The Versailles 10×10 Actions are a set of priorities aimed at accelerating efficiency and the journey towards decarbonisation. These actions emphasize the importance of measuring and understanding current efficiency levels in order to deliver the desired outcomes. While we have long understood the efficiency of our cars, the same level of understanding is often lacking when it comes to our homes and buildings. However, digitising consumption and implementing advanced energy management systems can provide a birds-eye view of energy consumption and help identify and eliminate waste.
Software systems powered by AI algorithms can optimize energy consumption, production, and storage. These digital-enabled energy management systems are crucial for improving resiliency and efficiency, especially in the absence of extensive grid upgrades. They allow users to monitor and control the performance of every connected appliance, whether in a home, office, or industrial facility.
To deliver the Versailles 10×10 Actions, people will need the right skills and knowledge. Upskilling and reskilling will be critical to enable the energy transition. Training programs should focus not only on new construction but also on retrofitting, as the impact of improving existing buildings can be significant. This mobilization of expertise will not only drive the transition but also create job opportunities and deliver social and economic benefits.
Investing in energy efficiency is highly cost-effective. While construction represents only a portion of the total cost of a building, more thought needs to be given to the operation and maintenance, which present massive opportunities for efficiency. Energy efficiency investments have a short payback period and continue to bring savings well beyond return on investment. Financing models need to recognize and support these benefits.
Governments have a crucial role to play in leading the energy transition. Buildings contribute significantly to global carbon emissions, and governments, as owners of large property and infrastructure portfolios, carry particular responsibility. They should lead by example and create decarbonisation roadmaps that include auditing energy performance and carbon impact. A successful example of civic energy efficiency is Schneider Electric’s partnership with the Madison County School District, where district-wide energy-efficient measures have resulted in a 40% reduction in energy costs.
The best solutions to prioritize today include incentivizing energy efficiency rather than relying solely on coercion. However, when coercion is necessary, there must be a transition period that allows people to adapt. Accelerating the connection of renewable infrastructure to the grid is also crucial. Instead of waiting years, transmission lines should be made available more quickly. It’s important to focus on adopting existing technology faster rather than waiting for “big ideas” in the future. The Versailles 10×10 Actions stress the need for net-zero construction everywhere and the use of existing technology for new builds.
In conclusion, with the climate crisis becoming increasingly severe, energy efficiency is the fastest and most cost-effective solution for decarbonisation. The Versailles 10×10 Actions demonstrate the commitment of governments to double the global rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030. It is now crucial to enforce these measures and implement the necessary technologies to drive change and create a sustainable future.
Definitions:
- Decarbonisation: The process of reducing or removing carbon dioxide emissions from the atmosphere.
- Efficiency: The ability to achieve maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense.
- Digitise: Convert information into a digital format.
- Resiliency: The ability to recover quickly from difficulties or setbacks.
- AI algorithms: Algorithms that use artificial intelligence techniques to make predictions or decisions.
- Retrofitting: The process of making improvements or additions to existing structures or systems.
- Net zero: Achieving a balance between the amount of greenhouse gases emitted and the amount removed from the atmosphere.
Sources:
– The source article
– United Nations Environment Program
– International Energy Agency (IEA)