Global Decarbonisation: How Building Laws Have Evolved Since the Paris Agreement
The Paris Agreement, signed in 2015, became a watershed moment in the global effort to combat climate change. Construction is one industry that has seen significant global regulation changes as governments seek to change the building industry’s impact on carbon emissions.
This article explores the impact of the Paris Agreement on worldwide building laws and standards and the industry’s growing commitment to reduce emissions and contribute to a greener global economy through energy-efficient solutions.
The Paris agreement: A turning point in building standards
The signing of the Paris Agreement ten years ago significantly accelerated the adoption of energy codes for new buildings worldwide. As of 2025, approximately 80 countries have implemented mandatory or voluntary energy codes, a 30% increase since 2015. This growth in adoption reflects the growing global commitment to combating climate change in the construction and real estate sectors to reverse the impact of climate change.
Signatories to the Paris Agreement committed to limit global temperature rises to below 2◦C compared to pre-industrial levels, prompting governments to re-examine their building laws. As a result, construction contractors must adhere to more stringent energy efficiency requirements, promote renewable sources, and push towards net-zero carbon new builds with smart building solutions.
Decarbonisation goals and building regulations worldwide
So, what does this commitment to a greener future look like globally? Governments aim to move standard building practices closer to carbon neutrality in recognition of the construction sector accounting for almost 40% of global carbon emissions.
Among the most notable initiatives are:
- The 2022 Zero Code for California and Massachusetts Energy Zero (E-Z) Code in the US set ambitious targets for energy efficiency and renewable energy use in new buildings
- China, the world’s largest construction market, has implemented stricter energy-efficient standards for new buildings, including near-zero energy building pilots in several cities
- The EU has amended its Energy Performance of Building Directive (EPBD) to accelerate the decarbonisation of buildings, aiming for decarbonised building stock by 2050.
- Signatories to the World Green Building’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment pledged to reach net-zero emissions in their construction portfolios by 2030 and all buildings to be net-zero by 2050.
- NYC Buidling Decarbonization law
These initiatives demonstrate the global shift towards net zero and decarbonisation due to the Paris Agreement.
The UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard
The benefits of maintaining healthy and efficient building ventilation can make a big difference to your The UK launched the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard in September 2024, setting clear guidelines to decarbonise the UK’s building environment in line with the government’s commitment to limiting rising temperatures to 1.5◦C.
These guidelines include:
- Mandatory requirements for a ‘Net Zero Carbon Aligned Building’ – The standard defines a net-zero carbon building, providing an industry baseline.
- Threshold limits and targets – The standard also sets specific limits for upfront carbon, operational energy usage and renewable energy generation. These targets align with the UK’s overall carbon reduction goals.
- Comprehensive applicability – The standard applies to all types of new and existing buildings, ensuring a holistic approach to decarbonisation.
- Carbon reduction targets – Ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions by 78% by 2035 and reach net zero by 2050.
- Energy use intensity limits – Specific limits for operational energy use are determined for different building types. For instance, the limit for offices is 55 kWh/m²/year to improve energy efficiency.
Along with driving improvements at home, the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard serves as a model for other nations, demonstrating how science-based standards can aid the transition to a low-carbon construction environment.
Innovations driving building decarbonisation
The push for decarbonisation has led to innovations in techniques and technologies to help meet stringent new requirements.
Key innovations include:
- Advanced building technologies, such as high-performance insulation materials, dynamic glazing, and green roofing solutions to improve buildings’ thermal performance.
- Energy-efficient HVAC systems, such as heat pumps, variable heat flow systems and energy recovery ventilators, reduce heating and cooling-related energy consumption.
- LED and smart lighting controls, such as occupancy sensors and daylight harvesting systems, significantly reduce electricity use.
- Building energy management systems (BEMS) use AI and machine learning to autonomously optimise building operations and reduce energy waste.
- Battery storage systems allow buildings to manage their energy use more effectively and integrate renewable energy sources.
- Low-carbon concrete, steel, and timber reduce the amount of embodied carbon in buildings.
These advancements make it increasingly feasible for new buildings to exceed global energy performance requirements set by governments, helping to build a greener and more sustainable future.
The future of global building laws for decarbonisation
The evolution of global building laws in the decade since the Paris Agreement illustrates the world’s commitment to stricter energy efficiency standards and lowering carbon emissions within the construction sector. As governments continue to update their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, further tightening of regulations is likely in years to come.
These trends will likely include an increased focus on embodied carbon used in building materials and greater integration of circular economy principles, such as the reuse and recycling of materials. Meanwhile, building codes are likely to include more stringent requirements for climate resilience and a move towards the digitalisation and automation of performance monitoring to help reduce unnecessary energy waste.
The journey towards net zero is complex. While the progress made in the decade since the Paris Agreement provides a solid foundation, there is much more today. Contact us today to learn how we can help your building meet its net zero commitments with a consultation.