Energy Efficiency for Social Infrastructure
A Toolbox for Public Development Banks
Completed: February 2025
Written by: Amandine Gal, Stéphanie Nour, Krystian Feucht, and Marko Markov (Econoler)
Graphic Design: Agata Smok
Publisher: Finance in Common
A practical guide for sustainable infrastructure
Public development banks (PDBs) play a crucial role in shaping the future of social infrastructure—schools, hospitals, social housing, and municipal buildings. This toolbox provides a structured approach to integrating energy efficiency (EE) into these projects, helping decision-makers and operational teams align their investments with global sustainability goals.
A design that transforms complexity into clarity
Designing this publication was an opportunity to bring clarity to a technical subject. The challenge was to balance comprehensive content—nine strategic tools, case studies, and technical insights—with an accessible and visually engaging layout. The result is a resource that is both informative and practical, guiding users through the project lifecycle with intuitive navigation and clear visual hierarchy.
A collaborative effort for impact
This publication is the result of a partnership between Finance in Common, the Partnership for Energy Efficiency in Buildings (PEEB), and the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC). Co-funded by institutions such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), it is designed as a living document—one that evolves with the latest best practices and innovations in energy-efficient social infrastructure.
Proud to have played a role in shaping this publication, which was launched at Finance in Common – The Summit of Solutions (February 26-28, 2025, Cape Town).
Mariana Lima Maia, Climate, Gender and Communications in the Built Environment, Programme for Energy Efficiency in Buildings
“Agata, the toolkit looks lovely. Really a joy to see, congratulations for your work.”
How was this Toolkit designed?
When Amandine Gal from Econoler reached out, I knew right away—this was a project I wanted to be part of. Amandine, with her deep expertise in energy efficiency and renewable energy, has spent over 15 years working across 50 countries, bridging global strategy with local action. When someone like her invites you into a project, you listen. And then you dive in.
This wasn’t just about designing another report. It was about making something that would be used—really used—by decision-makers in public development banks (PDBs) worldwide. Something that wouldn’t just sit on a shelf but would guide real change in how schools, hospitals, and social housing are built and financed.
The Energy Efficiency for Social Infrastructure Toolbox had to be practical, clear, and structured in a way that made sense, whether someone read it cover to cover or flipped straight to the section they needed.
The content was already rich—breaking down institutional commitments, financial tools, project assessments, and case studies from around the world. The challenge? Designing it in a way that made navigating that wealth of knowledge feel seamless, inviting, and—dare I say—engaging.
A design for action
A report like this could easily become dense and overwhelming, but clarity was the goal. The structure came first:
📌 A roadmap – From understanding the role of PDBs in financing energy-efficient infrastructure to practical tools that guide project implementation step by step.
📌 A modular approach – Nine essential tools, each fitting into different stages of a project lifecycle, making it easy to find what’s relevant.
📌 Real-world impact – Case studies from Latin America to the Balkans, showcasing solutions already in motion. A reminder that this isn’t theory—it’s practice.
Visually, the design had to support this usability. Clean typography. A logical flow of information. Strategic use of color and icons to distinguish sections, making it effortless to skim, stop, and absorb. Each element was intentional, ensuring that the reader—whether a newcomer or a seasoned expert—could engage without friction.
A collaborative effort for a sustainable future
Like the projects inside it, this toolbox wasn’t created in isolation. It’s the result of a collective effort—from the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC) to the Finance in Common Summit Coalition for Social Investment and 15 development banks. A resource designed not just to inform but to empower action.
And now, with its launch at #FiCS2025 in Cape Town, this toolkit is officially out in the world. A practical guide, a roadmap, a tool for change—helping PDBs turn climate commitments into action, one energy-efficient building at a time.
I’m honored to have played a role in bringing it to life.
Amandine Gal, Sustainable Energy Principal Advisor and Team Supervisor