Energy demand in building industry across ASEAN is projected to grow 2.6 times by 2050

As one of the most energy-intensive sectors, the construction and building industries play a critical role in energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Embodied carbon accounts for 10% of global energy-related GHG emissions and contribute up to 20-25% of a building's total life-cycle emissions. These are the result only from material production, transportation, and construction. At the same time, operational emissions from buildings had been calculated to be accounted for 21% of global GHG emissions and 22% of energy consumption in 2022. In ASEAN's tropical climate, rising temperatures have intensified cooling demand, further escalating energy use and emissions.

Recognising the built environment's impact on regional and global decarbonization efforts, ASEAN Member States (AMS) have pledged their commitment to energy transition and net-zero carbon goals, aligning with the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Programme Overview

The Asia Low Carbon Buildings Transition (ALCBT) Programme is designed to integrate low-carbon building (LCB) practices into existing energy conservation policies in a wider range of Asia. Five countries have been selected as pilot sites, each requiring a unique approach tailored to its specific challenges. To accelerate the transition, ALCBT adopts a targeted and collaborative strategy, focusing on:

Through engagement with key stakeholders from governments, professionals, financial institutions, to academia, ALCBT aims to accelerate the adoption of low-carbon building practices and establish a strong foundation for sustainable energy transition.

The ALCBT Programme adds greater value to the growing Asian economies through top-down, bottom-up, and lateral approaches. By integrating policy development, public awareness, and industry engagement, ALCBT drives a smooth transition toward low-carbon buildings across Asia's built environment.

Goals & Targets

Actions Plans

Learn More About ALCBT

Consortium Partners

The ALCBT Programme brings together leading organizations in sustainable development, energy policy, and technical expertise to drive substantial GHG emissions reduction from the building sector across Asia. Through strategic partnerships and coordinated action, the programme aims to transform the built environment.

1. Global Green Growth Institute
   GGGI is an international intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting a green growth economic model. They support and promote strong, inclusive and sustainable economic growth in developing countries and emerging economies.
2. ASEAN Centre for Energy
   ACE is an intergovernmental organisation within the structure of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. ACE's mission is to accelerate the integration of energy strategies within its members by providing relevant information and expertise.
3. Energy Efficiency Services Limited
   EESL is an Energy Service Company (ESCO) and a Joint Venture of NTPC Limited, Power Finance Corporation Limited, REC Limited and POWERGRID Corporation of India Limited. EESL focuses on solution-driven innovation to create energy efficiency market.
4. HEAT GmbH
   HEAT is a consulting firm in the field of energy conservation and environmental protection since 1992. HEAT has been a trusted advisor to national and international entities on international environmental agreements and initiatives.

Funding Partners

Supported by the Government of Germany through its Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) under the International Climate Initiative (IKI). BMWK is dedicated to fostering sustainable development and combating climate change on a global scale by promoting sustainable economic development and addressing climate change relating to energy efficiency and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Aligned with this mission, the IKI funds initiatives that contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as biodiversity conservation, in developing and emerging countries.

Energy Efficiency Investment Matchmaking

The Energy Efficiency Investment Matchmaking Platform is a web-based regional hub designed to accelerate low-carbon building adoption. By connecting key stakeholders in the energy efficiency sector, this platform will serve as a one-stop solution for building owners, project developers, energy auditors, financial institutions, technology providers, and ESCOs.

What we offer?

1. Centralized Database of Low-Carbon Building Projects​. 
   Providing visibility and access to sustainable building initiatives across ASEAN.
2. Financial Matchmaking
   Connecting energy-efficient projects with potential investors and financial institutions.
3. Standardized Tools & Calculators
   Assisting stakeholders in evaluating energy savings, carbon reduction potential, and financial feasibility.
4. Knowledge Sharing & Best Practices
   Showcasing successful case studies, innovative financing models, and lessons learned to support market scaling.

As an intermediary between stakeholders, the platform will facilitate loan assessments, financial structuring, and investment readiness for energy efficiency projects. Additionally, it will support best practice exchanges for both existing buildings and new construction.​

Training

Empowering people with the right knowledge and skills is at the heart of the ALCBT Programme. As a key pillar of our action plans, capacity building is designed to equip stakeholders across the public and private sectors with the expertise needed to drive the transition toward low-carbon buildings.

Our training programs are carefully structured to address multiple levels of expertise, ensuring targeted, high-impact learning while avoiding duplication. With the support of leading experts and the extensive networks of our project partners, these sessions will deliver practical, actionable insights on the most pressing topics in sustainable building, including:

• Unlocking best practices to optimize energy use and improve building performance
• Strengthening compliance with energy efficiency and sustainability standards
• Exploring innovative financing pathways for low-carbon building solutions
• Implementing methodologies to measure and reduce the carbon footprint of buildings​
• Addressing the rising demand for cooling while minimizing environmental impact
• Integrating sustainability principles into architecture and construction

The training programmes are tailored to industry professionals—from building developers, architects, and contractors to material manufacturers, energy auditors, ESCOs, and financial institutions. By fostering knowledge and technical expertise, ALCBT ensures that sustainable building practices are not just an aspiration, but the new standard across ASEAN and beyond.​

Consultancy

 Currently, there are no consultancy opportunities available. Please check back regularly for new openings.