International Energy Agency

The International Energy Agency merits an award for the thorough analysis and promotion of energy efficiency that it is conducting on a global level. In 2005, the IEA launched a G8 Gleneagles Programme that is providing a framework for action on energy efficiency at every level in countries around the world.

In its work to deliver on recommendations in the G8 Plan of Action, the IEA is focusing its efforts in six broad areas:

• Alternative energy scenarios and strategies
• Energy efficiency in buildings, appliances, transport and industry
• Cleaner fossil fuels
• Carbon capture and storage
• Renewable energy
• Enhanced international cooperation

As part of this work in the area of energy efficiency, the IEA has already completed one of its deliverables by creating an outstanding “Energy Efficiency Policies and Measures Database” that is available to the public at this address: http://www.iea.org/textbase/effi/index.asp.

A second database “Addressing Climate Change: Policies Database” is also available at that address. The International Energy Agency has made energy efficiency the centerpiece of its recommendations for climate change mitigation policies and measures.

Meanwhile, IEA is conducting important research on the remaining untapped potential for energy efficiency in different countries. For example, that work currently includes a study of the potential for improved energy efficiency existing buildings in the United States.

All of the items highlighted above are crucial to energy efficiency best practices sharing among numerous countries. As such, they represent a major contribution on the part of the International Energy Agency to the delivery and implementation of energy savings around the world.