Innovative designs of building energy codes for building decarbonization and their implementation challenges

摘要

Building energy codes-policies that traditionally set minimum requirements for buildings' energy use-have proven effective and efficient for building decarbonization. As researchers and policymakers increasingly recognize the limitations of prevalent building energy codes, discussion turns to innovative designs that could overcome such limitations. Therefore, this study aims to advance the implementation and development of innovative designs of building energy codes by exploring which challenges policymakers face when implementing these designs and, subsequently, by identifying how general code development might learn from these challenges. Evaluating the building energy codes of Denmark, France, England, Switzerland, and Sweden, we present six innovative designs of building energy codes and highlight how they advance building decarbonization by increasing energy efficiency and renewable energies, considering embodied energy, closing the performance gap, and accelerating retrofits. Based on 19 expert interviews with practitioners, regulators, and researchers, we identify real-world challenges that policymakers face when implementing innovative designs of building energy codes. Synthesizing these challenges across the countries, we derive six policy principles for advancing the development and implementation of building energy codes. Policymakers can thus learn valuable lessons from frontrunners' experience and steer clear of avoidable pitfalls. (c) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.