The energy sector is the second-largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Cambodia, with the building sector alone responsible for around 52 per cent of total energy consumption. This heavy energy use poses growing challenges to national climate targets, energy security, and the affordability of services for households and businesses.
While Cambodia has made important policy strides, a range of behavioural, regulatory, and market barriers continue to slow progress. Many buildings lack enforceable efficiency standards, and private sector investments in energy-efficient technologies remain limited due to risks and upfront costs.
To address these gaps, the Royal Government of Cambodia has launched a new joint programme, “Accelerating Energy Efficiency in Cambodia’s Building Sector,” with support from the United Nations Joint SDG Fund. The programme is led by the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Cambodia, and implemented by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF).
Energy Ministry Undersecretary of State Chhe Lidin (left) and UNDP Resident Representative Alissar Chaker, during the April 28 launch of the new programme. Photo: UNDP Cambodia
Through this initiative, the country is advancing the development of a national Building Energy Code, supporting the creation of Building Technical Regulations, ensuring policy alignment with long-term sustainability goals, and facilitating the empanelment and rating of Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) to enhance market standards. The programme also supports the government’s endorsement of a sub-decree on Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), and ongoing work to introduce energy efficiency labelling for key appliances such as air conditioners and refrigerators.
“Energy efficiency is at the centre of our efforts at the Ministry,” said Chhe Lidin, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Mines and Energy. “It is the most cost-effective tool for achieving increased energy security, reducing costs, and creating a cleaner environment in line with our NEEP 2022–2040.”
Alissar Chaker, UNDP Resident Representative, highlighted the relevance of this work to Cambodia’s long-term climate targets. “The UNDP has been supporting the Royal Government to accelerate a just energy transition in line with the Long-Term Strategy for Carbon Neutrality and its 2050 target,” she said. “Energy efficiency is low-hanging fruit—an essential lever for reducing emissions and cutting costs.”
Maria Perdomo, UNCDF Regional Investment Team Lead for Asia and the Pacific, emphasized the role of finance in scaling up impact. “Unlocking private capital for energy efficiency is vital to Cambodia’s inclusive and sustainable development,” she noted. “Through this joint programme, UNCDF is helping de-risk investments and catalyse market activity in areas often overlooked by traditional finance.”
Officially launched on 28 April 2025, the programme is closely aligned with Cambodia’s National Energy Efficiency Policy 2022–2030. By tackling systemic barriers and enabling green finance, it supports Cambodia’s path toward a more sustainable, secure, and climate-resilient future.
Originally published by The Phnom Penh Post
Note:
All joint programmes of the Joint SDG Fund are led by UN Resident Coordinators and implemented by the agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations development system. With sincere appreciation for the contributions from the European Union and Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and our private sector funding partners, for a transformative movement towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.
