Buildings are imperative to the growth of cities and urban centers. With limited land and increasing population, buildings enable maximizing of land as a resource and furthering of a wide-range of economic activities. Albeit their benefits, buildings have resulted to adverse impacts, of vital concern is energy used and resulting greenhouse gas emissions. According to a report by the International Energy Agency, 36% of global final energy use and nearly 40% of energy‐related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in 2017 came from building construction and operation. International organizations and governments have recognized the buildings’ impact that likewise led to advocating of building efficiency and sustainable building practices anchored on sound policies and practices.

Cities play a crucial role in mainstreaming national policies on building efficiency and institutionalizing green building codes and sustainable practices. Through this learning session, the ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability will facilitate discussion of building efficiency and sustainable building practices relative to: 1) mainstreaming national policies and plans; 2) existing and emerging challenges and opportunities; and 3) engaging the private, civil society, and other sectors. Likewise, this serves as a platform to better understand the convergence of energy efficiency, clean energy, and energy security in sustainable buildings. The session is also intended to enhance the capacity, knowledge and network of the local government participants in building efficiency thereby contributing to sustainable urban development.