With many Commonwealth countries experiencing rapid urbanisation, the need for enforceable building energy standards is becoming ever more urgent. This policy recommendation was produced as part of the CAA’s role leader of the Housing Action Group associated with the Commonwealth Sustainable Cities Coalition and describes how to achieve energy standards that are enforceable, locally tailored and can be expanded over time.

Executive Summary 

This policy recommendation draws on research commissioned as a contribution to the work of the Commonwealth Sustainable Cities Coalition (CSCC), in support of the Commonwealth Declaration on Sustainable Urbanisation. It responds to the unprecedented scale and pace of urban growth across Commonwealth countries, which are projected to account for nearly 50% of global urban population increase to 2050, equivalent to a doubling of the Commonwealth’s urban population from approximately 1 billion to 2 billion people over the next 25 years. 

Critically, much of this growth will occur in countries that do not yet have effective mandatory building energy codes in place. Without intervention, this risks locking in high-carbon development pathways at precisely the moment when alignment with net zero commitments and international climate obligations is essential. Given that buildings are a major source of global energy consumption and carbon emissions, the establishment of effective, scalable energy standards represents a pivotal opportunity to shape sustainable, low-carbon urbanisation outcomes across the Commonwealth. 

Building energy standards are central to reducing emissions, improving living conditions, and supporting economic development, yet many fail due to poor design or implementation. This recommendation proposes a staged, locally tailored approach to developing and scaling energy standards that balances ambition with market readiness. Key actions include building a compelling “logic story,” starting with simple and enforceable measures, targeting initial rollout in public or controlled building segments, and strengthening compliance and capacity systems. By aligning standards with local conditions and scaling progressively, governments can achieve widespread adoption, unlock investment, and deliver meaningful energy and carbon savings at scale.