Main Issue Improving energy efficiency is the single best way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to mitigating the impact of climate change, it also reduces local, regional and global air pollution. Apart from environmental benefits, energy efficiency also enhances economic competitiveness, creates jobs and saves consumers money. Energy efficiency benefits a wide range of sectors: Residential: A one-time investment in energy efficiency pays itself back quickly in lower bills for heating, air conditioning, hot water and lighting. Buildings: Buildings alone account for approximately 32 percent of global energy use, and for nearly 30 percent of total GHG emissions, including energy end-use emissions, electricity generation emissions and district heat. Retrofitted buildings can reduce heating and cooling energy requirements by 50-90 percent. New, energy-efficient buildings often use close to zero energy for heating and cooling Tran...
