12 Cities and States Selected to Accelerate Building Efficiency Across the Globe
New cities and states join UN Sustainable Energy for All program to double the rate of energy efficiency by 2030
Key points:
- 12 new cities joined the Building Efficiency Accelerator, which is now working in 23 communities worldwide
- The buildings sector accounts for about one-third of global energy use and energy-related GHG emissions
- Building efficiency policies can result in 25-50 percent reductions in energy demand from both new and existing buildings
- Better building efficiency can help alleviate many urban challenges – from climate change to public health, underemployment and energy insecurity
- The Building Efficiency Accelerator facilitates local collaboration and planning to improve buildings, lower energy costs and make people more comfortable and productive where they live and work
COPENHAGEN/WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 6, 2016) — Today, 12 new cities and states joined the Building Efficiency Accelerator (BEA) partnership, part of the UN Sustainable Energy for All’s (SEforALL) effort to double the rate of energy efficiency by 2030. Better building efficiency policies can result in 25-50 percent reductions in energy demand from both new and existing buildings, saving money and reducing pollution. The announcement was made at the Global Green Growth Forum (3GF) in Copenhagen.
The cities and municipalities have committed to accelerate one policy, implement one project, and track progress on reducing its emissions from buildings by 2030. Policy actions could include establishing or updating building codes or putting in place incentives for use of new technologies. Projects could include retrofitting existing buildings such as hospitals, schools or government buildings; achieving green building certification; or establishing baselines for energy used in city buildings.
There are now 23 cities and states participating in the BEA worldwide, showing a growing commitment to a greener, healthier and more productive future. Participating cities will gain access to a global network of over 30 businesses, governments and technical experts who specialize in building efficiency. The BEA facilitates local collaboration and planning to improve buildings, lower energy costs and make people more comfortable and productive where they live, work and play.
Six cities have also been selected to for “deep dive” consultations. Each will receive on-the-ground technical advisors to support a multi-stakeholder planning process and expand the city’s capacity to focus on building efficiency solutions. The advisor will work directly with city officials to help prioritize and implement local building efficiency policies and projects.
The buildings sector accounts for about one-third of global energy use and one-quarter of greenhouse gas emissions. Building efficiency is one of the most cost-effective ways a city can reduce its GHG emissions while benefitting the economy. For every $1 invested in efficiency, $2 are saved in new electricity generation and distribution costs. Better building efficiency can help alleviate many urban challenges – from climate change to air pollution and public health, and underemployment to energy poverty.
For more information on the Building Efficiency Accelerator visit http://www.buildingefficiencyinitiative.org/.
NEW CITIES AND STATES JOINING THE BEA:
- Belgrade, Serbia
- Bogotá, Colombia
- Coimbatore, India
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Eskişehir, Turkey
- Medellín, Colombia
- Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Rajkot, India
- Riga, Latvia
- Santa Rosa, Philippines
- Shimla, India
- Tshwane, South Africa
BUILDING EFFICIENCY ACCELERATOR DEEP “DIVES”
- Belgrade, Serbia
- Bogotá, Colombia
- Eskişehir, Turkey
- Rajkot, India
- Da Nang, Vietnam
- Mexico City, Mexico
QUOTES:
Jennifer Layke, Director, Building Efficiency Initiative, WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities, World Resources Institute
“I am delighted to announce that 12 more cities and states are prioritizing building efficiency as a way to unlock a better, more sustainable future. The Building Efficiency Accelerator partnership brings technical experts together with local governments to improve policies, deliver more efficient buildings and technologies, and transform cities. Energy efficient buildings create environmental, health and economic benefits.”
Sandrine Dixson-Declève, Chief Partnership Officer, Sustainable Energy for All
“These cities and states have shown a commitment toward a more efficient future that deserves to be applauded. Most of them are in countries we have identified as key to unlocking the energy transition and championing more efficient and productive ways of using energy. Reducing the energy use and demand of buildings is the most cost-effective way for cities to reach a low-carbon future - and Sustainable Energy for All stands ready to help them unlock the investment needed to go even further, faster.”
Geert Aagard Andersen, Ambassador and Head of 3GF Secretariat
"The Building Efficiency Accelerator is the kind of innovative collaboration we need to promote green growth both locally and globally. This global public-private partnership between government and the private sector builds more dynamic cities and sets the standard for the model of the 3GF Summit, which translates ambitious international climate and sustainable development goals into concrete actions in cities."
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Building Efficiency Accelerator
The Building Efficiency Accelerator (BEA) is a project of the UN Sustainable Energy for All Initiative. As one of six Accelerators, the BEA’s public-private collaboration approach helps sub-national governments speed adoption of best-practice building policies and projects. The BEA’s global network of over 30 businesses, NGOs and international organizations provides tools, expertise, technical capabilities and support to cities seeking to accelerate and transform markets to deliver energy efficiency benefits to their citizens. http://www.buildingefficiencyinitiative.org/
World Resources Institute
WRI is a global research organization that spans more than 50 countries, with offices in the United States, China, India, Brazil, and more. Our more than 550 experts and staff work closely with leaders to turn big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity and human well-being. www.wri.org
Photo Credit: Mariana Gil/WRI Brasil
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