Buildings

Energy use in residential and commercial buildings accounts for around 20% of global energy use. Countries have demonstrated a broad array of highly effective policies and programs for reducing building energy use that generate large cost-savings, reduce energy demand and promote economic development. For example, cool roofing—roofing with high solar reflectance and high thermal emittance—is the fastest growing sector of the building industry. This page provides access to technical resources that policymakers can use to inform the design and implementation of energy efficiency policies and programs for residential and commercial buildings. See also building certification, building codes, high-performance buildings and cool roofs.