Forum policy challenges for building stocks

The Building Research Information special issue titled 'Climate Change: National Building Stocks' (2007) (volume 35, number 4) describes the significance of the existing building stocks. Policies that result in integrated, low-carbon buildings and energy systems that provide people with services (e.g., thermal comfort, lighting, and hot water) are crucial for meeting global challenges. In general, it is easier and cheaper to reduce emissions from buildings with energy efficiency and renewables than in other sectors; therefore, it is probable that greater reductions will be required from buildings than from other sectors. Buildings are long lived, so poor policies for buildings will incur a heavy penalty for many decades into the future. Population growth and urbanization are most rapid in developing countries. Therefore, most new buildings will be constructed there and it is vital these have the highest performance. In developed countries populations are almost static and the built environment changes slowly, so the challenge is to improve existing buildings. Policies must be effective in the implementation of well-known energy efficiency and supply measures in buildings, in terms of both installation and operation. Decarbonizing buildings, as indeed the rest of the energy economy, is not so much a technological problem but more of a social and political problem.