Understanding the barriers to, and enablers for, energy
efficiency requires targeted information and analysis. This
report is a summary of four detailed studies providing new
insights on how to promote efficiency in selected priority
areas. It complements initiatives such as the so-called energy
efficiency accelerators, which seek to increase the uptake
of selected technologies, as well as the work of many other
institutions committed to improving energy efficiency. The modelling estimates and the case studies
presented in this report illustrate that, while
significant progress has already been achieved,
the case for accelerating energy efficiency
action is strong. Key highlights include:

• At the global level, energy efficiency
improvements would account for between
2.6 and 3.3 Gt CO2e of the reductions
in 2030, equivalent to between 23 and
26 percent of the overall reductions achieved
in a scenario where the price of carbon
dioxide equivalents was USD 70 per tonne.

• In absolute terms, the energy supply and
industry sectors show the highest reductions
in greenhouse gas emissions attributable to
energy efficiency. In relative terms, it is the
transport sector that shows the highest levels
of emission reductions.

• The three mitigation scenarios considered
suggest that the higher the carbon price, the
greater the energy savings, and the larger the
economic growth and employment benefits.

• While G20 countries account for about
90 percent of total emission reductions in
the three mitigation scenarios, all countries
can gain considerable benefits from
improving the way they transform, distribute
and use energy.
Survey results from the case studies in this
report highlight the types of benefits that
energy efficiency programmes can deliver,
from mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions
and increased energy access, to reduced public
sector spending and improvements in human
health and well-being, among others.