Asia Low Carbon Buildings Transition (ALCBT) – ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE)

Report on Low-Carbon Building Transition in Asia: Emphasizing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction: Energy Consumption and Emissions in the Construction Sector

The construction and building industries are among the most energy-intensive sectors globally, significantly impacting energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Embodied carbon accounts for 10% of global energy-related GHG emissions and contributes up to 20-25% of a building’s total life-cycle emissions, stemming from material production, transportation, and construction processes. Operational emissions from buildings represent 21% of global GHG emissions and 22% of energy consumption as of 2022. In the ASEAN region, characterized by a tropical climate, rising temperatures have increased cooling demands, further escalating energy use and emissions.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – Promoting energy-efficient building practices to reduce energy consumption.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Encouraging sustainable urban development through low-carbon buildings.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – Reducing GHG emissions from the built environment to combat climate change.

Regional Commitment to Energy Transition

Recognizing the built environment’s critical role in regional and global decarbonization efforts, ASEAN Member States (AMS) have committed to energy transition and net-zero carbon goals. These commitments align with the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), reinforcing the region’s dedication to sustainable development and climate resilience.

Programme Overview: Asia Low Carbon Buildings Transition (ALCBT)

Programme Objectives and Strategy

The Asia Low Carbon Buildings Transition (ALCBT) Programme aims to integrate low-carbon building (LCB) practices into existing energy conservation policies across Asia. The programme targets five pilot countries, each requiring tailored approaches to address unique challenges. ALCBT employs a targeted and collaborative strategy focusing on:

1. Engagement with key stakeholders including governments, professionals, financial institutions, and academia.
2. Acceleration of low-carbon building adoption.
3. Establishment of a robust foundation for sustainable energy transition in the built environment.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Fostering innovation in building technologies and infrastructure.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Encouraging multi-sectoral collaboration for sustainable energy solutions.

Programme Approach

The ALCBT Programme enhances value in growing Asian economies through a combination of top-down, bottom-up, and lateral approaches. By integrating policy development, public awareness, and industry engagement, the programme facilitates a smooth transition toward low-carbon buildings throughout Asia’s built environment.

Goals and Targets of the ALCBT Programme

• Reduce embodied and operational carbon emissions in buildings.
• Increase energy efficiency and adoption of renewable energy sources in the construction sector.
• Support policy frameworks that promote sustainable building practices.
• Enhance capacity building and knowledge sharing among stakeholders.

Action Plans

1. Develop and implement low-carbon building codes and standards.
2. Promote financial mechanisms and incentives for sustainable construction.
3. Conduct training and awareness programs for industry professionals and the public.
4. Monitor and evaluate progress towards energy transition and emission reduction goals.

Further Information

To learn more about the Asia Low Carbon Buildings Transition Programme and its contributions to sustainable development and climate action, please refer to the following resource:

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article discusses energy consumption in the building sector and the transition to low-carbon buildings, directly relating to ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The focus on low-carbon buildings and reducing emissions in the built environment aligns with making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article highlights greenhouse gas emissions from buildings and the commitment of ASEAN Member States to net-zero carbon goals, emphasizing urgent action to combat climate change.
4. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The implementation of the Asia Low Carbon Buildings Transition (ALCBT) Programme involves innovation in building practices and infrastructure development.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 7 Targets
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Target 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
2. SDG 11 Targets
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
3. SDG 13 Targets
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
4. SDG 9 Targets
   • Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Energy-related Greenhouse Gas Emissions
   • Embodied carbon accounting for 10% of global energy-related GHG emissions and operational emissions accounting for 21% of global GHG emissions are key indicators to measure progress in reducing emissions from the building sector.
2. Energy Consumption in Buildings
   • 22% of global energy consumption by buildings in 2022 is a baseline indicator for tracking energy efficiency improvements.
3. Adoption of Low-Carbon Building Practices
   • Progress in integrating low-carbon building practices into energy conservation policies and the extent of stakeholder engagement (governments, professionals, financial institutions, academia) serve as qualitative indicators.
4. Commitment to Net-Zero Carbon Goals
   • Alignment with ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) provides measurable targets and reporting frameworks.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: aseanenergy.org