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 | Jul 15, 2021
Three drywall code-referenced publications have been updated
Include guidance on fire resistance, sound control, application, and finishing.
Codes and Standards | Jul 14, 2021
Biden’s infrastructure proposal includes massive investment in school buildings
‘Once in a lifetime opportunity’ to upgrade HVAC and other key systems.
Codes and Standards | Jul 13, 2021
Reluctance to fund maintenance on older condos is a serious problem
Owner associations defer needed work, putting properties at risk.
Codes and Standards | Jul 12, 2021
Regulations on hydrofluorocarbons reduce roof insulation options
Canada, some U.S. states ban HFC blowing agents used in closed-cell foam.
Codes and Standards | Jul 8, 2021
New York City shuts down 322 construction sites for unsafe conditions
Action comes as inspectors visit more than 2,100 sites.
Codes and Standards | Jul 7, 2021
Bechtel, Nautilus partner on sustainable, high-performance data centers
Facilities would use 70% less power for cooling, eliminate consumption of drinking water.
Codes and Standards | Jul 7, 2021
Surfside condo collapse could spur new legislation
Natl. Institute of Standards and Technology is investigating.
Codes and Standards | Jul 7, 2021
Intl. Code Council appoints committees to lead energy code development
One-third of appointees are government regulators.
Codes and Standards | Jul 1, 2021
COVID-19 made payment delays to contractors much worse
Only one in ten companies is always getting paid in full.
Codes and Standards | Jun 30, 2021
New resource for public sector organizations to develop energy data management program
Dept. of Energy document contains more than 30 examples of successful implementations.