The Copenhagen Centre on Energy Efficiency (C2E2) provided detailed guidance on making energy efficiency an integrated part of global work on sustainable production and consumption. At a workshop on 8-9 September, C2E2 experts presented a study on the potential, benefits, opportunities, and concrete examples and practices of mainstreaming energy efficiency in the 10-year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Production and Consumption (10YFP). It is a UN action-oriented cornerstone initiative for transitioning the world towards sustainable development.
Since improving energy efficiency is the key to promoting sustainable consumption and production, 10YFP sought support from C2E2 to highlight strategies and options, and help integrate energy efficiency into its six programme areas: public procurement, tourism, buildings and constructions, food systems, lifestyle and education. C2E2 was also asked to assist 10YFP in informing consumers on making energy efficient choices.
During the two-day workshop, representatives of 10YFP’s programmes from around the world gathered at UN City in Copenhagen for lectures, seminars and discussion groups with experts from C2E2, UNEP’s Economy division, UNEP DTU as well as other energy efficiency specialists.
The workshop focused on Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) and the Sustainable Energy for All (SEforAll) initiative. In line with SDG7, which states that by 2030, universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services should be ensured, and SEforAll, which has the objective of doubling the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency and the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix, participants worked on eliciting programme-specific activities for an action plan on integrating energy efficiency in each 10YFP programme.
Workshop discussions were supported by a background paper authored by C2E2 experts assessing potential barriers, existing efforts, policy instruments and infrastructure needs related to integrating energy efficiency into 10YFP programme areas. Energy efficiency finance and international funding mechanisms were also addressed in seminars and group work. The workshop concluded with concrete action plans for each 10YFP programme that outlined energy efficiency integration and identified selected cooperation opportunities.