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#COP26: Old Products Which Consume More Energy will be Retired from the global market.
Yes you read that right.
Old products which consume more energy are about to be retired from the global market. In the strive to achieve energy efficiency, 14 countries including Nigeria has signed the – The COP26 Product Efficiency Call to Action which was launched by the IEA and the UK government the UK to improve the efficiency of products sold around the world. It aims to double the efficiency of key international traded products to cut greenhouse gas emissions and reduce consumers’ bills.
In the words of the joint declaration: A swift transition to higher efficiency equipment, including the addition of new high-performing equipment and the retirement of less efficient equipment from global markets, is a vital part of achieving a clean and affordable energy transition.
The goal is to double the energy efficiency of four key products that together account for over 40% of global electricity demand
The products are outlined below:
- Industrial motor systems
2. Air conditioners
3. Refrigerators
4. Lighting
Doubling the energy efficiency of these products would bring substantial energy demand savings, avoid greenhouse gas emissions, promote business innovation, and ensure consumer access to affordable and high-performing technologies. Additional national benefits include improved air quality, health, jobs, grid stability, energy security, and supporting a clean and resilient economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.
Read the Joint Statement in Support of the Call to Action: https://storage.googleapis.com/sead-siteassets/SEAD-COP26-Joint-Statement-Aug-Sep-002.pdf
These are the Call to Action Objectives
Set countries on a trajectory to double the efficiency of key products sold globally by 2030 (industrial motors systems, residential lighting, air conditioners and refrigerators)
2. Support the delivery of crucial national climate change targetsProvide consumers and businesses with more efficient products that are affordable and cost-effective to own and operate
3. Stimulate innovation and provide businesses with increased market and export opportunities
4. Promote a dual course of action, making products both energy efficient and climate friendly by reducing the use of refrigerants in cooling appliances
What Does this Mean for Solar Technology and Lighting Products Practioners Worldwide?
My interest was highly piqued when i learned of this declaration while attending the COP 26 conference in Glasgow UK. The first thought to cross my mind was the Renewable energy Technology Training Institute and the RETTI Virtual University alumni who engage in the mentioned are of business either by manufacturing, whole saler, retail or distribution. I thought about them because at RETTI, through the Growth Support Plan we support any of our trained entrepreneurs to establish a career within the renewable energy sector. Specifically as an entrepreneur or as an employee and so because we are interested in their growth we owe them a duty to inform them of any such changes or opportunities within the industry. The following is the advise i would give to our own trained alumni:
- If you manufacture products or design products under the above mentioned targets which you send to China for manufacturing (Air conditioner, Refridgerators, appliances or products using motors, lighting products whether solar powered or otherwise) ensure that it meets the standards of this joint declaration regarding energy efficiency – they have to be high performing, but low emissions.
- Likewise, if you are an importer of the mentioned product target areas, buy products that meets the standards of this joint declaration regarding energy efficiency even if it is more expensive.
- Consider size in product design or manufacture
- Leverage artificial intelligence and program your products to automatically switch to a low-power consumption mode at different times
- Take intentional steps to limit C02 emissions in the entire production chain – from raw materials sourcing to final user.
- Consider product packaging with recycled material
- Check out these fellow hardware companies and see how they have integrated sustainability into product design
- If retailer, importer or distributor, make sure to buy products that meet the above standards
- Check HERE and HERE for my other write ups relevant for excelling as an energy or renewable energy tech entrepreneur.
- You can reach out to me on goguegbu@retti.com.ng for more ideas, advice and tips.
Glory’s life goal is to be a positive part of people’s lives and make good impact. She’s passionate about economic development of Nigeria and work in the field of renewable energy and environmental sustainability to promote Nigeria’s economic growth through job creation and education. She is the founder of Climate Smart Nigeria which promotes Climate Change Education in Nigerian institutions and provide capacity building on renewable energy technologies. Recently she established the Renewable Energy Technology Training Institute (RETTI) where she is also the Chief Instructor. The institute grooms the next generation of efficient installers and entrepreneurs with a focus on women who will serve as a competent workforce for the renewable energy industry and provide solutions to Nigeria’s prevalent energy problems as entrepreneurs.
Under Glory’s leadership, RETTI recently lauched the RETTI Virtual University and introduced their eight short ONLINE COURSES to assist people wanting to get into the energy sector especially renewables.
Glory recently received the Florence School of Regulation’s – Lights on #Women #Award as one of four women out of 150 women from 64 countries. This award will granted her a featured interview with the FSR and a scholarship to study the course – #Electric #Vehicles (EV); a Power Sector Perspective and expand her knowledge about how EVs, #Charging #Infrastructure and the #V2X (Vehicle to Everything) concept will change the face of electricity and transportation.
Glory has published four books to promote the knowledge of climate change and renewable energy; Something is happening; Our world is changing; Understanding the Basics of Climate Change– for Secondary Schools – The Concept and Science of Climate Change – for the general adult public, A short thriller story – The Year Ran Mad – which depicts the impact of climate change on livelihood for Primary schools and The Girl who saw tomorrow, a short novel for secondary school – http://bit.ly/rettiM.
Glory can consult for African government entities about regulation for Electric Vehicles.
MORE ABOUT GLORY
She is the recipient of several local and international awards and recognitions which include (a) Nigerian Star from the US Mission in Nigeria (2018), (b) The Nigerian Energy Champion Prize from the Nigerian Energy Awards (2015), (c) President Obama’s Mandela Washington Fellowship Award (2015), (d) The Young Energy Professional of the Year Award by Nigeria Energy Awards (2018), (e) A Foremost Woman in Renewable Energy award recipient (2017); (f) Environmental Award of Excellence, Environmental Community Development group (2014) In April 2019, Glory was selected
as one of 15 African female business leaders to attend United States Government’s launch of the OPIC 2X
Africa and meet with advisor to President of USA – Ms. Ivanka Trump and the Ethiopian President – Ms Sahle-Work Zewde.
In the course of her work she has met and shared platforms with a number high profile personalities and leaders at the national and international levels, including President Barack Obama, US Senator Chris Coons, Advisor to President Trump, Ms Ivanka Trump, Gov. Jack Markell of Delaware USA, Ethiopian President – Ms Sahle-Work Zewde, The USG Undersecretary for Energy – Mr Mark Menezes and former Vice President Ebitu Ukiwe of Nigeria.
She is a consultant for Nigeria’s largest renewable energy event, the Nigerian Alternative Energy Expo. She was a former Vice President of the Mandela Washington Fellowship Association of Nigeria (MWFAAN), and is currently an active member. She’s an alumna of Abia State University, Nigeria, The Lagos Business School, University of Delaware, USA, European Energy Institute and The Florence School of Regulation, Italy.