UN says low energy buildings key to cutting emissions

The report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) says efficient lighting and daylighting, more efficient electrical appliances and heating and cooling systems, improved insulation, passive and active solar design for heating and cooling, alternative refrigerants as well as the recovery and recycling of fluorinated gases are all key mitigation technologies currently commercially available to help cut green house gas (GHG) emissions.

Integrated design of commercial buildings including technologies such as intelligent meters that provide feedback and control and building integrated solar PV are key technologies projected to be commercially available within the next 20 years.

The report said opportunities for realising GHG reductions in the building sector exist worldwide but multiple barriers make it difficult to realise the potential. These barriers include availability of technology, financing, poverty, limitations inherent in building designs and an appropriate portfolio of policies and programs. It also said that these barriers were higher in developing countries, making it more difficult for them to achieve the GHG reduction potential of the built environment.