Overview of current energy policy and standards in the building sector in Iran

The enormous growth in urbanisation worldwide, particularly in developing countries, has negatively affected the local, regional and global environment. It will have a profound impact upon world demand for energy, if this trend continues. It should be noted that the major source of energy use in Iran is fossil fuel, which inevitably leads to exhaustion of energy supplies as well as environmental problems (notably air pollution and greenhouse gas emission). According to the energy balance 2008, the Iranian building sector accounts for about 42% of total energy use. This huge amount of energy consumption has pointed out the need for more restricted energy efficiency policies to address a substantial reduction of CO 2 emission in the building sector and consequently ensuring climate security for future generations.