Zero Energy Buildings (ZEB) in ASEAN

Summary 

ASEAN, home to over 670 million people, is experiencing rapid economic growth and urbanisation, leading to a significant increase in energy demand. According to the 8th ASEAN Energy Outlook (AEO8) published by the ASEAN Centre for Energy, energy consumption in the region is projected to rise 2.6 times by 2050 compared to 2022. The residential and commercial building sector, which accounted for 22% of ASEAN’s total energy consumption in 2022, is expected to see a 56% increase in energy demand by 2050. This growth, driven by the reliance on electricity for building appliances, contributes substantially to ASEAN’s greenhouse gas emissions. Without substantial interventions, the sector’s emissions will continue to rise, undermining ASEAN’s climate goals.

To address this challenge, ASEAN is focusing on reducing emissions through the adoption of Zero Energy Buildings (ZEB), which produce as much energy as they consume. ZEBs combine energy-efficient measures, renewable energy generation, and advanced building designs to reduce energy consumption and carbon footprints. This report examines the benefits of ZEB adoption in ASEAN, exploring its potential to lower energy consumption, mitigate emissions, and enhance energy security. It also identifies key challenges to implementation and provides actionable strategies and policy recommendations to accelerate ZEB adoption, aligning with ASEAN’s climate and sustainable development goals.