About the issue
Energy efficiency
The burning of fossil fuels is a major source of greenhouse gas
emissions, which in turn are a leading contributor to global
warming. Reducing energy consumption, and therefore the use of
fossil fuels, is key to tackling climate change. One of the
easiest and most effective ways for consumers to do this is through
energy efficiency.
Energy efficiency simply means using less energy to complete the
same tasks. In practical terms for consumers, this takes the form
of energy efficient goods and services. The combination of energy
efficient products and energy saving consumer behaviour has the
potential to significantly contribute to reducing global greenhouse
gas (GHG) emissions. It also provides the added bonus of lower
energy bills for consumers.
Of course, energy efficiency is one part of a bigger puzzle. It
is only concerned with the user phase of the product life cycle,
but production can also be energy intensive and disposal methods
are often harmful to the environment.
To increase the uptake of energy efficient products and
behaviour change, consumers must be empowered to make the right
choices. Key to this is access to clear, accurate and trustworthy
consumer information, robust and effective
energy efficiency standards and the right
financial incentives. As well as consumers themselves,
government and the private sector have their parts to play in
this.
Access to energy
While spiralling energy consumption and GHG emissions are of
real global concern, there are still almost two billion people
without access to formal energy services. Our
Energy Charter seeks to address both these issues, In many
developing countries only about two thirds of the population are
connected to electricity networks. In sub-Saharan Africa, coverage
is less than a quarter. Even where there is access to services,
such as countries of the Former Soviet Union, interruptions of
supply can be frequent and highly disruptive.
Where access to formal networks is not available, consumers
often rely on other fuel sources such as charcoal, wood or
kerosene. But foraging for wood can result in deforestation and
smoke inhalation is a serious health risk. Kerosene can cost up to
five times more than the equivalent electricity bill. Burning these
fuels still emits greenhouse gases and contributes to climate
change, as does deforestation.
Lack of access harms poor consumers and the environment. If the
world is to move forward to a fair and equitable low-carbon future,
we must strike the right balance between reducing GHG emissions and
extending coverage to all consumers. In short, all consumers need
sustainable access to sustainable energy.