November 2012: The Second Regional Symposium on Energy Efficiency discussed ideas, proposals and priorities of South American countries for potential elements for an Energy and Climate Partnership (ECPA) Work Plan on Regional Cooperation in Energy Efficiency.

The seminar was attended by senior energy officials from South America, and discussed: technical cooperation on energy efficiency; activities of ECPA’s Energy Efficiency Working Group; the role of nationally appropriate mitigation actions (NAMAs) in promoting and financing energy efficiency measures; energy efficiency in the transport sector; the European model for energy efficiency labeling; Mexico’s Green Mortgages to promote energy efficient homes; standards for sustainable building constructions; and improving the market for solar water heating. The Seminar concluded with a roundtable to discuss ideas on how best to reinforce ECPA’s energy efficiency pillar, with special reference to the transportation, buildings, industry and mining sectors.

Similar consultations will be held in Central America and the Caribbean subregions before finalizing the Work Plan and presenting it to a future Energy Ministerial of the Americas. The Symposium was held on 14 November 2012 in Lima, Peru and was sponsored by the ECPA, organized by the Organization of American States (OAS) and hosted by Peru’s Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM). [ECPA Press Release]