The publication by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) proposes a shift in perspective: energy efficiency ceases to be a set of isolated solutions and becomes the guiding principle for transforming energy systems. The document shows how integrating efficiency, digitalisation, and the circular economy makes it possible to reduce demand, strengthen resilience, and accelerate decarbonisation in buildings, industry, and transport.

In buildings, it highlights the importance of moving from isolated interventions to deep renovations, outcome-based codes and smart management, combining low-temperature heating and cooling networks, thermal storage and managed flexibility. In industry, it emphasises process efficiency, selective electrification, and industrial symbiosis as pathways to reduce both energy consumption and process emissions. In transport, interoperability, intelligent charging planning, and load management are presented as key to integrating electric mobility without increasing pressure on the grids.

Digitalisation is presented as the backbone of the entire system: it enables measurement, verification, and financing of real outcomes, while supporting flexible markets and regulating performance‑based actions. The report also focuses on material management, the need for open standards, institutional coordination, and a just transition that ensures accessibility, training, and visible benefits for citizens.