Improving the efficiency of every day products such as fridges, lights, and air-conditioners and the electric motors that drive them, is a critical solution in urgent efforts to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. In addition to saving energy and emissions, product efficiency also brings multiple benefits for governments, businesses and consumers in reduced energy bills, improved air quality, enhanced real estate value, energy security and avoided energy supply costs.
Product energy efficiency policy can unlock these multiple benefits. For example, EU product policy has reduced product energy demand by 15% below business-as-usual levels, resulting in net consumer financial savings of EUR 63 billion and EUR 66 billion in extra revenue for businesses. However, the average efficiency of products sold is still low for most products. For example, the average efficiency of air conditioners sold in major markets today is less than half of what is typically available on the shelves – and one third of best available technology. This presents a huge opportunity for governments, businesses, investors and public authorities across the world. As we march ahead to COP26 in Glasgow in November 2021, collectively we can raise efficiency standards to new highs with commitments for policies, investments and products.
As part of the COP26 Energy Transition Campaign, the UK and IEA are developing a Product Efficiency Call to Action, and together with partners The Climate Group, UNEP, The Kigali Cooling Efficiency Program, the Cool Coalition and the Cop26 High Level Champions, invited you to this webinar to hear new announcements from champion governments, businesses and financiers, philanthropy and international organizations. The webinar marked an important step forward in global efforts to increase product efficiency.