Why we need to recalibrate the conversation about energy efficiency

When considering the importance of energy efficiency in the global path to net zero, a recalibration of the conversation is a key priority, stated speakers during the IEA’s 9th Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency.

Held in Nairobi, Kenya, a delegation of speakers discussed energy efficiency’s importance in empowering the local economy and creating green jobs in Africa.

“A priority needs to be looked at in how urbanisation is going to be a key issue or opportunity for African states,” commented Nasra Nanda, chief executive of the Kenya Green Building Society.

According to Nanda, this will involve re-evaluating how the concept of energy efficiency can be leveraged to empower Africans who, “at the heart of this conversation, want a life of dignity.

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“If we look at the Global South, and in particular informal settlements, it’s an issue of looking at health and wellbeing as much as economic benefits when you think about energy efficiency. Its also looking at infrastructure and development, because a lot of informal settlements often lack proper infrastructure, including reliable electricity grids.”

Energy efficiency: Bridging the gap

Therefore, stated Nanda, the implementation of energy efficiency solutions shouldn’t be thought of through a singular dimension, rather it should be viewed as bridging a gap, spanning issues of poverty, dignity and empowerment.

“When you think about a solution, don’t only think about it in a technical way, also look at the social implications of what you’re trying to do – you’re trying to create an equaliser in an unequal world.

“That for me is what I think we need to do in recalibrating this conversation, driving the human element and the relational element to ensure we make progress together.”

Illustrating, Nanda explained how cities across Africa represent a key opportunity to implement change and opportunities.

In Kenya specifically, she adds, where the buildings sector is the prime source of energy consumption, residential buildings alone make up 74% of this consumption in the country.

“This could be an ultimate game changer for people who are looking to make an impact and see the built environment as a key partner in driving change in a way that can help the government.

“Cities in Africa … are hubs where people come together. Communities either live with dignity or are mistreated and live in poverty. In Africa, depending on how you view this conversation and what you want to take out of this conversation, your energy efficiency conversation … will either be something that the common man and woman sees as an opportunity or a barrier.”

Raising awareness

The narrative behind energy efficiency was also touched on by CEO of the German Energy Agency, Corinna Enders.

Specifically, when asked about successful policies or initiatives in Germany regarding energy efficiency, Enders stated that, unfortunately, energy efficiency hasn’t always been high on the country’s agenda.

Specifically in Germany, the buildings sector failed a third year in a row to meet its energy efficiency targets, despite the immense potential that is offered by refurbishing old buildings, said Enders.

She believes there are different ways to get energy efficiency higher up on the agenda, among others, awareness raising.

“There is a lack of acknowledgement in the industry but also in the public and that’s what I think is, also on a global level, a very important thing we have to focus much more on.

“We have to communicate very clearly on [energy efficiency’s] potential and bring it directly to the people, not only to the cities or government officials – it has to come directly to the people so that they see the potential.”

Enders added that, besides raising awareness, a mix of measures will be needed to alleviate the challenges posed by energy efficiency, including a clear regulatory framework, financing programmes and market-oriented measures.

“Especially when it comes to financing programmes, also in Germany, this has become a huge challenge … and I think one of the main tasks we will face in the next year is how to mobilise private investment.”

Digitalisation too, she adds, could have big potential in ramping up energy efficiency, although data concerns, particularly the willingness of participants to share their data, continue to rear its head as an obstacle.

Originally published on enlit.world