European and American area

Ⅰ.The United States promotes zero-emission building definitions and energy efficiency investments: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced the first part of the national zero-emission building definition, providing clear guidance for the industry. This definition clearly states that a zero-emission building must be at least highly energy-efficient, have no on-site energy emissions, and be fully powered by clean energy. This move aims to unify market standards and accelerate the decarbonization process in the construction sector.

At the same time, the U.S. Department of Energy also provided $46 million in funding through the "Building Energy Efficiency Frontiers and Innovative Technologies (BENEFIT)" funding opportunity to support 29 advanced technology projects aimed at enhancing building energy efficiency, reducing waste, and lowering carbon emissions. 

Ⅱ.The planning system reform on the Isle of Man aims to enhance efficiency: The Isle of Man Parliament (Tynwald) in Europe has approved a reform plan aimed at modernizing and simplifying the planning system. The new regulations are expected to come into effect in early 2026. They will reduce the planning application requirements for some small-scale projects (such as painting, dismantling small sheds, laying new roads, etc.), making the renovation process more efficient and user-friendly.

Southeast Asia region

Ⅰ.Singapore enacts legislation to enforce energy efficiency in large buildings: The Singapore Parliament passed the "Building Control (Amendment) Act" in September 2024 and has determined that the "mandatory energy performance improvement" system will be implemented in the third quarter of 2025. This system requires large buildings with a total floor area of over 5,000 square meters that are energy-intensive to reduce their energy consumption by at least 10%. The affected building owners need to conduct energy audits and implement improvement measures within three years. 

Ⅱ.Green building certification introduced in Sarawak, Malaysia: The state of Sarawak in Malaysia will introduce the "Building (Amendment) Act, 2025" in the upcoming legislative session, aiming to establish a green building certification committee. This committee will be responsible for regulating professional qualifications and ensuring that buildings throughout their entire lifecycle, from planning to demolition, comply with strict environmental standards to prevent "fake green buildings". The bill also strengthens law enforcement powers.

Summary and Market Insights

Ⅰ.From Voluntary to Mandatory: Singapore's mandatory energy conservation regulations represent a significant signal, indicating that the government is using legislative means to promote energy reduction in buildings. 

Ⅱ.Comprehensive standard and certification system: The United States defines "zero-emission buildings", and Sarawak establishes the Green Building Certification Committee, both of which are committed to establishing clear and reliable standard systems to guide market investment and prevent "greenwashing". 

Ⅲ.Process optimization drives transformation: The planning reform in the Isle of Man demonstrates that by simplifying administrative procedures, the time and cost barriers for old building renovation and technological upgrades can be reduced.