ASEAN Centre for Energy Secures Grant from Agence Française de Développement to Enhance Energy Efficiency in ASEAN Building Sector through the PEEB ASEAN Initiative

PEEB ASEAN will support the transition of the building sector towards improved energy and environmental performance, resilience to the effects of climate change, enhanced energy efficiency, and reduced energy consumption in the ASEAN building sector in line with AFD’s energy transition strategy. These initiatives are expected to significantly contribute to ASEAN’s energy efficiency goal of a 32% reduction in energy intensity by 2025, as outlined in the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) Phase II: 2021-2025. This will particularly accelerate the region's transition towards a more sustainable energy future and the global net-zero emission target.

H.E. Fabien Penone, Ambassador of France to ASEAN, welcomed the signing of the grant agreement, underlining that “the launch of the PEEB ASEAN Initiative constitutes a major step in the implementation of the ASEAN-France Development partnership. It is a testimony of the fruitful and mutually beneficial cooperation between France and ASEAN, which are strongly committed to advancing a sustainable development agenda in line with the Paris Agreement while promoting inclusive growth and prosperity”.

Dr. Nuki Agya Utama, Executive Director of ASEAN Centre for Energy, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "We are immensely grateful for the support from AFD. This grant is not just a fund; it is a catalyst that will enable us to advance the promotion of high energy and environmental performance standards in the building sector by strengthening national and regional frameworks and policies through capacity building of ASEAN Member States and stakeholders. This includes support for the financing of energy-efficient building projects in ASEAN Member States. Through the Programme Energy Efficiency in Building in ASEAN (PEEB-ASEAN) programme, we aim to set a benchmark for energy efficiency that could serve as an aspirational model for similar initiatives globally."

Jean-Pierre Marcelli, Southeast Asia Regional Director of Agence Française de Développement (AFD), also highlighted the initiative's importance, saying, "Investing in building energy efficiency in ASEAN is not only an environmental necessity but also an economic opportunity. By reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions, we are laying the foundation for sustainable and resilient growth in the region. The PEEB-ASEAN program exemplifies our commitment to supporting ASEAN countries in their transition to greener and more energy-efficient building practices."

Anna Zinecker, Acting Head of PEEB Secretariat, “With today’s signature, we are excited to advance our mission of promoting sustainable building practices in the rapidly growing ASEAN region. Decarbonizing the building sector and enhancing resilience to climate impacts are crucial as urbanization accelerates and climate challenges intensify. PEEB's successful combination of project finance and policy support will help partner countries to scale up and speed the transformation of the buildings sector. This initiative is a key step in PEEB and ASEAN's commitment not only to the ASEAN energy and energy efficiency goals, but also to global climate targets. Besides reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency and building will also enhance the quality of life and living conditions for communities across the region."

Within the 4-year project period, the grant agreement underscores a commitment to enhancing energy efficiency in ASEAN's building sector and advancing sustainable development practices. This collaboration is a testament to the aligned objectives of ACE and AFD in promoting environmental resilience and sustainable growth. Through this initiative, significant strides are expected towards achieving the energy and environmental goals of the ASEAN region, exemplifying a model of international cooperation and strategic partnership.

 

Contact :

Juliette Jestin - PEEB Program officer : jestinj@afd.fr

Jean-Edouard Naslin - South-East Asia Regional Communication : naslinje@afd.fr