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Environment & Climate vocabulary · Climate Action: Mitigation and Adaptation

Energy efficiency

Meaning in environment & climate, with examples

/ˈenərdʒi ɪˈfɪʃənsi/nounCore term

In environment & climate, energy efficiency means: Using less energy to provide the same service, such as heating, lighting or production, for example through insulation, efficient motors or LED lighting.

In Turkish: enerji verimliliği

How it is used

Often called the 'first fuel' in climate policy because it is usually the cheapest way to cut emissions. Common phrases: energy efficiency measures, improve energy efficiency, energy efficiency rating, energy audit. Do not confuse it with energy saving, which can also mean simply using a service less.

Example sentences

  1. Energy efficiency projects cut the plant's gas use by 15% in two years.

  2. Improving the energy efficiency of old buildings is a key part of the city's climate plan.

Common collocations

  • improve energy efficiency
  • energy efficiency measures
  • energy efficiency rating
  • energy-efficient buildings
  • renewable energyEnergy from sources that are naturally replaced and do not run out, such as sunlight, wind, flowing water and the Earth's heat.
  • decarbonizationThe process of reducing the carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions of an economy, sector or company, for example by switching to clean energy and electrifying processes.
  • resource efficiencyUsing less raw material, water and energy to make the same product or deliver the same service, while creating less waste and pollution.
  • mitigationAction to reduce or prevent greenhouse gas emissions, or to remove these gases from the atmosphere, in order to limit climate change.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

More terms: Climate Action: Mitigation and Adaptation

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