Energy Efficiency in Buildings Course Strengthens Technical Capacities in Latin America

Energy efficiency in buildings is a key pillar for advancing the energy transition and meeting long-term climate goals. In this context, from 24 to 28 November 2025, the Energy Efficiency in Buildings Course was held in Berlin, a technical seminar aimed at representatives from the public and private sectors of Mexico, Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay.

The course combined theoretical sessions, practical workshops, dialogue panels, and technical visits. Over the course of five days, participants deepened their understanding of topics such as the European and German regulatory framework for energy efficiency, certification systems, evaluation of building energy performance, energy renovation, modelling using Passivhaus standards, energy audits, green financing, and circular economy approaches applied to the built environment.

One of the most notable elements of the programme was the technical visits to buildings in Berlin, where real energy efficiency solutions implemented in different types of buildings were presented, allowing for a practical approach to technologies, materials, and design and renovation strategies. In addition, on Wednesday, 26 November, a networking meeting with German companies in the energy efficiency sector was held, organised by GIZ and the Export Initiative Energie, facilitating direct exchange between participants and key industry stakeholders.

The Mexican delegation consisted of four participants from the public and private sectors. The participation of representatives from the National Commission for the Efficient Use of Energy (CONUEE) was made possible thanks to the collaboration between the Mexican-German Energy Partnership and the PEEB Cool project, which provided support to facilitate their attendance.

The course concluded with an integrative workshop and the definition of lines of action aimed at knowledge transfer and the adaptation of the lessons learned to the Latin American context. Through initiatives such as this, cooperation between Mexico and Germany continues to promote the development of more efficient and sustainable buildings aligned with climate change mitigation and adaptation goals.