Global paper shows that implementing ambitious performance building policies can achieve deep reductions in energy consumption and CO2 emissions and sets out the necessary steps towards a 'Deep market transformation'.

Buildings for our Future – The Deep Path for Closing the Emissions Gap in the Building Sector demonstrates that by 2050 it is possible to reduce building energy use by nearly a quarter of that of today and related CO2 emissions by one third by using today's most advanced techniques and technologies.

It will require widespread adoption of today's state of the art policies and technologies including net-zero or positive energy requirements for new buildings and more and deeper energy efficient renovation of the existing building stock.

This report, developed in partnership with KPMG, brings together analysis commissioned by the GBPN over the past year, identifying the building sector's mitigation potential in the GBPN's four regions – China, Europe, India and the United States – together with a review and analysis of best practice policies that, if effectively applied globally, could pave the way to that transformation to the "Deep Path" to deliver the buildings sector's mitigation potential.

The report also raises concerns about risks of the "lock in" effect that could delay major energy savings and emissions reductions for decades if we do not act quickly.
 
Buildings for our Future sets out the necessary steps towards a "Deep" market transformation: First, define the "Deep Path" agenda by analysing the mitigation potential of buildings in a jurisdiction, and identifying the environmental, cost-benefits and co-benefits of applicable state-of-the art policy packages.

Second, all stakeholders need to be engaged, involved and fully committed. Third, develop policy roadmaps adapted to each region to guide the implementation process. Fourth, implement a "Deep Path" agenda for the next decade. Finally, it is critical to ensure that all elements are well monitored, evaluated and adapted to ensure maximum effectiveness.
 
In Buildings for our Future, the GBPN has raised the challenge for countries to follow the "Deep Path" for closing the emissions gap in the building sector and describes how to pro-actively take the practical steps to build global collaboration. It opens new dialogue on the role and importance of improved energy performance of buildings in today's global and national discussions about energy and climate change policies.

Current policy frameworks must be transformed to reflect the urgent need for reduction of CO2 emissions. Much of that transformation will depend on a change in the attitudes and commitment of decision makers.

Achieving these reforms requires a new approach to strategic planning and collaboration, with more holistic thinking. There must be greater reliance on replicating examples of proven best practice policies and better development and sharing of best practice models.
 
Download the PDF of the Policy Paper or view the interactive PDF online here.