“Denmark is a leader in developing energy-efficient solutions. In Sonderborg, the Danish business community will next year have the opportunity to showcase the world's green solutions that can inspire large emitters to reduce their greenhouse gases. We in Denmark have a business community that is already far from developing the technologies we need to achieve the goals of the reductions. If we are to make a serious move in relation to climate change on a global level, then it is crucial that we export our innovative Danish solutions, ”says Minister of Climate Dan Jørgensen.
Better use of energy can both increase security of supply and reduce the need to develop new, green energy infrastructure. The International Energy Agency IEA estimates that energy efficiency improvements should contribute approx. 40 pct. of the necessary CO2 reductions if the UN's climate goals are to be achieved worldwide.
Adm. Director of the International Energy Agency Fatih Birol states in this regard:
“The road to climate neutrality begins with strengthening energy efficiency initiatives around the world, as it is crucial to achieving our energy and climate goals. There is no time to wait. We must act now, and many of the solutions are already known. But decision-makers need to make a concerted effort to take full advantage of existing policies and push for new policies that will drive digital technologies and other key solutions forward. Therefore, I am pleased that Denmark is hosting our next energy efficiency conference in Sonderborg to ensure that we keep energy efficiency at the top of the global, political agenda ”.
World-class energy efficiency
Sonderborg has acknowledged that energy efficiency measures play a crucial role in achieving the goals of the green transition. With the vision ‘Project Zero’, the city works purposefully to reduce its own CO2 emissions to zero in 2029 and at the same time creates local job growth and new green competencies.
“With Sonderborg as its host city, Danish companies will have an obvious showcase to show the world the first-class technologies that must be used to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Since the oil crises in the 1970s, energy efficiency improvements have been an important part of the DNA of Danish industry. We have created an entire industry that is today a world-leading and absolutely crucial part of the global green development, ”says CEO Lars Sandahl Sørensen, Danish Industry.
Danfoss CEO Kim Fausing:
“Energy efficiency is crucial for the green transition, and the Danish business community is ready with many of the solutions. Now we must have accelerated the implementation, and I hope and believe that the meeting will contribute to that. I am very proud that Danfoss is a co-organizer of the conference, and we look forward to showing the concrete potential in energy efficiency. Eg. Our 250,000 m2 production and office at Als will already be CO2-neutral next year. We have done this by putting energy efficiency first. ”
Sonderborg Mayor Erik Lauritzen (S) says:
“Sonderborg Municipality has great ambitions on behalf of the climate and the environment. Our targeted efforts to become CO2-neutral in 2029 have already created great results, and we have reduced emissions by 52 percent in the Sonderborg area. I am proud that we can now help showcase some of our solutions to tomorrow's climate and environmental challenges as the host of the International Energy Agency's annual international conference on energy efficiency. ”
Regional Council President of Southern Denmark Stephanie Lose (V):
“The host is a huge gift to the many years of efforts that Sonderborg and a large number of companies and partners in southern Denmark have made to promote solutions within energy efficiency in Denmark and globally. The hosting is not just a fantastic opportunity to get global inspiration for Denmark. It is a platform for us to showcase together some of the many public-private partnerships that have been created in Sonderborg, the Region of Southern Denmark and the rest of the country. For the benefit of the global climate, which now - more than ever - needs concrete solutions and partnerships. ”