UNEP launch energy efficiency project to cut emissions by 1.25bn tonnes

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) unveiled a new initiative on Tuesday to promote a global shift to energy efficient appliances and equipment in a bid to cut emissions by 1.25 billion tonnes.

The newly launched Efficient Appliances and Equipment Partnership could save US$350 billion a year and is intended to encourage the uptake of more efficient lighting, air conditioning systems, refrigerators, electric vehicles, ceiling fans, and distribution transformers.

The initiative could reduce electricity consumption by 10 per cent worldwide and the public-private partnership includes the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) as well as manufacturers, utilities, NGOs, and intergovernmental organisations.

The partnership will provide tailored assistance to governments for the development and implementation of national and regional strategies that facilitate the transition to energy-efficient products.

Achim Steiner, Under-Secretary-General of the UN and Executive Director of UNEP, said: "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 initiative follows the success of UNEP's en.lighten project which brings 65 countries together committed to phasing out inefficient incandescent lamps by the end of 2016.