Climate change is no longer a threat of the future, and we must take urgent action now to mitigate its effects. That starts with using our energy resources more productively. According to the International Energy Agency, energy efficiency is the largest brake we have for global emissions growth, and can account for more than 40% of the emissions cuts needed to reach Paris Climate Agreement goals. 

Energy efficiency is the largest brake we have for global emissions growth – avoiding millions of tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year – and can account for more than 40% of the emissions cuts needed to reach global climate goals. 

Energy efficiency already has delivered outstanding results: Without the energy efficiency investments made since 1980, energy consumption and emissions would have been 60% higher, and consumers would be paying nearly $800 billion more per year in energy costs. And federal policy has helped lead the way. For example, the federal ENERGY STAR program alone has avoided 3.5 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases since 1992 by helping consumers choose more efficient products. Now more than ever, we need to rapidly scale up existing policies while also implementing new approaches that make use of the latest technologies to improve efficiency across systems.

Climate strategies must prioritize energy efficiency, which is proven to be the fastest and cheapest option to cut emissions while creating jobs and saving consumers money.   

The Alliance advocates for bipartisan policies to achieve efficiency gains across all sectors, including buildings and equipment, manufacturing and industrial, and transportation. These policies reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also helping to create a leaner, more competitive U.S. economy and stimulating nationwide economic activity.

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