IEB Report

Chair of Energy Sustainability

Energy Efficiency and Climate Change

IEB Report 3/2019: Energy Efficiency and Climate Change

Climate change poses a serious threat to both current and future generations. The impact of global warming is already making itself manifest and a notable degree of consensus has been reached on the need to address this situation. However, to do so will require a new energy model that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions while still facilitating economic growth. Although several instruments are available that can help usher in this very necessary energy transition aimed at reducing emissions, energy efficiency is set to be one of the primary tools for tackling climate change and achieving a sustainable model. Indeed, the energy and environmental policy goals of the European Union place energy efficiency at the heart of its initiatives for achieving “a clean planet for all” (European Commission, 2018).