Unlocking the full potential of energy efficiency and renewable energy 

Accelerating the uptake of energy efficiency and renewable energy in the global energy mix is the single biggest contribution to keep global temperature rise under 2 degrees Celsius (°C) and to reap the multiple benefits  of an inclusive green economy. Cities account for over 70 percent of global energy use and, 40 to 50 percent  of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Half of cities’ energy consumption is for heating and cooling. Any  solution for the climate and energy transition must explicitly address sustainable urban heating and cooling,  as well as electricity. One of the least-cost and most efficient solutions in reducing emissions and primary  energy demand is the development of modern (climate-resilient and low-carbon) district energy in cities.  To facilitate this energy transition, UNEP has initiated a new initiative on District Energy in Cities, as the  implementing mechanism for the SE4ALL District Energy accelerator . This advanced summary of the forthcoming UNEP publication, District Energy in Cities: Unlocking the Full        Potential of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, in collaboration with the Copenhagen Centre on  Energy Efficiency (C2E2), ICLEI (Local Governments for Sustainability) and UN-Habitat, is the first of a series of guidance documents and tools within the new District Energy in Cities Initiative.