Introduction 

The Partnership for Energy Efficiency in Buildings (PEEB), in collaboration with the African Energy Commission (AFREC) and the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction, will organize a two-day pre-conference training as part of the inaugural African Energy Efficiency Conference. The training is designed to strengthen the capacities of national policymakers to advance energy efficiency in the buildings sector. By focusing on financing green buildings (Day 1) and bioclimatic design (Day 2), the programme provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of both the technical and financial aspects of sustainable construction. It highlights opportunities for policy action in support of the African Energy Efficiency Strategy and Action Plan (AfEES) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Target audience: Policymakers from African countries implementing projects on energy efficiency in buildings in partnership with AFREC, IEA, PEEB and UNEP. Participants: Between 20 and 30 (not including AFREC, IEA, UNEP and GIZ Staff).

Expected Outcomes of the Training

• Strengthened policymaker capacity to design and implement policies that promote energy-efficient buildings.
• Practical insights into bioclimatic design approaches tailored to African climates and building types.
• Improved understanding of how to mobilize green financing through standards, incentives, and partnerships.
• Examples of case studies and tools that promote sustainable buildings.
• Contribute to broader sustainability goals, including climate change mitigation, improved urban resilience, and enhanced public health outcomes.
• Enhanced alignment with continental and international commitments, particularly the African Energy Efficiency Strategy and Action Plan (AfEES) and the Global Commitment on Energy Efficiency (COP28)

Training Delivery

• In person
• Mixture of training methods, with presentations of concepts and methodologies, case studies, practical exercises and exchanges between participants
• Cover new construction and refurbishment, different climate zones and building types in PEEB partner countries
• Draw examples from the formal and informal sector

Learning Objectives

• Develop a solid understanding of the economic and financial rationale for energy efficient buildings.
• Familiarise with national and international standards, taxonomies, and certification schemes and their role in mobilizing finance.
• Understand how policy instruments and incentives de-risk investments and stimulate markets. Explore the role of development banks, private investors, and partnerships in financing green buildings.
• Strengthen oversight capacity on supervision, verification, and monitoring of building performance.
• Strengthen understanding of bioclimatic design principles and their relevance to African policy contexts.
• Identify opportunities for integrating passive design strategies into building codes and national standards.
• Recognize the role of traditional construction methods and their adaptation for climate resilience.
• Gain practical insights from case studies and explore typical recommendations for new construction and refurbishment.
• Increase awareness of opportunities to mainstream bioclimatic design in national strategies

Agenda

Day 1 | December 8th 2025

Day 2 | December 9th 2025