Energy Efficiency Progress Is Still Too Slow

The IEA reported preliminary global energy-efficiency progress of 1.8% in 2025, up from about 1% in 2024, and recorded more than 250 new or updated policies in countries representing 85% of global energy demand.[12]

Analysis

The improvement is important, but an economy-wide rate is not a building-performance target. Individual portfolios need local baselines and operational action.

Osmos Global analysis: FM and CRE teams should connect policy ambition to schedules, controls, maintenance, procurement and capital planning. For hybrid offices, energy should also be examined against occupied hours so low attendance does not disguise poor operational response.

Leadership implications

For portfolio leaders, policy direction raises the cost of delay even when local regulation is uneven. For FM teams, verified operational improvement can create near-term value. For finance, measurement quality is necessary to distinguish real savings from changes in weather or occupancy.

Decision lens

Recommended action. Create a building-level efficiency pathway with verified meters, operational measures, capital gates and accountable savings.