The Clean Energy Solutions Center recently convened a select group of leading energy efficiency policy experts to identify emerging policy trends and needs. Their discussion also explored how the Solutions Center, in partnership with other organizations and leaders in the field, can enhance its energy efficiency policy offerings to best address these needs and opportunities.

“The Solutions Center is keen to understand how we can complement, coordinate and collaborate with others to enhance our partnerships and avoid duplication,” said Dr. Ian Lloyd, U.S. Department of Energy. “This policy dialogue was designed to improve the resources and services the Solutions Center offers around energy efficiency policy.”

The group identified building envelopes and equipment as the most promising energy efficiency opportunity for reducing overall energy use. In addition, adequate political support and funding are crucial to the success of energy efficiency policies.

Participants also identified service gaps where the Solutions Center should focus on helping policy makers develop effective energy efficiency policies. The group reviewed how the Solutions Center can broaden awareness of the initiative’s services and resources and foster deeper partnerships. Recommendations included:

• Deepening efficiency expert assistance by creating an energy efficiency policy advisory network and recruiting in-country experts to provide assistance within their own countries and regions
• Developing energy efficiency policy toolkits and benefits information, and expand outreach and training
• Establishing municipal energy efficiency resources and services
• Expanding partnerships with leading energy efficiency organizations on energy efficiency policy resources and assistance, including major multilateral efforts and organizations.

The Solutions Center presented these suggestions for discussion at its Advisory Board meeting on 24 March 2015 and will conduct work on selected high-priority activities.

This policy dialogue was the second to be hosted by the Solutions Center. The first, held in September 2014, focused on renewable energy.