ECO is excited to drop some knowledge to help Parties better understand a critical way to increase energy efficiency. Increasing efficiency of the appliances’ sector, which is responsible for nearly 40 per cent of all energy-related emissions, will contribute significantly towards achieving the global target of doubling energy-efficiency by 2030 put forth in this COP.
The recent report by international non-profit CLASP, Net Zero Heroes, provides pathways to rapidly achieve this target. It highlights 10 specific appliances for action: LED lighting, air conditioners, comfort fans, refrigerator-freezers, electric motors, electric cooking equipment, televisions and solar water pumps, and heat pump space heating and water heaters. These actions have the potential to cut 9.2 Gt of CO2 emissions by 2050. By prioritising them, governments can realise vital adaptation and resilience benefits and improve the lives of millions.
Emissions from appliances are projected to overshoot the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) net zero mitigation target by at least 9 Gt of CO2 emissions in 2050. Simultaneously, appliances are not on track to benefit the billions of people who need them.
Energy efficiency provides a low-cost, straightforward solution for both challenges. By taking advantage of time-tested, easy-to-implement policy levers such as minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) and energy labeling, governments can rapidly supercharge appliance energy efficiency. They will drive down emissions while making appliances more affordable and accessible.
Recommendations have been laid out for each appliance, providing the means for policymakers to take prompt action and realise a massive return on investment with meaningful co-benefits.
Energy efficiency is the lowest hanging fruit for climate mitigation. With provision of adequate finance and support, governments have the tools they need – it is high time to translate these recommendations into reality and become Net Zero Heroes.