American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy publishes International Energy Efficiency Scorecard

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) released Tuesday its fourth biennial International Energy Efficiency Scorecard, which ranks 25 of the world’s largest energy users on 36 efficiency metrics.

Germany and Italy tied for first place with 75.5 points, followed by France (73.5), the United Kingdom (73), and Japan (67). The average score was the same as in 2016, 51 out of a possible 100 points.

“Our results show that all countries would benefit from adopting additional energy efficiency policies,” ACEEE Executive Director Steve Nadel said. “These policies will reduce dependence on energy imports, create jobs, cut pollution, and save people and businesses money. They will also help countries remain globally competitive and meet climate goals.”

The United States fell from 8th place in 2016 to 10th in 2018, scoring six fewer points.

“This trend is likely to persist if the current administration continues to dismantle key regulations,” Shruti Vaidyanathan, ACEEE’s senior advisor for research, said.

Germany achieved the highest score for national efforts, including cross-cutting targets and programs. Spain earned the top score for buildings-related efforts. Japan scored best for industry and France for transportation.

The most improved country was Mexico, which moved up from 19th place in 2016 to 12th this year by scoring 17 more points.

Mexico recently adopted an overarching energy efficiency program, the National Program for the Sustainable Use of Energy. Mexico sits just below the United States and Canada in the 2018 rankings.

According to the International Energy Agency, energy efficiency will need to account for nearly half of all the greenhouse gas emission reductions required through 2040 to limit the global increase in temperature to two degrees Celsius.