Global Leaders Pledge Energy-Efficiency Action at Montreal Conference

Dozens of governments issued a joint statement at the IEA’s 11th Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency in Montreal, Canada, pledging to make energy efficiency a cornerstone of national policy. The pledge calls for expanded support for vulnerable households and SMEs, accelerated upgrades in buildings and data centres, and investment-friendly measures that avoid administrative burdens. Ministers cited the Middle-East war and the Strait of Hormuz crisis as the catalyst for faster action.

Governments push energy efficiency amidst Strait of Hormuz crisis

Disruptions to oil and gas supplies caused by the Middle-East war and heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have amplified price volatility and exposed the fragility of economies. Officials described these shocks as a catalyst for accelerating efficiency policies, seeing them as the quickest route to lower costs, strengthen energy security, and reduce exposure to future market swings.

International Energy Agency

The statement was signed by officials from all continents, with Asia-Pacific participants named Japan, the Republic of Korea, Lao PDR, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. Governments reaffirmed the COP28 goal to double the global rate of energy-efficiency improvements by 2030. The IEA introduced an updated Energy Efficiency Policy Toolkit and highlighted its Energy Efficiency Progress Tracker. The COP31 Presidency commissioned the IEA to produce a special report to support a building-efficiency target at the upcoming conference in Antalya, Turkey.

Governments push energy efficiency amidst Strait of Hormuz crisis

IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol emphasized that energy efficiency is a powerful tool for security, cost reduction and competitiveness. Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources Tim Hodgson described it as an immediate, cost-effective way to protect households and businesses. Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin called efficiency a high-return investment that underpins a climate-competitive economy. The COP31 Presidency said the IEA report is essential for coordinated action on building-sector efficiency.

International Energy Agency

• “As successive energy crises have shown, energy efficiency remains one of the most powerful tools available to governments for strengthening energy security, lowering costs and boosting economic competitiveness.” — Fatih Birol, Executive Director, IEA

Governments push energy efficiency amidst Strait of Hormuz crisis

• “Energy efficiency is one of the highest-return investments an economy can make: lower costs for households and businesses, stronger energy security, and a foundation for long-term competitiveness.” — Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature, Canada

International Energy Agency

• “At a time of global uncertainty, improving how we use energy is one of the most immediate and cost-effective ways to protect households and businesses while strengthening our economy.” — Tim Hodgson, Minister of Natural Resources, Canada

International Energy Agency

• “Canada is proud to work with international partners to advance energy efficiency as a cornerstone of resilient, affordable and competitive energy systems.” — Canadian Official

International Energy Agency

The IEA’s forthcoming special report will shape the building-efficiency target for COP31 in Antalya, Turkey, while ongoing monitoring through the Energy Efficiency Progress Tracker will guide future policy adjustments worldwide.

International Energy Agency