Today Accelerate Energy Productivity 2030 — an initiative led by the Department of Energy (DOE), Alliance to Save Energy (Alliance) and Council on Competitiveness (Council) — hosted its first of three State and Local Dialogues in Raleigh, North Carolina. The initiative, officially launched by Energy Secretary Moniz in September, seeks to build momentum and support for energy productivity by catalyzing action in the public and private sectors through a series of dialogues aimed at co-creating a road map for doubling U.S. energy productivity. 

Today’s event convened the Southeast's leading energy experts and nearly 100 attendees for a discussion on effective ways to increase energy productivity in North Carolina and the Southeast region. The State and Local Dialogue was preceded by a private roundtable discussion between initiative partners and industry thought-leaders on solutions for driving energy productivity in transportation and the built environment. Together, these events provided both regional and sector-specific solutions, best practices and policy strategies to inform the co-creation of the final roadmap, which will be released this fall.  

“It was inspiring to witness such strong endorsements of President Obama’s goal to double our nation’s energy productivity at today’s event. We look forward to continuing these dialogues and working with leaders from across the country to develop solutions for achieving this ambitious yet attainable goal, which, if achieved, will greatly improve our nation’s economic security and future prosperity,” said the Department of Energy’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency Kathleen Hogan.

“The notable work of the federal government is only part of the 'winning equation' needed to meet our goal. State, local and private sector leaders must engage, and our event today demonstrated that they are doing so enthusiastically and aggressively. We’re hopeful the actions of Accelerate Energy Productivity 2030 stakeholders will not only increase productivity regionally, but also invigorate Capitol Hill to pass comprehensive federal efficiency legislation,” added Kateri Callahan, president of the Alliance to Save Energy.

“The research and consensus from the members of the Council on Competitiveness is clear: the United States must boost national energy productivity to strengthen our economy and standing in the global marketplace. This is critical for the future of America’s industry, academia and workforce. Seeing so many leaders gathered here with Chancellor Randy Woodson at NC State University — one of our nation’s crown jewels in energy innovation — and advocating for the doubling of energy productivity has been inspiring,” said Deborah L. Wince-Smith, president and CEO of the Council on Competitiveness. “Our continued engagement this year across the country will ensure our partnership builds a viable energy productivity roadmap for the President, Secretary Moniz and the nation.”

The Alliance, DOE and the Council will co-host additional two-day partnership dialogues in Seattle, Washington in April and Minneapolis, Minnesota in July.