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The document examines the role of green bonds in decarbonizing the building sector, which accounts for approximately 28% of global energy-related CO2 emissions. It details various financial instruments, including Asset-Backed Securities (ABS) and covered bonds, used to fund energy-efficient construction and renovations. The briefing highlights the growth of the market, noting that as of November 2018, $126 billion had been allocated to low-carbon building assets. It specifically analyzes the Japanese market, where the Development Bank of Japan is the largest issuer, and suggests that Japan can further leverage its technical expertise in energy efficiency to attract green investment.

In the first half of 2018, China's green bond issuance grew by 14% year-on-year to 130.2 billion RMB (13 billion USD), with 9.3 billion USD aligning with international green bond definitions. Financial institutions remained the largest issuers, while renewable energy was the primary use of proceeds. The report highlights a trend where nearly half of green bonds were excluded from the Climate Bonds Initiative database due to allocating more than 5% of proceeds to general working capital, a practice permitted under Chinese national guidelines but restricted by international standards.

The document highlights the critical link between climate adaptation and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), noting that infrastructure must be resilient to both chronic stress and acute shocks to remain functional. It identifies a significant investment gap, with UN estimates for developing countries reaching US$280-500 billion annually by 2050. Currently, the green bond market is heavily skewed toward mitigation, with only 3-5% of proceeds allocated to adaptation and resilience. The briefing calls for clearer definitions, improved sector-specific disclosure, and the integration of adaptation criteria across all thematic bonds to mobilize the necessary capital.

The document details the requirements for German buildings to qualify for Certified Climate Bonds, focusing on low carbon emissions trajectories and market proxies. For residential buildings, eligibility is based on an EPC rating of "A" or "B" from the Energieausweis system. Commercial buildings can qualify via a proxy—requiring they be built after 2008, hold an EPC rating, and be part of an existing MBS refinancing pool—or by meeting a specific emissions intensity trajectory. In Berlin, for example, a 10-year commercial bond issued in 2018 requires an emissions intensity of 56.23kg CO2e/m2 or below. All trajectories aim for zero emissions by 2050 and are aligned with the Paris Agreement goals.

oekom research has verified that ABN AMRO's 2018 Green Bond is in conformance with the Climate Bonds Standard's Pre-Issuance Requirements. The verification covered the selection of nominated projects and assets, internal processes and controls, and reporting requirements. The bond's asset pool includes renewable energy projects, specifically offshore wind in the Netherlands and Germany, and residential properties that meet Dutch energy efficiency standards. ABN AMRO's framework aligns with the Green Bond Principles and targets energy efficiency, renewable energy, and the circular economy.

The report outlines a multi-pronged approach to building cooling, emphasizing the transition from active air conditioning to passive design and high-efficiency technology. It details various technical solutions—ranging from 'super-efficient' AC units and passive cooling techniques to wearable devices and the use of waste cold from LNG terminals. The document also analyzes policy levers such as Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and behavior change campaigns like Japan's 'Cool Biz'. Finally, it explores innovative business models to improve affordability for the poor, including Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG), ESCO models, and public-private partnerships in countries like India, Mexico, and Bangladesh.

oekom research verified that Landesbank Baden-Württemberg's (LBBW) Green Bond Programme conforms to the Climate Bond Standard Version 2.1. The programme focuses on financing green commercial buildings and renewable energy projects, specifically on- and offshore wind and solar energy. LBBW employs a methodology developed by Drees & Sommer Advanced Building Technologies GmbH to identify commercial buildings in the top 15% of the German market for low carbon performance, using building age and energy performance certificates as primary criteria. The verification confirmed LBBW's processes for project selection, tracking of proceeds, and reporting commitments.

The document outlines five strategic actions for cities to address the built environment, which accounts for nearly 50 percent of GHG emissions in large cities. These actions include performing deep energy retrofits on city-owned buildings, implementing net-zero and progressive building codes, supporting citywide LED lighting upgrades, and requiring energy benchmarking and public transparency for building energy use.

The Carbon-Free City Handbook outlines a strategic framework for cities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through immediate, economically viable actions. It categorizes recommendations into buildings, transportation and mobility, electricity, industry, and biological resources, emphasizing the importance of setting bold 100% targets to drive transformational change rather than incremental progress.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) implements minimum efficiency standards for over 60 categories of residential and commercial products to reduce energy waste and carbon emissions. These standards, supported by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975, have resulted in billions of dollars in consumer savings and significant greenhouse gas reductions. While federal mandates provide a baseline, voluntary programs like ENERGY STAR and state-level regulations, such as those in California, further drive efficiency. The document highlights the transition to LED lighting and the emergence of 'smart' technologies and net-zero buildings as key drivers for future energy reductions in the building sector.

