Energy Efficiency for the Transition to Carbon Neutral Cities in Colombia Contribute to a reduction of CO2 emissions by increasing energy efficiency in the construction sector in Barranquilla, Cali, and Pasto through the development of actions that involve the different stages of the life cycle of buildings and interventions in public space. Note: Disbursement data provided is cumulative and covers disbursement made by the project Agency. The primary benefit of the project will be a reduction of CO2 emissions by increasing energy efficiency and water use in the construction sector in three cities of Colombia through interventions at the different stages of the life cycle of buildings and in public space, in addition to transport electrification. The capacity of local institutions will be strengthened with technical, normative, and methodological tools to implement strategies for the decarbonization and enhanced energy efficiency in buildings and public spaces, through the development and adoption of a national standard for energy efficient buildings, the institutionalization of monitoring, reporting, and verification mechanisms, the implementation of buildings and public space decarbonization plans, and capacity building in energy efficient construction to the entire construction value chain in the country (manufacturers, suppliers, operators, builders, developers, designers and consultants). The overall governance framework for energy efficient buildings and public spaces will be revamped to create the enabling environment with guidelines that contain comprehensive sustainability parameters for the entire life cycle of buildings and public spaces that allow for meeting the challenges of efficiency and reducing impacts on the environment, by optimizing processes while promoting the carbon neutrality of the country. GHG emissions will be reduced, and energy efficiency will be improved associated with buildings and public spaces in the project intervention areas, through the design and implementation of pilot projects to demonstrate energy efficient buildings and sustainable energy intervention models in public spaces. Incentives will lead to construction of buildings and public space adopting energy efficiency criteria as part of overall sustainable construction, and knowledge, skills, and capacities for energy-efficient construction at the local level will be strengthened.Project interventions will bring about energy savings, increased productivity, reduced material and energy losses, and reduced CO2 emissions, estimated at 1,541,374 metric tons of CO2e. From the socio-economic perspective, this public project (public buildings and public spaces) will result in direct benefits to the general populace of the three targeted cities with a total of 1,820,620 men and 2,043,008 women.        Additionally, as the project considers different stages of building life cycle and public spaces, the sustainable criteria proposed for the interventions and policies enhances the ability of these urban environments to adapt to and withstand the challenges posed by climate change. It includes topics such as bioclimatic designs, passive construction techniques, and Naturae-Based Solutions. The project also includes the elaboration of Climate Micro-Zoning Studies, Climate-Responsive Construction Manuals and action plans that incorporate materials resilient to climate impacts and integrating designs that consider local climate challenges. Additionally, the project plays a crucial role in fostering community resilience by promoting awareness and education on climate-related risks. It encourages community involvement in the development of sustainable practices, empowering residents to actively contribute to climate resilience efforts.