Indonesia is building fast. With urban growth at 5–6% each year, the country is seeing a boom in construction. But with that growth, also comes rising energy use. For example, in 2021 buildings made up 23% of Indonesia’s total energy consumption. By 2030, that number could reach 40%. This trend isn’t just about power bills. It’s about climate. The building sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. That’s why Indonesia’s plan to cut emissions by 41% by 2030 puts Indonesia Energy-Efficient Construction in the spotlight. Let’s dive deeper into this topic below!
Why Indonesia Energy-Efficient Construction Matters
Energy-efficient buildings use less electricity and release fewer emissions. This isn’t just good for the planet—it also saves money. One proven solution is efficient cooling. For a country with a tropical climate, this is key. Upgrading to better chillers and ventilation systems can cut energy use in buildings by up to 60%.
The savings don’t stop there. Indonesia’s push to implement Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for lighting and air conditioning could save the country IDR 1.9 trillion—or about USD 121 million—every year. By 2030, this could reduce emissions by nearly 84 million tons of CO2.
Green Homes, Greener Cities
The Green Affordable Housing Program is another step forward. The goal: build or retrofit one million green homes by 2030. This effort alone could cut emissions by up to 36 million tons of CO2. It also gives families better living conditions and lower energy costs.
Urban planning is equally critical. Cities like Jakarta and Surabaya are adopting transit-oriented development (TOD) principles, which reduce reliance on private vehicles and lower energy demand. For instance, BSD City in Tangerang integrates district cooling systems and pedestrian-friendly designs, serving as a model for net-zero urban development by 2050.
Read Also: Greener Cities Start with Energy-Efficient Building Designs
Indonesia Energy-Efficient Construction: Technology That Makes a Difference
Cooling and lighting aren’t the only areas for improvement. Smart design can reduce energy use across the board. This includes better insulation, natural ventilation, and smart lighting systems.
Solar energy is becoming more accessible, too. Installing solar panels on rooftops can provide a clean source of electricity and ease pressure on the national grid.
Indonesia is expected to see 550 million air conditioning units sold between 2022 and 2060. If most of these are high-efficiency units, the country can keep energy use and emissions in check even as comfort needs rise.
Setting Standards, Raising the Bar
Green building certifications are gaining momentum, with LEED Gold-certified projects like Pacific Place Jakarta and BREEAM-rated complexes setting benchmarks. These standards incentivize developers to adopt low-emission materials, water recycling systems, and AI-driven energy management. For instance, the Sequis Tower achieved LEED Platinum by using smart glass windows that adjust transparency to optimize natural light while reducing heat gain.
Read Also: Malaysia Energy-Efficient Buildings & the Smart Designs for Growth
The Way Forward: Indonesia Energy-Efficient Construction
Indonesia Energy-Efficient Construction isn’t just a policy trend—it’s a necessity. With energy use rising fast, now is the time to invest in smart building designs, enforce efficiency standards, and support green housing programs. The payoff is clear: lower costs, healthier cities, and a real chance to meet national climate goals.
