6 June 2015: During the first week of the Bonn Climate Change Conference, a Technical Expert Meeting (TEM) on accelerating energy efficiency action in urban environments, organized by the Secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in partnership with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, took place under the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action (ADP) from 5-6 June 2015.

Given the decision of the 20th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 20) to continue the technical examination of opportunities with high mitigation potential, including associated adaptation, health and sustainable development co-benefits in the period 2015-2020, the TEM aimed to assist Parties in advancing the implementation of good practice policy options and technologies related accelerating energy efficiency action in urban environments.

The TEM took place in three sessions. The first session discussed realizing the potential and benefits of enhanced energy efficiency policies in urban environments. The second session on accelerating implementation of scalable, replicable and transformative actions in urban environments considered options to: bring action to fruition by identifying real opportunities; mobilize finance, technology and capacity; and ways of overcoming barriers on financing and policy fronts. The third session looked to identify ways to ensure more and faster energy-efficient action now through “accelerator partnerships” by turning potential into action on the ground, with panelists sharing information on international partnerships assisting countries and cities to capitalize on their energy efficiency potential. The ADP briefed participants on support for accelerated energy efficiency action in urban environments by UNFCCC institutions and other international organizations.

Presentations delivered during the TEM addressed numerous issues, including: cities as planners, regulators and implementers of climate action; health benefits of energy efficiency in urban environment; energy challenges for cities and city-level responses; implementation of a pilot project on district energy systems; the contribution of lighting to an energy-efficient urban environment; private sector perspectives on ways to advance energy efficiency policies and actions; and electrified public transport solutions. [Accelerating Energy Efficiency Action in Urban Environments TEM Webpage] [UNFCCC Press Release] [UNFCCC TEMs Brochure] [IISD RS Coverage of Accelerating Energy Efficiency Action in Urban Environments TEM]