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Best Practices for Nations: Leading Countries’ Efforts to Reduce Emissions through Energy Efficiency Policies and Practices
Panel: 3. Policy, finance and governance
This is a peer-reviewed paper.
Author:
Sagarika Subramanian, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, USA
Abstract
Many countries have made commitments or set targets to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to the urgency of climate change. Energy efficiency plays a key role in meeting countries’ climate goals to reduce overall GHG emissions while also lowering overall energy consumption. Countries that promote investment in energy efficiency and implement supporting policies also reduce air pollution, create jobs, and save money for residents. Analysis from the International Energy Agency shows that energy efficiency has the potential to supply almost half of the necessary GHG reductions to carry out the Paris Agreement’s goals by 2040. However, many nations still have a long way to go to decarbonize and incorporate energy efficiency practices into their economies. This paper compares efficiency policies and performance of the top 25 largest energy users in the world, drawing on the findings of ACEEE’s 2022 International Energy Efficiency Scorecard. We find that some countries are making significantly more progress than others.
Although European countries often fare well due to compliance with robust European Union (EU) legislation on energy efficiency, countries still have much to learn from one another. This paper examines the policies, practices, and performance in leading EU and non-EU countries to provide lessons learned for nations trying to achieve ambitious climate goals. In particular, this paper identifies best practices and initiatives within the buildings, industry, and transportation sector as well as national commitments to energy efficiency.
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Panels of
1. Dynamics of consumption: less is more?
2. Efficiency and beyond: innovative energy demand policies
3. Policy, finance and governance
4. Monitoring and evaluation for a wise, just and inclusive transition
5. Towards sustainable and resilient communities
6. Energy-efficient and low-carbon mobility for all
7. Policies and programmes for better buildings
8. Innovations in products, systems and building technologies