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Indicators for Sustainable Energy Development (ISED)
[last updated January 11, 2007 6:04 AM]
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General Information
Partnership website(s) |
Expected TimeframeMay 2002 - December 2008 |
Partners
Governments:
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Major Groups:
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UN System:
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Other intergovernmental organizations:
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Other:
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Thematic Focus
Primary Themes:
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Secondary Themes:
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Geographic Coverage
Geographic Scope: Global
Country(ies) where the partnership is being implemented: Brazil, Cuba, Lithuania, Mexico, Russian Federation, Slovakia, Thailand |
National Focal Points
At present, no information is available as to whether the partnership has made contact with the national focal points for sustainable development in the relevant countries.
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Goals and Objectives
Summary of the partnership's goals and objectives
The project on Indicators for Sustainable Energy Development (ISED) has three major objectives: (1) to fill the need for a comprehensive and consistent set of energy indicators that can be used in an effective manner to assess progress towards a sustainable energy future, (2) to assist countries in energy and statistical capacity building necessary to induce energy sustainability and (3) to supplement the general indicators effort being undertaken by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development.
The project consists of two phases. The major objective of the First Phase was to identify and define a set of indicators for sustainable energy development applicable worldwide.
The Second Phase of the project aimed to demonstrate the practical applicability and utility of the ISED set as a policy tool in a variety of analytical cases. The objectives of this phase include: (1) to test the original set of energy indicators in a number of countries; (2) to provide assistance to countries in the implementation and use of the ISED for the formulation of their energy strategies in conformity with their sustainable development criteria; and (3) to incorporate the ISED into the relevant databases and analytical tools so that energy indicators can be used in on-going statistical analyses (capacity building).
The project consists of two phases. The major objective of the First Phase was to identify and define a set of indicators for sustainable energy development applicable worldwide.
The Second Phase of the project aimed to demonstrate the practical applicability and utility of the ISED set as a policy tool in a variety of analytical cases. The objectives of this phase include: (1) to test the original set of energy indicators in a number of countries; (2) to provide assistance to countries in the implementation and use of the ISED for the formulation of their energy strategies in conformity with their sustainable development criteria; and (3) to incorporate the ISED into the relevant databases and analytical tools so that energy indicators can be used in on-going statistical analyses (capacity building).
Targets and Progress
Partnership targets1. Definition of a set of indicators for sustainable energy development (ISED).
2. Testing of the ISED and corresponding methodologies in a number of countries. 3. Effective use of the ISED in the assessment of energy priority issues and in the evaluation of current policies and programs. 4. Effective use of the ISED in the formulation of energy policies designed to ensure progress towards sustainable energy development. 5. Inclusion of the ISED in databases and in on-going energy analysis. 6. Publication of a report on ISED Guidelines and Methodologies 7. Publication of case studies for the seven countries participating in the demonstration phase. |
Progress against targetsThe goal of the first phase of the partnership was fulfilled in 2005 with the publication of the report "Energy Indicators for Sustainable Development: Guidelines and Methodologies." The report was published by the IAEA jointly with UNDESA, IEA, Eurostat and EEA. The report identifies and describes the most important ISED necessary to assess all issues and parameters relevant to energy sustainability. The indicators are classified according to themes and sub-themes within the main dimensions of sustainable development. Detailed methodologies are provided for each of the 30 energy indicators and guidelines are described to assist users in the development and implementation of these indicators.
The second phase of the partnership, which started in 2002, has been implemented by means of a Coordinated Research Project initiated by the IAEA with teams of experts from the seven participating countries. The following activities have taken place during the project implementation phase: 1. Country experts compiled historical data, defined energy priority areas and selected relevant indicators from the ISED set to assess the current situation and to evaluate energy policies in place. 2. Country experts used the ISED effectively in the formulation of energy policies specifically designed to ensure progress towards sustainable energy development. 3. Participating countries are making efforts to include, as appropriate, selected ISED in the country?s databases and in on-going energy analysis. This coordinated research project was successfully completed in 2005 with publication of report summarizing case studies planned for 2007. In order to continue assisting countries in energy and statistical capacity building the IAEA started in 2005 a regional project in 14 countries in the Asian and Pacific region. The specific objective of this project is to assist these countries in the use of the ISED as an integral part of energy supply modeling for the definition of sustainable energy paths. Additional studies are being considered for countries in Africa and Latin America. |
Capacity-Building and Technology Transfer
Arrangements for Capacity-Building and Technology Transfer
- Human resources development/training
- Education/building awareness
- Institutional strengthening, including local participation
- Technology transfer/exchange
The training activities focused on methodological issues and collection procedures relevant for the data required to establish ISED, while ensuring compliance with international standards for energy related statistics, and the use of indicators as policy tools. Country participants benefited from lecturers and information on indicators and statistics provided by experts from the IAEA, UNDESA, IEA, EUROSTAT and EEA. The training is resulting in enhanced decision-making capability, transfer of know- how, and improved data collection processes and statistics.
Relationship to International Agreements on Sustainable Development
How the partnership contributes to the implementation of Agenda 21, the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21, and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation
Because the objectives of sustainable development are very broad, governments and policy makers need a set of quantifiable parameters (indicators) to measure and monitor important changes and significant progress towards the achievement of these objectives. This was recognised by Agenda 21, which specifically (Chapter 40) asks countries and international governmental and non-governmental organisations to develop the concept of Indicators of Sustainable Development (ISD).
