Energy demand in building industry across ASEAN is projected to grow 2.6 times by 2050
As one of the most energy-intensive sectors, the construction and building industries play a critical role in energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Embodied carbon accounts for 10% of global energy-related GHG emissions and contribute up to 20-25% of a building's total life-cycle emissions. These are the result only from material production, transportation, and construction. At the same time, operational emissions from buildings had been calculated to be accounted for 21% of global GHG emissions and 22% of energy consumption in 2022. In ASEAN's tropical climate, rising temperatures have intensified cooling demand, further escalating energy use and emissions.
Recognising the built environment's impact on regional and global decarbonization efforts, ASEAN Member States (AMS) have pledged their commitment to energy transition and net-zero carbon goals, aligning with the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Programme Overview
The Asia Low Carbon Buildings Transition (ALCBT) Programme is designed to integrate low-carbon building (LCB) practices into existing energy conservation policies in a wider range of Asia. Five countries have been selected as pilot sites, each requiring a unique approach tailored to its specific challenges. To accelerate the transition, ALCBT adopts a targeted and collaborative strategy, focusing on:
Through engagement with key stakeholders from governments, professionals, financial institutions, to academia, ALCBT aims to accelerate the adoption of low-carbon building practices and establish a strong foundation for sustainable energy transition.The ALCBT Programme adds greater value to the growing Asian economies through top-down, bottom-up, and lateral approaches. By integrating policy development, public awareness, and industry engagement, ALCBT drives a smooth transition toward low-carbon buildings across Asia's built environment.
Direct and indirect emissions reduction
1. Establish standardized tools for tracking and managing carbon emissions throughout building lifecycles. 2. Build technical expertise of professionals and decision-makers in sustainable building design and operation. 3. Enable financing for low-carbon building projects through innovative funding mechanisms. 4. Facilitate knowledge dissemination and replication of successful low-carbon building practices.
