New Research Highlights Urgent Need to Supercharge Efficiency of 10 “Net Zero Hero” Appliances to Meet Climate Goals
Washington, DC
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November 16, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
New analysis from CLASP shows that the appliances sector has a staggeringly large climate impact, accounting for 39.3% of all energy-related CO2 emissions — roughly equivalent to the combined emissions of China, Europe, and Brazil in 2020. If current trends continue, appliance emissions will overshoot the International Energy Agency’s 2050 net zero targets by at least 9 gigatons.
The report, “Net Zero Heroes: Scaling Efficient Appliances for Climate Change Mitigation, Adaptation & Resilience,” also reveals profound inequities in access to appliances, leaving billions of people more vulnerable to the effects of climate change. For example, at least 1.2 billion people lack access to air conditioners and fans, making it difficult to cope with rising temperatures.
Fortunately, the appliances sector offers a time-tested solution for dramatically reducing emissions while bringing life-changing services to more people: energy efficiency.
CLASP provides a roadmap for realizing the sector’s mitigation and adaptation potential by rapidly increasing the efficiency of 10 key appliances: the Net Zero Heroes. This group is comprised of air conditioners, comfort fans, electric cookers, electric motors, heat pump space heaters, heat pump water heaters, LED lighting, refrigerator-freezers, solar water pumps, and televisions.
Dramatically reducing the energy consumption of the Net Zero Heroes would bring far-reaching benefits. In addition to avoiding emissions, thoughtful appliance efficiency policies contribute to end-use electrification and grid decarbonization. Efficient appliances are also less expensive to purchase and operate, making them more attainable for people in low- and middle-income countries and communities.
The report urges governments and manufacturers to supercharge the efficiency of the Net Zero Heroes within the next few years. It provides targets for each appliance and estimates the emissions reductions and resilience benefits associated with reaching them. It also describes proven policy and financing mechanisms for achieving these goals within the ambitious timeline required.
Compared to many climate solutions, appliance energy efficiency is low-cost and easy to deploy, making it a particularly vital tool for governments seeking to meet their Paris Agreement commitments. Efficiency pushes can deliver results relatively quickly by leveraging existing technologies and supply chains while harmonizing with existing policies.
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For more information about “Net Zero Heroes: Scaling Efficient Appliances for Climate Change Mitigation, Adaptation & Resilience,” please contact:
Corinne Schneider
Chief Communications Officer
CLASP
cschneider[at]clasp.ngo
CLASP is an international nonprofit dedicated to promoting appliance efficiency and energy access, working with governments, industry, and communities to advance policies and markets towards the highest-quality, lowest resource-intensive appliances, for the benefit of people and the planet.
Contact Details
CLASP
Corinne Schneider
+1 202-375-9814
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