Time for energy efficiency

Israel could be saving over half a billon dollars every year on its national electricity bill, according to IUED's latest report. The Smart Energy report, submitted to government decision-makers and other stakeholders, is generating debate about energy production and use in Israel.

Following a study tour to the USA hosted by Chicago's Environmental Law & Policy Center, a leading environmental advocacy group, IUED is calling for Israel to learn from the organization's success in repowering the Midwest. ELPC and its coalition partners have promoted the development of a sustainable energy market whose efficiency and savings are creating both environmental and economic benefits.

 

Cut waste, promote renewables

 

Electricity consumption in Israel has grown by an astounding 7.5 per cent per year throughout the last decade. IUED believes that Israel must shift away from continuously increasing production to meet rising demand. It is time to adopt energy conservation as a national mission, while developing a new approach to the energy market.

 

IUED's report recommends a series of essential reforms in legislation and economic incentives, and outlines how Israel could be saving half a billion dollars a year in energy costs. Knesset Member Leah Ness, head of the Knesset's Environment Committee, has incorporated IUED's findings into her call to government ministers to adopt a new national policy on energy use.

 

 

Paying the  economic, social and environmental costs

 

IUED's Smart Energy initiative will now work to overcome the legislative and institutional barriers to adopting a smart energy plan that will boost the economy as well as reduce air pollution.

 

In parallel, IUED has petitioned the High Court of Justice to instruct the Infrastructure, Finance and other Ministries to implement energy conservation measures in government institutions, as required by the 1989 Energy Sources Law.