About U4E

Driving Market Transformation for Energy-Efficient and Climate-Friendly Solutions

United for Efficiency (U4E) is a global initiative led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) that supports countries in transforming markets for energy-efficient and climate-friendly appliances, equipment, and electricity end-use systems.

Since 2009, U4E has worked with governments, regional institutions, industry, and development partners to accelerate the adoption of high-performing technologies that reduce energy demand, lower costs, and cut emissions. By focusing on both policy and market transformation, U4E helps countries deliver affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy services that support economic development and social well-being.

Energy efficiency is a cornerstone of U4E’s work. By using less energy to deliver the same or better services, efficiency improvements expand access to modern energy services, reduce pressure on power systems, and generate environmental, health, and economic benefits.

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Noteworthy details about the organization

Global Reach, Local Impact

United for Efficiency has supported market transformation for energy-efficient and climate-friendly solutions in over 70 countries, with a strong focus on developing and emerging economies. U4E targets equipment and systems that account for a large and growing share of global electricity demand, where efficiency gains can deliver the greatest impact.

Policies That Transform Markets

Through regional harmonisation initiatives and national market transformation projects, U4E helps countries strengthen policies, raise minimum performance levels, and create predictable markets for high-performing technologies. This work delivers tangible benefits — including lower energy costs, reduced emissions, improved energy security, and better access to essential services such as cooling, lighting, and refrigeration.

Built to Last Beyond Projects

By strengthening local capacity and institutions, U4E ensures that these benefits continue well beyond individual projects, supporting long-term, sustainable development outcomes.

Integrated Policy Approach

Standard & Regulations

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Standard & Regulations
Standards specify energy efficiency and other requirements for a product to be sold in the market. Minimum energy performance standards (MEPS), testing standards and definitions should reference international best practices. Mandatory standards are essential to market transformation.

Supporting Materials

Supporting Policies

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Supporting Policies
Labelling and outreach support standards by ensuring that requirements are clearly and consistently conveyed. Labels affixed to products help purchasers understand performance and other attributes so they can make informed decisions. Outreach efforts raise awareness of the benefits and activities associated with market transformation activities.

Supporting Materials

Finance and Financial Delivery Mechanisms

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Finance and Financial Delivery Mechanisms
Financial mechanisms support consumers to offset the higher purchase price of efficient products. Governments may utilise existing budgets or outside sources (e.g. fees, donors), while consumers may tap grants or financing options (e.g. loans, leases, utility bill assessments) to cover the incremental cost.

Supporting Materials

Monitoring, Verification and Enforcement

A circular diagram titled U4E Integrated Policy Approach highlights Monitoring, Verification and Enforcement in green, with four other sections: Environmentally Sound Management and Health, Standards & Regulations, Supporting Policies, and Finance.

Monitoring, Verification and Enforcement
Monitoring, verification and enforcement (MVE) involves overseeing products sold in the market, verifying compliance with standards and labels (e.g. by testing the products), enforcing these requirements, and reporting on the results so that consumers and businesses trust and benefit from market transformation activities.

Supporting Materials

Environmentally Sound Management and Health

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Environmentally Sound Management and Health
Environmentally Sound Management and Health considerations are crucial to ensure products do not cause undue harm to people or the planet during manufacturing, operation, or recycling/disposal. Potentially hazardous ingredients (e.g. mercury, toxins, ozone depleting or global warming refrigerants) must be handled according to global best practices.

Supporting Materials

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U4E Partner Organizations

United for Efficiency (U4E) welcomes countries and organizations interested in accelerating the transition to energy-efficient appliances and equipment. By partnering with U4E, stakeholders contribute to reducing global electricity consumption, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting sustainable development while gaining international visibility and recognition.

U4E works with a wide range of partners, including governments, manufacturers of efficient appliances and equipment, utilities, financial institutions, and other organizations such as international agencies, technical bodies, industry networks, and consumer groups. Through these partnerships, U4E supports the development and implementation of energy-efficiency policies, market transformation strategies, and financial mechanisms that help expand access to efficient technologies.

To learn more about becoming a partner or joining U4E initiatives, please contact the U4E Secretariat at unep-u4e@un.org.

Our Partners