Buildings today account for 40 percent of energy consumption in developed countries according to the OECD. Ambitious targets for transforming the way buildings are conceived, constructed, operated and dismantled stated that by 2050 new buildings would consume zero net energy from external power supplies and produce zero net carbon dioxide emissions while being economically viable to construct and operate. Constructing buildings that use no net energy from power grids will require a combination of onsite power generation and ultra-efficient building materials and equipment.

The EEB project comprised of three phases, each producing reports that together formed a roadmap to transform the building industry. The first report documented existing green building successes and setbacks, the second identified the full range of present and future opportunities, and the third presented a unified industry strategy for realizing those opportunities by 2050, specifically in China, India, Brazil, the U.S. and the EU.

De Ruijter led the Scenario Development process for the Energy Efficiency in Buildings (EEB) project. The project aimed at producing a roadmap, taking a global view, incorporating all regions and stakeholders. Two-day workshops were held on locations throughout the world. We have subsequently run workshops for some of the participating companies in locations as diverse as Costa Rica, Colombia, Madrid and Germany.

We were involved in the design, preparation, facilitation and reporting of the workshops included in the second phase of the EEB project: identifying future trends and opportunities for energy efficiency in buildings.

The workshops required multi- discipline stakeholders. Led by co-chairs Lafarge and United Technologies Corporation 12 additional member companies participated: Actelios, ArcelorMittal, BOSCH, CEMEX, DuPont, EDF, GDF SUEZ, Kansai Electric Power, Philips, Skanska, Sonae Sierra and TEPCO. The project focused on four key sub-sectors that collectively use more than half all energy in buildings – single-family homes, multi-family homes, offices and retail – in 6 key markets – Brazil, China, Europe, India, Japan and the US.

In addition to the workshops, De Ruijter was involved in the pre-research stage.

The vision report ‘Transforming the market’ and the ‘Roadmap’ to transform the building sector were both issued in April 2009. Further information and access to the reports and roadmap can be accessed electronically below.

Energy Efficiency in Buildings, Facts&Trends Report
EEB Executive Brief