key policy recommendations

10:25 - 10:50 AM

Panel discussion on bridging policy and implementation gaps; scaling the gap - synergies between the World Bank, IFC, donors and private sector

10:50 - 11:00 AM

Closing Remarks

  • Director, Global Indicators Group, World Bank
    Norman Loayza
  • Global Director, Urban, Resilience and Lang Global Department
    Ming Zhang
  • Augustin Maria
    Global Lead for Cities and Climate Change and Program Manager, City Climate Finance Gap Fund, World Bank
  • Ommid Saberi
    Principal Industry Specialist, Green and Resilient Buildings, IFC
  • Ryan Colker
    Vice President, Innovation, International Code Council
  • Regulatory Specialist, Global Indicators Group, World Bank
    Jayashree Srinivasan