Singapore and the International Energy Agency to Jointly Promote Energy Efficient Buildings

2.     According to the IEA, the building sector is responsible for 36% of global energy consumption and nearly 40% of total carbon emissions. With significant energy demand growth expected in this sector in the coming decades, it is important for the region to work towards low-emission, efficient and resilient buildings.

3.     The Green Buildings Training Programme has been developed to build up the capabilities in the areas of regulation, planning and design, system and operation of energy efficient buildings in the Asia Pacific. It will feature experts from the IEA, and Singapore agencies such as the Building and Construction Authority and the National University of Singapore. International organisations such as the German Agency for International Corporation and World Resources Institute will also be present to provide professional advice.

4.     Mr Ngiam Shih Chun, Chief Executive of the Energy Market Authority, said: "EMA’s collaboration with the International Energy Agency will enable the building sector in the region to better manage their energy demand. The codes of practice for green buildings to be developed will help ASEAN achieve its aspirational target of reducing its energy intensity by 20% in 2020 and by 30% in 2025⁽¹⁾."

5.    Dr Fatih Birol, IEA's Executive Director, said: "IEA’s energy efficiency training courses have trained over 1,300 people from 100 countries. Energy efficiency is an essential component of all energy transitions and we are supporting governments across the world in taking the right actions to deliver its full potential. I am very pleased the event is taking place in Singapore, which has been an integral part of the IEA Family since joining as an Association member in 2016."

6.     The Singapore-IEA Training Programme on Green Buildings is a key outcome from the 36th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) held in Singapore last year. Ministers welcomed the progress towards the development of Green Building Codes in ASEAN Member States. The Programme is also the third activity under the Singapore-IEA Regional Training Hub initiative launched in 2016, when Singapore became an Association Country of the IEA.

7.    Singapore and the IEA will next co-host the 3rd Singapore-IEA Forum on 30 October 2019 at the 12th Singapore International Energy Week. The IEA’s Southeast Asia Energy Outlook 2019 will be launched at the Forum.

¹ Based on 2005 levels of energy intensity