Energy

Access to reliable, affordable, economically viable, socially acceptable and environmentally sound energy is fundamental to economic growth and sustainable development. Energy contributes to meeting basic needs, such as clean water, food preservation, transportation, healthcare, sanitation, education and communications. 

In light of growing energy demand and security concerns, all energy options should remain open, and policymakers should avoid choosing “winners” and “losers.”  There is no one-size-fits-all solution.  Clearly, a broad variety of energy resources and technologies will be required to meet the varying needs of individual countries or markets. 

Energy efficiency is another critical component of any comprehensive sustainable energy strategy. Governments should continue to promote and support energy efficiency among producers and consumers of energy. Efficient implementation of integrated policies requires enabling frameworks supported by good governance that provide an attractive and secure investment environment.  Moreover, governments, national or local, businesses, and other key stakeholders should work in partnership to provide sustainable energy services.

In addition, secure and reliable energy supply and infrastructure impacts the feasibility and costs of doing business from perspectives of competitiveness and productivity. Energy security is a vital consideration not only for day-to-day operations, but also for long-term investment. Business is also a willing partner through provision of resources, innovation, development and deployment of technologies to allow access to and more efficient use of energy.

Business plays a critical role in the energy arena and is ready to continue to work together with other key players to address future energy challenges. This work is multi-dimensional and will include actions taken in forums such as UNCSD, other UN processes, the G8, the Asia-Pacific Economic Community, etc.

In addition, ICC will work closely with intergovernmental organizations and with national governments via ICC National Committees.

Most recently, ICC participated in the United Nations Commission for Sustainable Development (UNCSD) process through the Business Action for Energy (BAE), a temporary business network that facilitated business input to UNCSD 14/15.  

Below please see samples of current and past ICC work in this area: