SCP Clearinghouse – Energy Efficiency

Improving energy efficiency is one of the quickest, greenest, and most cost-effective ways to address energy security and climate change while ensuring sustainable economic growth.  All countries share common interests in improving their energy efficiency performance and there is abundant potential for local action and international cooperation among them. 
The challenge is great, both for developed and developing countries. During 1990 – 2007, world GDP rose by 156% whilst global primary energy demand grew by only 39%: increased energy efficiency contributed to this improvement. The residential, transport and industrial sectors represent 75% of the global energy consumption, with the manufacturing industry accounting for 31% of the global use. As the world population is expected to exceed 9 billion by 2050, with an additional 2 billion new consumers in emerging economies by the same year, worldwide energy consumption is expected to increase. Globally, energy intensity dropped by 1.3% over the period 1990-2010, but would need to go down an additional 2.6% by 2030 to meet the energy efficiency goal of the Sustainable Energy for All initiative.
What is Energy Efficiency? 
Something is more energy efficient if it delivers more services for the same energy input, or the same services for less energy input. Energy efficiency covers the entire life cycle of the goods and services we produce and consume. The sectors that offer the highest potential gains are:
Buildings: the building envelope can be energy efficient. Smart cities and low-carbon zones rely on energy-efficient buildings. 
Appliances and Equipment: design and use of electric and electronic appliances as well as end-use applications, such as lighting. The appliances influence the energy efficiency performance of infrastructures – including buildings – and can support behavioural change on a daily basis. 
Industry sector: energy saving potential comes from equipment and energy management systems and standards. 
Transportation: energy efficiency is affected by fuel choice, vehicle design and modal shift. In addition, effective city and transportation planning design can improve energy efficiency policies and choices.