Buildings of the Future: Energy Efficiency, Climate Resilience and Affordability

Energy-efficient, climate-resilient and affordable buildings are essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy security and advancing the transition towards low-carbon economies. In Kazakhstan, improving the energy performance of residential and public buildings is an important part of achieving national climate targets while ensuring comfortable and affordable living conditions. How can countries translate ambitious climate commitments into practical investments and measurable energy savings? This COP31 side event brings together policymakers, financial institutions and technical experts to explore Kazakhstan's emerging approaches to energy-efficient construction and renovation, and their relevance for other transition economies. 

The discussion will examine the role of buildings in Kazakhstan's updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and long-term decarbonisation pathway, alongside the legislation, technical standards and economic incentives needed to accelerate the transition. Particular attention will be given to financing energy-efficient new construction and comprehensive renovation, as well as measuring and verifying actual energy performance. Drawing on practical experience from the FELICITY II programme, speakers will discuss lessons from residential and public building projects, approaches to scaling successful pilots and the importance of building local professional expertise. Representatives of Kazakhstan's National Energy Conservation Center, Kazakhstan Housing Company, the German Energy Agency (dena) and international experts will exchange perspectives on overcoming regulatory, technical and financial barriers.