What Changed
- ICC urged governments at COP31 to accelerate energy efficiency delivery following a 1.8% global improvement rate in 2025 compared to the 4% COP28 target.
- ICC published 10 principles supporting an increase in electricity's share of global final energy use to around 35% by 2035.
- ICC outlined three priority actions for governments focusing on NDCs, public incentives, and integrating energy efficiency into climate agendas.
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), representing over 45 million companies worldwide, has issued a global call to action for governments attending the COP31 climate conference in Antalya, Türkiye. The organization is urging world leaders to place energy efficiency at the core of national climate strategies and energy policies.
This initiative arises as global progress falls significantly short of international commitments. At COP28 in Dubai, countries pledged to increase energy efficiency by 4% annually. However, global energy efficiency improved by only roughly 1.8% in 2025. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), energy efficiency and electrification combined could account for more than one-third of the global emissions reductions required by 2030. ICC highlights energy efficiency as one of the fastest and most cost-effective methods to lower emissions, stabilize energy costs, and strengthen business operational performance.
To support policy development, ICC released 10 principles aimed at achieving a secure, affordable, and competitive energy transition. These principles align with ambitions to increase electricity's share of global final energy consumption from just over 20% to approximately 35% by 2035. ICC notes that energy efficiency is vital to freeing up grid capacity, cutting peak demand, and maximizing existing infrastructure while new generation, grid capacity, and storage systems are constructed.
Although high-efficiency commercial technologies are already widely available, policy gaps remain widespread. Around half of all countries still lack basic energy efficiency standards for new buildings, and approximately two-thirds have no mandatory standards for industrial motors. Business groups identify weak regulatory frameworks, limited capital access, skills shortages, and adverse market conditions as the principal obstacles to implementation.
ICC sets out three priority actions for governments at COP31:
1. Make energy efficiency a core pillar of the global energy transition agenda and accelerate delivery of the COP28 target.
2. Strengthen Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and national strategies to provide clear, credible investment signals.
3. Deploy public instruments, incentives, and partnerships to catalyze private investment and optimize risk distribution.
ICC emphasized that COP31 offers governments a critical opportunity to convert efficiency pledges into concrete delivery while unlocking economic, social, and climate benefits.
Who May Be Affected
Businesses representing over 45 million companies globally, energy sector entities, building developers, industrial motor manufacturers, and climate policymakers.
Cross-Border Context
Applies internationally across major economic regions including China, Switzerland, and the European Union, influencing global supply chains and national climate commitments (NDCs).
What to check next
- Official announcements and updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) presented at COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye.
- National implementation of mandatory energy efficiency standards for new buildings and industrial motors.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.