International

Today I write to you from Cancun, where the COP16 negotiations are winding down – or “fizzling out,” depending on your perspective. The expectations for major progress on global climate treaties remain quite low, despite cautious optimism that meaningful commitments will emerge.  In conversation after conversation, event after event, energy efficiency emerged as the premier “first solution” for tackling global climate change.  In Cancun, the Alliance and the army of other energy efficiency advocates worked hard to translate the growing awareness of energy efficiency into concrete agreements.

As part of the global climate talks at COP16 in Cancun, Mexico, the Alliance, European Alliance to Save Energy and Alliance Associate Johnson Controls, co-hosted an event that explored how countries around the world can use energy efficiency to create smart electric grids. Event speakers represented several Alliance Associates, including 1E, Daimler, Danfoss North America, Intel, Knauf Insulation and Siemens Industry.

As part of the 16th annual, international climate talks, the Alliance and the Business Council for Sustainable Energy co-hosted a COP16 event that explored energy-efficient, local projects that had significant economic and environmental benefits in cities around the world.  “Energy-Efficient Cities: Local Projects Delivering Global Climate Benefits” was held on Dec. 1 in Cancun, Mexico. 

A British program to reduce household carbon emissions through home insulation will likely expand to help more residents finance energy-efficient upgrades. Starting in Fall 2012, the “Green Deal” will provide 100 percent financing for the costs of insulation improvements to attics and walls.

The 16th annual international climate talks led by the United Nations kicked off in Cancun Nov. 29. Known as COP16, the 12-day conference marks the next step in ongoing negotiations for international agreements to mitigate climate change.

Metamorphosis of the City, a catalog of 15 sustainable, innovative social projects implemented by organizations around the globe, features an Alliance South African Watergy project. Through the project, the Alliance and its local partner, Re-Solve Consulting, repaired plumbing in cash-strapped South African schools.