Shaping the Energy Efficiency in New Buildings - Building Energy ...

then determine if the equipment in a building meets the building energy standard. Testingprocedures vary between countries, and there is anecdotal evidence that even in countrieswith well established systems, ratings can differ by 10% or more based on the testingprocedures.Building energy standard compliance rates vary significantly between countries. Whatconstitutes compliance may also vary, and not all countries consistently publishcompliance data. That said, countries usually have lower compliance rates soon after theyadopt or revise a standard, and when their enforcement system is not fully developed.ConclusionsAll APP countries have expressed a desire to improve energy efficiency in new buildings.More efficient new buildings will mean lower operating costs and emissions. Buildingscan last 30 to 50 years or longer, and much of the energy consumption footprint is setwith the initial design and construction of the building. Thus, building energy codes arean important tool for ensuring wise energy use. APP countries stand to gain by learningfrom the experience with building energy codes in other countries. This goes beyond justlooking at specific requirements, where certainly there are measurable differences.Countries can also learn from the implementation strategies and programs employedelsewhere. For example, Japan has an extensive system of public outreach and trainingthat helps raise enforcement rates. Other countries, such as the United States andAustralia, have developed tools like software and checklists to help local jurisdictionswith enforcement. South Korea and Japan have taken an innovative approach torewarding buildings and building owners that go beyond the basic standards by using apoint system. This allows the standard to include items such as renewable energy as anoption. China has also experimented with rewards at the local level, and the United Stateshas tax credits for exceeding the standards.This comparative report, and the seven country reports upon which it was based, can helpcountries understand the options and approaches to building energy codes that haveworked elsewhere. It provides policy makers a menu of options to explore instrengthening their building energy code programs.7