Abstract
<jats:p>Measures to increase the level of energy efficiency in the modern world are one of the areas of investment in the future, which allow achieving harmony between progress and nature, laying the foundation for a comfortable life for both current and future generations. The article is devoted to the study of the evolution of the concept of energy efficiency and the features of its application in construction. It is established that energy efficiency in the context of ensuring sustainable development acquires special importance, given its focus on reducing energy consumption, unproductive energy losses, reducing emissions of harmful substances and easing pressure on the energy system. The need to systematize and generalize the results of scientific research in the field of energy efficiency is substantiated in order to clarify the stages of evolution of this concept, identify differences between the key terms of this concept – the concepts of "energy efficiency" and "saving of energy". The study was based on the use of the monographic method, critical and comparative analysis, methods of systematization and logical generalization. It is established that the concept of energy efficiency was formed as a result of a long evolutionary process of transition from an understanding of the need for economical use of energy resources to a more comprehensive approach to determining priorities in the field of energy and energy consumption. For each stage, its features in the field of energy efficiency and priorities in energy are determined. It is established that the current stage of the evolution of the concept of energy efficiency is associated with the introduction of innovative (in particular, digital) technologies in the field of energy and energy consumption, the spread of renewable energy with the aim of gradually abandoning fossil fuels in favor of alternative energy sources. Taking into account the interconnectedness of the concepts of energy efficiency and energy saving, an attempt is made to identify the differences between these concepts in the general economic context and in the context of construction activities.</jats:p>