Over the past five years, energy efficiency policies and codes have been made more stringent in many countries around the world, but for these measures to succeed stronger enforcement is needed, according to a report by Navigant Research.
“Globally, governments and regulatory agencies have increased their focus on commercial buildings, which are large consumers of the world’s energy,” adds Krystal Maxwell, research associate with Navigant Research. “Europe is a leader among world regions in energy efficiency policy, with the most rigorous building codes, performance standards, labeling, and benchmarking, as well as some of the most aggressive greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets.”
Commercial buildings, as large consumers of the world’s energy, have become primary targets for global governments and regulatory agencies. Increased regulation of policies, codes, and benchmarking must be enforced for successful policy reform, however, Navigant says.
Influencing code reform are the actions that many countries have taken to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions targets. The U.K. has the most ambitious target: An 80% reduction by 2050, with the emission level of 1990 as the baseline. The U.S. is aiming for a 26-28% reduction by 2025 from 2005’s level.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Oct 6, 2016
New York City files criminal charges on owner for deadly building façade accident
The owner allegedly did not heed warning about danger of the crumbling exterior.
Codes and Standards | Oct 5, 2016
New York becomes the first city to adopt a target for energy storage
Mayor de Blasio also announces increased solar generation goals
Codes and Standards | Oct 4, 2016
New global residential floor space measurement standard unveiled
The new standards will produce better transparency and are said to benefit investors.
Codes and Standards | Sep 29, 2016
Dept. of Energy forecasts big jump in LED use, resulting energy savings
Big gains are expected in both commercial and residential markets.
Codes and Standards | Sep 28, 2016
San Francisco commercial, multifamily regulations aim to reduce traffic volume
City planners will require design features to cut miles driven.
Codes and Standards | Sep 28, 2016
Society of Landscape Architects releases guide to resilient design
The goal is to retrofit communities to better withstand extreme weather events.
Codes and Standards | Sep 26, 2016
Washington State Energy Code updates include dedicated outdoor air system requirements
The updates will change design approach to HVAC.
Codes and Standards | Sep 22, 2016
Construction firms pulling back from federal market due to new reporting rules
‘Subjective, very vague’ policies are said to create too much risk.
Codes and Standards | Sep 21, 2016
Airbnb presents legal liability for multifamily owners
How building owners can reduce risks.
Codes and Standards | Sep 21, 2016
Healthy buildings becoming a key design priority for both architects and building owners
Nationwide survey finds nearly three of four architects cite health impacts influencing design decisions