ICC Urges Governments to Prioritize Energy Efficiency
The International Chamber of Commerce is calling on governments to make energy efficiency a central focus at COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Energy
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The International Chamber of Commerce called on governments to elevate energy efficiency at COP31. Global energy efficiency improved roughly 1.8% in 2025, well short of the 4% annual improvement pledged at COP28 in Dubai.
Why it matters
Efficiency frees up grid capacity, reduces peak demand and gets more from existing assets while new generation is built. The International Energy Agency states that efficiency and electrification together could deliver more than one-third of the emissions reductions required by 2030.
Global energy efficiency improved roughly 1.8% in 2025, short of the 4% annual COP28 pledge. About half of countries lack basic efficiency standards for new buildings, and about two-thirds have no mandatory standards for industrial motors.
The players
International Chamber of Commerce
The International Chamber of Commerce is a global business organization representing more than 45 million companies that advocates for policy frameworks supporting trade and sustainable investment.
The details
The International Chamber of Commerce, which represents over 45 million companies, published 10 principles that governments can draw on for a secure, affordable and competitive energy transition. Business identifies weak policy frameworks, limited finance, skills shortages and market conditions as barriers to progress.
Timeline
2025: Global energy efficiency improved roughly 1.8%.
COP28 (Dubai): Countries pledged a 4% annual improvement in energy efficiency.
2030: Efficiency and electrification together could deliver more than one-third of required emissions reductions.
2035: Several countries and the incoming COP31 Presidency aim for electricity to reach around 35% of global final energy use.
COP31 (Antalya, Türkiye): The ICC calls on governments to prioritize energy efficiency.
Roadmap
The 4% annual efficiency pledge made at COP28 in Dubai set a specific benchmark, and 2025 progress of roughly 1.8% shows the world is well behind it. The ICC's call for governments to move from targets to an actionable roadmap reflects the gap between stated goals and implemented policy.
Efficiency gains can reduce electricity demand and peak loads, which affects utility costs and grid reliability over time. The 10 ICC principles offer governments a framework that could shape future building and industrial equipment standards.
The takeaway
Efficiency is among the fastest ways to cut emissions and manage energy demand without waiting for new generation to come online. Closing the gap between 1.8% and 4% annual progress will depend on whether governments turn targets into enforceable standards.
What happens next
COP31 will be held in Antalya, Türkiye, where governments are expected to take up the ICC's call to prioritize energy efficiency.
Further reading
Explore more on Energy policy and efficiency trends worldwide.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ICC - International Chamber of Commerce.
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