NEW YORK, NY — This morning, 197 global businesses sent a letter to the incoming COP31 Presidency of Australia and Türkiye, calling for the leaders of the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in November to elevate energy efficiency as a solution in the face of colliding economic, energy security, demand, and climate pressures.
The Alliance to Save Energy (ASE), Association of Energy Engineers (AEE), Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE), Efficiency Canada, and the European Alliance to Save Energy are leading this effort to bring together private sector voices from around the world, to seize the opportunity at the annual COP to demonstrate their commitment to invest in the people, projects, energy systems and technologies required to deploy demand-side energy efficiency solutions.
The letter outlines five strategic principles that will promote greater public-private sector action to spur momentum towards achieving the global goal of doubling the rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030; and that also connects energy efficiency’s contributions to new COP31 implementation goals around electrification, waste reduction, and energy intensity of buildings.
The call comes as the world remains off pace to meet the global energy efficiency goal governments agreed to in 2023 to double the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030. Using 2022 as a baseline, achieving that goal would require annual progress to average more than 4% through 2030. The International Renewable Energy Agency reports that global energy intensity improved by only around 1% in 2023 and 2024, meaning progress must accelerate substantially to reach the 2030 goal.
The organizations leading the effort emphasized the different ways energy efficiency can help address rising energy demand, affordability, reliability and competitiveness, while accelerating progress toward global climate goals.
“With COP31 on the horizon, we have a renewed opportunity to work together – across country borders and throughout the United States – to utilize energy efficiency and demand-side solutions to improve our ability to achieve our energy and decarbonization goals faster and more affordably,” said Lisa Jacobson, President of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy.
“Energy efficiency is foundational to a secure, affordable, and competitive energy future. By using energy more productively, we can reduce waste, meet growing demand more affordably, strengthen the reliability of our energy systems and expand opportunity in communities around the world. We have the tools to act now, and COP31 is an important opportunity to accelerate the partnerships and investment needed to put those solutions to work at scale.” said Paula Glover, President and CEO of the Alliance to Save Energy.
The coalition is also highlighting the role demand-side solutions can play as an important part of the response to changing energy system needs.
“Meeting rising electricity demand affordably will take more than building new supply,” said Corey Diamond, Executive Director of Efficiency Canada. “Energy efficiency can lower bills, reduce pressure on costly new infrastructure and free up capacity to electrify more of the economy. COP31 is an opportunity to accelerate progress toward the global goal of doubling energy efficiency.”
The coalition is also focused on the people and expertise needed to translate international commitments into implementation.
“Energy efficiency is ultimately driven by people, and AEE is committed to ensuring energy professionals have the knowledge, connections and opportunities to turn ambitious goals into meaningful action,” said Bill Kent, Executive Director of the Association of Energy Engineers.
Globally, organizers also see energy efficiency as increasingly important to economic competitiveness and energy security as electrification, artificial intelligence and data centers contribute to rising energy demand.
“At a time when global electricity demand is rising rapidly due to electrification, artificial intelligence and the growth of data centers, energy efficiency is no longer only a climate imperative. It is a competitiveness, affordability and energy security imperative. COP31 offers a unique opportunity to place energy efficiency at the heart of the global energy transition. By pairing ambitious energy efficiency measures with accelerated renewable-based electrification, countries can strengthen energy security, reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports, lower energy costs for citizens and industry, and enhance long-term economic competitiveness,” commented Mario Giordano, Global Head of Public & Government Affairs, Signify and Chairman, EU Alliance to Save Energy.
Signatories represent business interests from regions around the world, including Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and South America, and include large companies, small businesses and trade associations. Supporters span the energy efficiency value chain, including technology and equipment manufacturers, utilities, energy service companies, building and design firms, project developers, clean energy businesses, financial and professional services firms, and industry associations.
For participating businesses, the effort is also about turning global commitments into action.
“There is power in an international coalition of private investors, service providers, and organizations coming together to make the case for energy efficiency as a global priority,” offered Bob Hinkle, President and CEO of Metrus Energy. “This is not just about energy savings. Energy efficiency is the equipment and technology that critical infrastructure projects are built upon. It is the investment in cooling and heating upgrades and smart energy systems we increasingly need to run our schools, hospitals, and businesses. Energy efficiency boosts financial strength and is the ballast that our global energy system needs for stability, security, and growth.”
The International Energy Agency predicts that doubling the global rate of energy efficiency improvements will lower energy bills in advanced economies by one-third, create 4.5 million new jobs, and meet 40% of the emissions reductions required by the Paris Agreement.
This global coalition looks forward to bringing the power of energy efficiency—and the support of businesses around the world—to Antalya this November, helping turn global climate goals into practical action.
Click here to read the full letter.
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