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Buildings around the world have the potential to become substantially more energy efficient over the next decade, helping households and businesses lower their energy bills, strengthen energy security and cut emissions, according to a new IEA special report.

The report, prepared at the request of Türkiye and Australia under the strategic partnership between the COP31 presidency and the IEA, examines a proposed global target to improve the energy intensity of buildings by at least 25% by 2035. It finds that the target is achievable using technologies and policy approaches already available but would require a major acceleration in progress. Meeting the proposed target would mean more than doubling current rates of improvement.

"More energy-efficient buildings can cut emissions worldwide while making a tangible difference to people's daily lives," said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol. "By accelerating progress, we can lower energy bills and help more people access secure, affordable energy. This report shows that we already have the technologies and policy tools to deliver these benefits. The priority now is to put them to work."

The report identifies four main areas where faster progress could deliver the required gains: improving building envelopes, electrifying end uses, strengthening equipment efficiency and expanding access to clean cooking. Together, these measures could reduce buildings' energy intensity by more than 25% by 2035, even as population growth and rising incomes increase demand for energy services.

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