A new UN initiative to effect a worldwide shift to energy efficient appliances and equipment could save $350bn a year and slash emissions by 1.25 billion tonnes.
The newly launched Efficient Appliances and Equipment Partnership is intended to promote the role of more efficient lighting, air conditioners, refrigerators, electric motors, ceiling fans, and distribution transformers, which could reduce global electricity consumption by 10 per cent if adopted across the planet.
Unveiled by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) yesterday, the public-private partnership also includes manufacturers, utilities, NGOs, and intergovernmental organisations, including the United Nations Development Programme, the International Copper Association, and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).
It aims to provide tailored assistance to governments for the development and implementation of national and regional strategies that facilitate the permanent transition to energy-efficient products.
Achim Steiner, UN Under-Secretary-General and UNEP Executive Director, said the launch is a step forward towards a “greener energy path” across the world.
“The shift to energy efficiency has become an imperative in today’s world where the demand for energy continues to grow. The current fossil fuel-heavy energy system challenges global climate change mitigation efforts,” he added. “Fortunately, energy-efficient technologies, the know-how and policy frameworks required to reduce CO2 emission levels to a level consistent with the 2°C target are available and ready for deployment. This new partnership will help implement and accelerate this process.”
The partnership builds on UNEP’s successful en.lighten initiative, a public-private partnership that counts ten countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, and 65 countries globally, as partners committed to phasing out inefficient incandescent lamps by the end of 2016.
Read more: Business Green