On the margins of the Sustainable Energy for All Forum in New York today, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) joined partners to announce two new investments in sustainable energy.
The GEF confirmed its support to the SEforALL Industrial Energy Efficiency Accelerator led by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Carbon Trust. GEF support to the Accelerator is set to trigger energy efficiency actions in up to 15 countries by 2025.
“Industrial energy efficiency is a no regret investment,” said Naoko Ishii, GEF CEO and Chairperson. “It helps our client countries meet their sustainable development goals, create jobs, and enhance economic security. We are pleased to be working with UNIDO, the Carbon Trust and many private sector partners to accelerate the adoption of energy management systems in key industry sectors.”
Through the Accelerator, UNIDO and the Carbon Trust will work in cooperation with a number of partners on disseminating and sharing best practices, policies, and toolkits to fast-track the rate of energy efficiency deployment in the industrial sector.
At the three-day Forum, where over 1,000 high-level representatives from government, business, civil society and international organizations have gathered to drive action towards a sustainable energy system, the GEF also backed a bold new commitment to combat air pollution by Chile.
The Government of Chile announced the adoption of a new district energy strategy to improve air quality for its citizens. The new strategy to tackle air pollution and improve air quality is part of the District Energy in Cities Initiative, led by UN Environment with support from the GEF, Government of Denmark and the Danfoss Foundation.
"We must transform our urban systems to meet the challenges of sustainability and climate,” said Naoko Ishii, GEF CEO and Chairperson. "Through this partnership, we can provide awareness raising, policy advice and technology transfer directly to sub-national governments ready to take action.”