Given the substantial growth in new construction in economies in transition, and the inefficiencies of existing building stock worldwide, if nothing is done, GHG emissions from buildings will more than double in the next 20 years. Therefore, if global targets for GHG emissions reduction are to be met, it is essential that mitigation of GHG emissions from buildings must be on every national climate change strategy.

Decision makers in local government face the ongoing challenge of how to provide services to the residents with limited resources.