Energy efficiency policies and measures are increasingly recognised as the cornerstone of a sustainable energy system, and as such as key elements of countries’ efforts to meet their Kyoto Protocol Commitments.
But the time between now and 2008-2012: the first quantified emission limitation and reduction commitment period, is short considering the objectives and the lead-time required for markets to react to new policies and deliver the energy efficiency improvements, says the IEA. The resources available to the task are not unlimited, and policy makers will need to be selective about the policy instruments they use and monitor them closely in order to assure real progress towards the goals.
IEA’s latest Energy Efficiency Update (linked below) summarises recent international developments in energy efficiency policies and measures, and provides 24 detailed country reports for member countries.