Developing an Energy Efficiency Code for New Buildings In WAEMU Countries

In 2009, heads of WAEMU member countries decided to implement the Regional Initiative for Sustainable Energy (IRED) which aimed to promote sustainable energy to address energy shortages in the subregion. With trilateral funding from REEEP, IFDD and WAEMU, Econoler was mandated to implement a regional energy labelling scheme for lamps and appliances.   Given the success of this first initiative, Econoler proposed a second regional project, in partnership with IFDD, which aimed at developing an energy efficiency (EE) code for new buildings in all WAEMU countries. In 2013, both REEEP and WAEMU agreed to financially support this large-scale project.

Econoler took the technical lead under this trilateral agreement and provided the necessary expertise and technical assistance to develop the regional EE Building Code for new buildings. To complete this assignment, Econoler carried out the following tasks:

• Conducted comprehensive surveys on energy consumption in residential, institutional and commercial buildings in each country;
• Identified EE barriers to and opportunities for improving building efficiency;
• Assessed institutional frameworks to implement the code;
• Carried out parametrical simulations to identify optimal criteria in building designs and assess building financial viability;
• Developed the regional EE Building Code model for new buildings based on surveys, technical analyses and consultations;
• Assisted the WAEMU in developing regional directives for EE in buildings;
• Prepared a compliance assessment guide for national control agencies;
• Organized and conducted regional workshops and training sessions for project leaders;
• Provided national training, awareness and implementation workshops for public agencies and other key actors from the industry;
• Prepared technical toolkits to help construction professionals comply with code requirements;
• Designed and established training programs for public agencies and construction industry professionals;
• Supported the IFDD in implementing a public awareness campaign on the use and potential benefits of the code;
• Supported the WAEMU in assessing, selecting and training regional test laboratories and provided technical assistance for the purchase of equipment for building materials testing.

  Once adopted, the regional EE Code model enabled a sustainable reduction in energy consumption and GHG emissions in the WAEMU building sector, thereby addressing the many energy supply issues of the region.