At the IEA’s 9th Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency in Nairobi, speakers highlighted the need to recalibrate discussions on energy efficiency, particularly in Africa. 

Nasra Nanda chief executive of the Kenya Green Building Society emphasised that urbanization should be seen as both a challenge and an opportunity for energy efficiency in African cities. She argued that solutions should bridge gaps in poverty, dignity, and empowerment, focusing on social impacts as well as technical benefits. 

In Kenya, residential buildings are a major energy consumer, presenting a significant opportunity for impactful change. 

Corinna Enders CEO of the German Energy Agency, discussing Germany, noted the failure to meet energy efficiency targets in the buildings sector and stressed the importance of raising public awareness and mobilising private investment to enhance energy efficiency globally.