Energy efficiency in buildings is not only a matter of reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions; it is a multifaceted driver of sustainability. From an environmental perspective, efficient construction reduces operational energy use, preserves embodied energy, and strengthens resilience against climate risks. From an economic perspective, applying standards, transparent reporting frameworks, and demonstration projects helps attract investment, reduces long-term costs, and enhances the affordability of housing. From a social and cultural perspective, energy efficiency contributes to healthier, more livable spaces and can be integrated with heritage conservation and adaptive reuse, ensuring that communities maintain their identity and quality of life while embracing innovation.
By linking these dimensions, this workshop will show how energy efficiency in buildings provides a holistic pathway toward resilient cities—balancing environmental performance, economic viability, and cultural and social value in one integrated agenda.
This hybrid workshop, held as a side event during UNECE Sustainable Energy Week 2025, brings together two UNECE intergovernmental bodies—the Committee on Sustainable Energy and the Committee on Urban Development, Housing and Land Management—through their Joint Task Force on Energy Efficiency Standards in Buildings. Organized in cooperation with the UNECE Real Estate Market Advisory Group for Sustainable, Climate-Neutral and Energy-Efficient Buildings and Cities (REM), this workshop will explore the multidimensional role of energy efficiency in the building sector and its contribution to sustainable urban development.
