Australia revealed as energy efficiency laggard, as IEA releases plan for supercharging action 22 June 2020
New analysis has revealed Australia’s woeful performance on energy efficiency, on the same day a Global Commission convened by the International Energy Agency (IEA) report has highlighted the massive potential of energy efficiency to create jobs, cut bills and address climate change, according to the Energy Efficiency Council.
One of Australia’s foremost energy analysts, Dr. Hugh Saddler, has found that final energy productivity – the energy actually used by businesses and households – has improved just 1.1% in three years.
This news came as national leaders, ministers, top business executives and prominent energy experts on the IEA’s Global Commission for Urgent Action on Energy Efficiency released their final report showing how energy efficiency can play a central role in fixing the social and economic damage of the COVID-19 crisis.
“Australia’s rate of improvement in energy productivity – just 1.1% in three years – is embarrassing. That why the report from the Global Commission is so timely.”
“The Commission sets out a plan for seizing this moment so that we can create thousands of jobs, lower energy bills, and slash emissions in this country," said Luke Menzel, CEO, Energy Efficiency Council.
“A major drive to improve the energy efficiency of homes and businesses could create 120,000 job years of employment in Australia, while reducing cost-of-living pressures for businesses and households.”
“Action on energy efficiency would immediately help those most affected by the economic impacts of COVID-19, including financially stressed households and businesses, and workers seeking new opportunities,” said Mr. Menzel.
Over the last month, multiple joint statements – including organisations as diverse as the Australian Council of Social Service, the Property Council of Australia, Australian Industry Group, the Business Council of Australia and Australian Council of Trade Unions – have called for state and federal governments to put energy efficiency at the heart of stimulus measures.
“There is near-universal support for energy efficiency as a key stimulus measure because projects can roll out rapidly, deliver a long term productivity dividend, slash emissions and are highly job intensive,” said Mr Menzel.
“The Global Commission has called on governments around the world to show leadership, upgrading their own schools, hospitals and other public to save taxpayers money and create jobs straight away.
“Global experts have given us a plan. Now we need state and federal governments to invest at a speed and scale that matches the magnitude of the economic challenge ahead of us,” said Mr Menzel.
For interviews, contact Vai at 0452 290 082 / vai@climatemediacentre.org.au