1 June 2014: The Energy and Climate Partnership for the Americas (ECPA) held a technical meeting to promote exchange of information and experience on measures taken and good practice by countries in the Americas to promote energy efficiency in the residential sector.

The meeting, titled ‘Healthier, Safer and More Energy-Efficient Homes for the Americas,’ was convened by ECPA’s Energy Efficiency Working Group and took place from 22-23 May 2014, in Montevideo, Uruguay.

Presentations took place on weatherization, energy efficiency and sustainable housing. The US presented the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). Argentina discussed its own weatherization program, which is based on the WAP model, supported by the DOE, the US Embassy in Buenos Aires and Weatherizers Without Borders (WWB), and led by Argentina’s Housing, Sustainability and Energies Forum (FOVISEE), municipalities and universities. Uruguay discussed its strategies and actions to promote energy efficiency and access to sustainable energy in the residential sector, particularly its Canasta Service Program to aid socioeconomically vulnerable families. Chile, Colombia and Peru presented on their respective sustainable housing programs.

Mexico is the current chair of the ECPA’s Energy Efficiency Working Group. The ECPA is a voluntary mechanism through which governments may lead multi-country or bilateral initiatives to promote clean energy, advance energy security, fight energy poverty and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Under the ECPA, participating governments and public and private sector partners contribute resources to implement the initiatives. The Organization of American States (OAS) serves as the ECPA Clearinghouse. [ECPA Press Release and Meeting Website]