This report, developed by the World Bank's Global Indicators Group, provides a comprehensive analysis of building energy codes (BECs) across 88 countries, highlighting their critical role in driving energy efficiency and sustainable development. With buildings accounting for 37 percent of global CO2 emissions, the adoption and enforcement of BECs are essential to achieving climate goals under the Paris Agreement. The study examines the evolution of BECs from simple prescriptive requirements to sophisticated performance-based standards, emphasizing their potential to reduce energy consumption, improve resilience, and generate economic benefits. Key findings reveal significant disparities in BEC adoption and enforcement, with high-income countries demonstrating near-universal implementation while rapidly urbanizing regions in Africa and South Asia lag behind. The report underscores the importance of passive design strategies, such as thermal transmittance standards for building envelopes, and highlights critical gaps in retrofitting existing buildings and phasing out fossil fuel heating systems. Recommendations focus on tailored implementation strategies, enhanced enforcement mechanisms, and leveraging financial incentives to bridge the gap between policy and practice. By providing actionable insights, this report aims to catalyze global efforts toward energy-efficient and climate-resilient buildings, ensuring that construction decisions made today contribute to long-term sustainability.