UNEP's work's with a variety of partners to improve energy efficiency and strengthen the business case for energy efficiency, including at the city level.
Energy efficiency, the game changer
Improving energy efficiency is one of the most cost-effective measures that countries can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Energy efficient technologies and designs use less energy while providing the same or a better output.
Energy efficiency interventions provide economic development benefits and are particularly relevant in periods of economic crisis. According to UNEP and United for Efficiency (U4E), energy efficiency in electrical products, such as lighting, appliances and equipment, can save consumers and businesses US$ 130 billion annually by 2040 through reduced electricity bills in developing and emerging economies. Yet, while climate and economic benefits of energy efficiency are widely recognized, efficiency improvements have been slowing down.
If the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are to be met, the annual energy efficiency rate must be doubled by 2030. This was recognized at COP28, as countries signed the Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge, which committed them to work together in order to double the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements to more than 4 per cent every year until 2030, and put energy efficiency at the centre of policymaking, planning, and major investment decisions.
UNEP and Energy Efficiency
To help accelerate the deployment of energy efficiency, UNEP focuses on a wide range of activities covering the buildings, lighting, district energy and industry sectors. UNEP also integrates energy efficiency into its sustainable production and consumption activities. UNEP continues to strengthen the business case for energy efficiency in developing and emerging economies, showcasing its economic and environmental benefits, including the alleviation of poverty.
UNEP also promotes energy efficiency by driving the financial community’s investment in low-carbon development and sustainable energy. Through a range of projects, UNEP engages with governments, private sector and financial institutions to leverage private sector financing and provide turnkey and cost-efficient solutions that accelerate the transition to a more sustainable world and support governments in achieving their national low-carbon development ambitions.
