Washington, D.C., March 23, 2016 –  The Global Alliance for Energy Productivity is proud to announce Rachel Kyte, CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All), as its new Steering Committee chair. Kyte, who previously served as Vice President and Special Envoy on Climate Change at the World Bank Group, brings with her valuable experience in sustainable development, climate change mitigation and climate finance. As the Global Alliance enters its second year, Kyte’s leadership will help bring new momentum to the initiative.   

The Global Alliance convenes international stakeholders and policymakers to support the goal of doubling global energy productivity. In year one, the Global Alliance focused on building support for corporate commitments to energy productivity and supporting outreach in the key geographies of Brazil, China, Europe, India and the United States. In year two, the Global Alliance will capitalize on momentum in year one to promote energy productivity strategic policy roadmapping efforts worldwide. The Global Alliance was launched in May of 2015 at the Energy Efficiency Global Forum (EE Global), the premier annual gathering of international energy efficiency leaders. At EE Global 2016, the Global Alliance will once again convene its leadership in Washington, D.C., bringing global perspective and expertise to the forum’s key discussions.  

Alliance to Save Energy President Kateri Callahan said, “As the secretariat of the Global Alliance for Energy Productivity, the Alliance to Save Energy extends a warm welcome to Rachel Kyte. We look forward to gaining from her tremendous experience promoting the goal of doubling the global rate of energy efficiency improvements in her current role as the CEO of Sustainable Energy for All. We are confident that Rachel will be an invaluable asset to the Global Alliance as we move with added momentum into year two of this initiative, and we look forward to working with her on the vital task of strengthening energy productivity around the globe.”   

Rachel Kyte said, "I'm honored to take on my role as Chair of the Global Alliance Steering Committee. This year, EE Global is critical in gaining the necessary political attention to rapidly increase the rate of efficiency if we are to achieve the global goal of sustainable energy for all, and an energy transition that will usher in decarbonized economic development. Increasing energy productivity needs to be communicated in terms that people understand. It means cleaner air in our cities and better health. It means cheaper commutes to work. It means cheaper energy bills at home, more services and better appliances even for those beyond the grid.   

"Leadership by mayors, CEOs, prime ministers and presidents means valuing efficiency and pushing public policy that will result in improved productivity.  Somewhere in the world, a city, a company or a country is doing better than others. We need a race to the top, and SE4All will do all it can to promote that."    
 

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The Alliance to Save Energy is a coalition of prominent business, government, environmental and consumer leaders who promote the efficient and clean use of energy worldwide to benefit consumers, the environment, economy and national security.