Foreword

The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2014-2024 as the International Decade of Sustainable Energy for All, underscoring the importance of energy issues for sustainable development and for the elaboration of the post-2015 development agenda. One of the three objectives of the Sustainable Energy for All initiative of the UN Secretary-General is doubling the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency by 2030. Investing in energy efficiency creates jobs, fosters economic growth and improves energy security for countries that lack domestic fossil fuel resources. Improving energy efficiency is the famous low-hanging fruit that is easy to do and pays for itself. Of the three objectives of Sustainable Energy for All, improving energy efficiency has the clearest impact on saving money, improving business results, and delivering more services for consumers. However it is not happening to the desired extent because of the way markets are designed and structured, low-tariff policies, subsidies, lack of information, and lack of investment capital by end-users.

Related Subject(s): Natural Resources Water and Energy