Better design for cool buildings: how improved building design can reduce the massive need for space cooling in hot climates

Energy needs for space cooling are predicted to triple by 2050, especially in hot and tropical countries. Nearly 70% of the increase will come from residential buildings. Global sales of air conditioning (AC) systems per year have nearly quadrupled since 1990. This trend is set to continue and intensify, driven by high demand for new housing and infrastructure and rising incomes. This report asserts that better building designs can reduce or even avoid the energy demand for space cooling.

The policy recommendations provided in this paper in this regards (p. 4), are:

1. Integrate building design into cooling strategies and NDC targets;
2. Adopt and enforce ambitious building energy codes for new buildings and renovations;
3. Use financial incentives, information campaigns and capacity-building to promote energy-efficient building design;
4. Develop minimum energy performance standards and labelling for appliances;
5. Make low-income housing energy-efficient to ensure ‘Cooling for all’ and reduce energy poverty.