Kiribati enhancing climate resilience through the upgrading of its National Building Codes
The Regional Pacific Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Hub has supported Kiribati in the development of minimum technical standards and requirements that are necessary for ensuring the integration of energy efficiency and green building rating system, for inclusion into the next iteration of the National Building Code of Kiribati - 2010.
The 2010 Kiribati National Building Code's objective is "to ensure that acceptable standards of structural sufficiency, fire safety, health, and amenity, are maintained for the benefit of Kiribati now and in the future". The objective of the project was to review the 2010 Kiribati National Building Code and provide recommendations for the inclusion of energy efficiency and green building ratings components when the code is reviewed. The collaboration between Kiribati and the NDC Hub will help to support energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience within the building sector.
A mission to Kiribati was undertaken on March 27th, 2024, to support the development of its development of technical standards and recommendations through consultations with government agencies and key stakeholders. These consultations were critical in determining what suitable factors were necessary for building energy efficiency standards for low-rise residential buildings, gathering feedback and consensus on these factors and drafting guidelines for energy efficiency along with a green building rating system.
Furthermore, the minimum standards allow Kiribati to ensure the optimisation of future building designs and operations in the country by incorporating efficient Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, lighting, water heating, renewable energy, building envelopes, and ventilation strategies, in line with Kiribati Energy Act 2022. This support also builds on the 2023 NDC Hub project on the Minimum Energy Performance Standards and Labelling (MEPSL) which legislates importers of electrical appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and lighting.
Ms Tekimwau Otiawa Tabunawati, Senior Climate Change Officer to the Office of the President Te Beretitenti, stated that "the Energy Efficiency standards and Building Code report provides recommendations that Kiribati could look into and integrate where appropriate into our building practices allowing us to build smarter and more resilient structures that can withstand the harsh realities of Climate Change while also reducing our overall energy consumption."
As a result of the country's mission to Kiribati, key recommendations for updating the Kiribati National Building Code include ensuring affordability for different income groups and climate-proofing buildings against rising sea levels including examining the cost implications of energy-efficient requirements for both new and existing buildings.
The development of Kiribati's technical standard and recommendation provides a roadmap for implementing energy efficiency standards and promoting sustainable building practices, crucial for addressing climate challenges and enhancing the resilience of buildings in the region. The identified factors emphasize climate-specific design, such as effective insulation, and proper air sealing, aiming to reduce energy consumption and enhance occupant comfort through natural resources and passive design strategies. The technical standards promote climate-appropriate technologies, energy-efficient practices, and renewable energy sources to minimize environmental impact and contribute to the construction sector's sustainability.