Industries are responsible for 23% of global emissions. Their focus is on core business, not on energy efficiency. While their emissions are to some extent increasingly being regulated, there are no limits to their energy consumption. Indeed, historically, their energy demand has been regarded as a sign of progress and development. Such energy extravagance puts strain on energy systems, require upscaling of energy infrastructure and ultimately raises prices on energy. Models exist and are being applied for industrial energy efficiency, but far from sufficient at scale.
UNEP promotes energy efficiency through two mutually supporting avenues. Work on the implementation of Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) is on-going in East Africa, where UNEP-U4E is collaborating with the East African Centre of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Efficiency (EACREEE) to develop a policy framework for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly refrigerators and air conditioners, with an ultimate goal of implementing Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and labelling for both products. The MEPS are being developed in consultation with the EAC Member States and EACREEE. To date, a regional market assessment has been conducted, technical notes have been developed, and draft MEPS and labels have been developed.
Globally, UNEP supports Energy Service Companies for industrial energy efficiency through its Global ESCO Network. Industries need an ‘off-the-shelf’ implementation model that does not put any strain on their dedication of finance to core business. Energy-as-a-service concepts, energy performance contracting and other solutions provided by Energy Service Companies are the most efficient way forward, tried and tested globally and on the rise. But a decisive acceleration requires the cooperation of regulators and financiers alike.
This event demonstrates ‘how-to’ and answers ‘who’ will make this happen.
The event will also announce the new partnership (MoU) between UNEP and ASEAN Centre for Energy for the promotion of ESCOs in ASEAN.
Speakers:
Steven Kukoda, International Copper Alliance, Vice President/Executive Director, USA
Pierre Langlois, Econoler, President, Canada
Gabriela Prata Dias, UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre, head of Section, Denmark
Søren Lutken, UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre, Senior Economist, Denmark
Justyn Akumu, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development Uganda, Energy Officer, Uganda
Ruth Zygman Do Coutto, OIC, Head of branch, UNEP, France