The document details how the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) uses the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 to mandate minimum efficiency standards for over 60 product categories. It highlights the economic and environmental benefits of these standards, including billions in consumer savings and significant reductions in carbon emissions. The text also discusses voluntary programs like ENERGY STAR, the impact of LED lighting, and the potential for future standards targeting electronic 'plug load' and smart building technologies.

The Chinese green bond market grew by 33.6% in the first half of 2017, reaching a total issuance of $11.52 billion. The market saw a diversification of issuers, with non-financial enterprises and policy banks increasing their share as commercial bank dominance declined. While most bonds maintain high credit ratings and align with both domestic and international definitions, the report highlights a push toward standardization and the potential for growth in green municipal bonds.

REI constructed a 400,000-square-foot distribution center in Goodyear, Arizona, which is the only facility of its type in the U.S. to achieve both LEED Platinum certification and net-zero energy. Developed with RMI through an integrative design charrette, the facility combines aggressive efficiency measures—such as LED lighting, motion sensors, and air-cooled chillers—with a 2.2-megawatt rooftop PV system. The solar array generates 25–30 percent more energy than the building consumes, providing a return on investment through approximately 20 years of free power. The project also integrates advanced automation and employee-centric climate controls, such as hyperchairs, to balance operational efficiency with workforce comfort.

The briefing advocates for redefining thermal comfort in buildings by moving away from monolithic central heating and cooling systems toward a model based on six variables: air temperature, air velocity, activity level, clothing level, surface temperature, and humidity. Using the ASHRAE 55 standard and the CBE Thermal Comfort Tool, designers can use the Predictive Mean Vote (PMV) metric to create more energy-efficient, occupant-centric environments. The author details the application of this approach at RMI's Innovation Center in Basalt, Colorado, highlighting the necessity of Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) to manage the risks associated with passive design and the complexity of integrating multiple targeted systems. The document emphasizes that achieving such efficiency requires a paradigm shift in risk allocation, long-term system tuning, and active occupant engagement.

A coalition of organizations advocates for Arizona to prioritize energy efficiency as the most cost-effective strategy for reducing emissions and meeting Clean Power Plan goals. The authors argue that a combination of energy-savings targets, updated building codes, and combined heat and power could meet 100 percent of the state's 2030 compliance goal, potentially saving Arizona residents $4.2 billion and avoiding nearly 15 million tons of carbon dioxide.

A coalition of organizations wrote to Governor Mark Dayton of Minnesota advocating for the maximization of energy efficiency investments to meet Clean Power Plan compliance goals. The authors argue that energy efficiency is the lowest-cost demand-side resource and can provide significant economic and environmental benefits, potentially saving Minnesotans $549 million and avoiding 13 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions by 2030.

A coalition of organizations encourages Nevada to maximize energy efficiency to reduce emissions and costs. They recommend opting into the Clean Energy Incentive Program and implementing policies like updated building codes and combined heat and power generation, which could potentially meet over 100 percent of the state's 2030 emissions limit under the Clean Power Plan while saving residents $466 million.

A coalition of organizations wrote to Governor Susana Martinez of New Mexico, arguing that energy efficiency is the lowest-cost method for reducing emissions and meeting Clean Power Plan goals. The authors highlight that implementing specific efficiency policies—such as updated building codes and combined heat and power—could achieve 78 percent of the state's 2030 compliance goal, saving New Mexico residents $645 million and avoiding 3.8 million tons of carbon dioxide.

A coalition of organizations wrote to Governor Patrick McCrory of North Carolina advocating for the expansion of energy efficiency programs as the most cost-effective way to comply with the Clean Power Plan. The letter argues that efficiency measures—including updated building codes and combined heat and power—could meet 56 percent of the state's 2030 compliance goal, saving residents $652 million and avoiding 8.9 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

A coalition of energy and environmental organizations wrote to Governor Mary Fallin of Oklahoma, arguing that energy efficiency is the lowest-cost method for reducing emissions and meeting Clean Power Plan goals. The letter suggests that implementing specific policies—such as updated building codes and combined heat and power—could meet 87% of Oklahoma's 2030 compliance target, saving the state $288 million and avoiding 10.7 million tons of carbon dioxide.