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Energy efficiency
Improving energy efficiency is one of the most cost effective measures countries can take. Energy efficient technologies, such as lighting based on LEDs, use less energy while providing the same or better light output. Deploying such technologies can substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions Energy efficiency also provides other benefits such as economic development, job creation, reduction of pollution, improvement in human health, and alleviation of poverty. According to the IEA’s report, Capturing the Multiple Benefits of Energy Efficiency, 2013, the global economy could increase by $18 trillion by 2035 if we adopted energy efficiency as the “first choice” for new energy supplies, which would also achieve the emission reductions required to limit global warming to 2°C.
UN Environment Programme and energy efficiency
UNEP has a wide portfolio of energy efficiency activities covering transport, building, lighting, district energy and the appliance sectors. UNEP also integrates energy efficiency into its sustainable production and consumption activities. With its partners, UNEP continues to strengthen the business case for energy efficiency in developing and emerging economies, enabling them to reap economic and environmental benefits, including the alleviation of poverty.
UNEP also works with the Sustainable Energy for All Initiative’s (SEforALL) Global Energy Efficiency Accelerator Platform. The Platform was launched at the UN Secretary General’s Climate Summit 2014 to achieve the goal of doubling the global rate of energy efficiency improvement by 2030. The Accelerator Platform brings together countries, cities, private companies, international organisations and financial institutions to accelerate improvements in energy efficiency. UNEP co-leads four of SEforAll’s Energy Efficiency Accelerators through its projects on efficient lighting, appliances and equipment, transport, and district energy.