COP31 Presidency proposes 20% cut in building energy intensity by 2035

The COP31 Presidency is proposing a global target to reduce the energy intensity of buildings by at least 20% by 2035 compared with a 2025 baseline, Tuğba Dinçbaş, Deputy Director at Türkiye's Climate Change Directorate, said.

According to Report, she made the remarks on the third day of Baku Climate Action Week 2026 (BCAW 2026).

Dinçbaş said buildings are at the center of the agenda, noting that improving their energy efficiency is one of the most immediate and practical ways to reduce energy demand and emissions.

She added that greater efficiency can also improve resilience, affordability and quality of life.

"For this reason, the COP Presidency is placing energy-efficient buildings at the center of its construction workstream. We want to bring this transition together around clear and measurable targets," she said.

Dinçbaş said the COP31 Presidency is proposing a global ambition to cut building energy intensity by at least 20% by 2035 from 2025 levels.

She added that the broader Action Agenda is also advancing a "35 by 35" global electrification goal aimed at raising the share of electricity in total final energy demand to 35% by 2035.