United for Efficiency Taskforces Take Next Steps in Development of Policy Guides

To support national and regional initiatives in advancing energy-efficient lighting, appliances and equipment, United for Efficiency has established five expert taskforces to develop best practice strategy and policy recommendations. These five taskforces have held a total of 10 meetings to define the type of strategy and policies they recommend. The strategies and policies will become the foundation for guides containing content such as regulations and performance standards, financial incentives and case studies designed to assist developing countries as they expand their markets for energy-efficient products.

In December 2016 two United for Efficiency expert taskforces met in Bangkok to discuss next steps in the development of policy guides for energy-efficient transformers and energy-efficient motors. This was the second face-to-face meeting for each of these groups as they finalize content based on UN Environment’s integrated policy approach, which has been used around the world to bring about sustainable and cost-effective market transformation.

The groups held their first face-to-face meetings earlier this year in Paris where they began to discuss the content and the structure of the policy guides. Lively discussion at these initial meetings focused on topics such as minimum energy performance standards and financing instruments for energy-efficient products.

The results of these discussions helped the team as they collaborated virtually in the development of the policy guides. Now, after this second face-to-face meeting, the taskforces are confident the strategies and policies in these guides will help countries reach their energy-efficiency goals. With some additional followup in early 2017, the taskforces anticipate the guides will be ready to share with larger audiences in March 2017.

These two guides are part of series of United for Efficiency policy guides on five product groups. The other policy guides in the series cover room air conditioners, residential refrigerators and lighting. An additional overarching report, “Policy Fundamentals Guide,” will provide cross-cutting, general guidance essential to the establishment of a successful energy-efficiency programme.

The taskforces had participants from over 20 organisations, including international organisations, environmental groups, international manufacturers, government officials, and academic institutions.