Characteristics of the built environment in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East and related energy and climate policies

The Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East (EMME) region hosts some of the world’s most influential and troubled cities. It is also a hotspot of climate change and socio-economic and political turbulence, which inflate the already flammable conditions and reinforce existing local vulnerabilities. Some of the most arduous challenges of cities relate to the built environment – although vital for human well-being, buildings rarely offer both sufficient and affordable shelter to their inhabitants. With energy performance regulations coming into effect during the past three decades, a considerable proportion of the worldwide building stock had already been constructed and is now ageing and inefficient. Harmonising the energy performance of buildings at a sufficient level requires common objectives and priorities, and the EMME region consists of nations with different governance and regulations. Scarce literature exists on the existing operational frameworks, and this study aims to offer an overview of the built environment policy scene in the EMME region, identifying gaps, good practices and prospects. The study draws from scholarly literature, national and international regulations and other document sources, as well as local experts. This work finds that although most EMME countries participate in and embrace international agreements, they act individually and not collectively, confirming our hypothesis that the policy agenda reflects the diverse characteristics of the region. By recognising standing failings and strengths, moving forward becomes a possibility through the adoption of integrated governance, common policy agendas and financing mechanisms to create sustainable urban centres inhabited by resilient and equitable communities.