The EBRD continues to support energy efficiency policy implementation

Opportunities to improve energy efficiency in industry are still under-exploited, even though the  sector accounts for roughly one-third of global energy demand. Improving energy efficiency in industrial companies provides a range of benefits for the companies themselves as well as for the economy as a whole. These include improved energy security, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, a greater ability on the part of industry to cope with climate change and also improved productivity, the EBRD's press release reads.

But companies often need help in pursuing efficiency as a strategic investment, even when it is a path to greater profitability. Government-led energy management programmes offer companies means of reducing energy consumption improving productivity and competitiveness.

A new report jointly developed by the IEA and the IIP , "Energy Management Programmes for Industry", uses lessons learned from various programmes around the world to present a ten-step implementation guide for policy makers. This Pathway report, supported by the EBRD's Shareholder Special Fund, is based on a review of such existing programmes, as well as consultations with experts and practitioners.

The report offers diverse approaches to fit the different frameworks and objectives of individual countries and industrial sectors. In-depth case studies show the importance of stakeholder consultation, pilot projects and evaluation and the role that stakeholders such as the EBRD can play in stimulating the uptake of energy management systems in industry.

One case study focuses on the experience of the EBRD. Together with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) with funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Bank launched a market transformation project in Russia. The project aims to improve industrial energy efficiency by building the capacity of the government to develop effective industrial energy efficiency policies and by enhancing the capacity of industry to engage in energy management and identify energy efficiency projects. Ultimately, the project aims to develop effective business models for energy efficiency finance. .This case shows the benefits of integrated approaches that link technical assistance, capacity building and access to financing.

Energy management involves the systematic tracking, analysis and planning of energy use. For more than two decades, energy management programmes have encouraged industry to improve efficiency. Some programmes are compulsory while others are voluntary, but they all feature procedures and practices to encourage better energy use in industry.

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