Agenda 21 covers all issues that have significant bearing on one or more of the three key dimensions of sustainability, namely social, economic and environmental. One of these significant issues is energy. The provision of adequate and affordable energy services, in a secure and environmentally benign manner, and in conformity with social and economic developmental needs, is an essential element of sustainable development. This was recognised by Agenda 21. In this connection, Chapter 9 of the Agenda clearly states:
"Energy is essential to economic and social development and improved quality of life. Much of the world?s energy, however, is currently produced and consumed in ways that could not be sustained if technology were to remain constant and if overall quantities were to increase substantially."
The importance of energy for sustainable development and the need for a set of indicators specifically relating to this was addressed at the 9th session of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) in April 2001. Energy was discussed in 2002 at the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD). At the WSSD, the international community reconfirmed that energy is an important factor necessary for the fulfilments of some of the Millennium Development Goals.
With the publication in 2005 of the report "Energy Indicators for Sustainable Development: Guidelines and Methodologies," this partnership initiative is fulfilling the need for a consistent set of energy indicators applicable worldwide and that can be used by countries to assess progress towards sustainable energy futures. Also, the partnership is assisting countries in energy and statistical capacity building necessary to induce energy sustainability and is supplementing the general indicators effort being undertaken by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development.
Relevant Sections of Agenda 21
Agenda 21 covers all issues that have significant bearing on one or more of the three key dimensions of sustainability, namely social, economic and environmental. One of these significant issues is energy. The provision of adequate and affordable energy services, in a secure and environmentally benign manner, and in conformity with social and economic developmental needs, is an essential element of sustainable development. This was recognised by Agenda 21. In this connection, Chapter 9 of the Agenda clearly states:
"Energy is essential to economic and social development and improved quality of life. Much of the world?s energy, however, is currently produced and consumed in ways that could not be sustained if technology were to remain constant and if overall quantities were to increase substantially."
The importance of energy for sustainable development and the need for a set of indicators specifically relating to this was addressed at the 9th session of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) in April 2001. Energy was discussed in 2002 at the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD). At the WSSD, the international community reconfirmed that energy is an important factor necessary for the fulfilments of some of the Millennium Development Goals.
With the publication in 2005 of the report "Energy Indicators for Sustainable Development: Guidelines and Methodologies," this partnership initiative is fulfilling the need for a consistent set of energy indicators applicable worldwide and that can be used by countries to assess progress towards sustainable energy futures. Also, the partnership is assisting countries in energy and statistical capacity building necessary to induce energy sustainability and is supplementing the general indicators effort being undertaken by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development.
Relevant Sections of Agenda 21
Integrating environment and development in decision-making; Protection of the atmosphere; Conservation of biological diversity; Strengthening the role of non-governmental organizations: partners for sustainable development; Scientific and technological community; Transfer of environmentally sound technology, cooperation and capacity-building; Promoting education, public awareness and training; Information for decision-making
Relevant Sections of the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21 Integration of economic, social and environmental objectives; Sectors and issues; Means of implementation
Relevant Sections of the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation Poverty eradication ; Changing unsustainable patterns of consumption and production ; Protection and managing the natural resource base of economic and social development ; Sustainable development in a globalizing world ; Means of implementation ; Objectives; Strengthening the institutional framework for sustainable development at the international level; Role of international institutions
Coordination and Implementation
Coordination Mechanism of the PartnershipIn addition to the Coordinated Research Project mentioned above, an ad-hoc expert committee was created to identify, define and refine the ISED set and corresponding methodologies and guidelines. The committee included experts from the IAEA, UNDESA, IEA and EEA.
This initiative is directly linked to the activities of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development and in particular to the work on Indicators of Sustainable Development. The initiative is also linked to the sustainable development activities of the IAEA, the OECD, the IEA, Eurostat and the EEA. |
Implementation Mechanism of the PartnershipAs described before, this partnership was implemented by means of a Coordinated Research Project with the participation of seven countries and an Ad Hoc Expert Committee constituted with experts from five international organizations.
Progress on the implementation of this initiative was monitored by the IAEA throughout the 3-year period by the submission of country progress reports, participation in annual workshops and performance evaluations. Country teams completed their research, databases and analysis in 2005. The work will be documented in a final report to be published jointly by the IAEA and UNDESA. Articles summarizing findings are to be published in the UN journal Natural Resources Forum. |
Resources
Funding Currently AvailableAmount in US$: 0
Source(s): Government - IGO
The IAEA provided small research grants to seven participating countries under the original Coordinated Research Project. National institutions beared a substantial part of the local costs to implement this initiative. |
Non-financial resources availableType(s):
Source(s):
Other international organizations provided technical and analytical support for activities planned under this project. |
Funding SoughtRequired Amount in US$: not specified
Source(s) already approached: The initiative has been expanded to include other developing countries. Additional financial support is welcome from other partners to continue with the implementation process.
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Non-financial resources soughtRequirement(s):
Source(s) approached and details:
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Additional Information
Additional Relevant Information
With respect to the goals and objectives of the United Nations Millennium Declaration, this partnership is particularly relevant to objective III "Development and Poverty Eradication" and objective IV "Protecting Our Common Environment".
Energy is an essential input for social development and economic growth. It provides basic needs and services such as heating, cooling, cooking, lighting, and transportation and is a critical production factor in virtually all sectors of industry. There are large disparities in the level of energy use and quality of available energy services, not only among different countries, but also among the rich and poor in the same country. Nearly 1.6 billion people still have no access to electricity or other forms of commercial energy. At the same time, the production and use of energy can cause environmental degradation at all levels - local, regional and global. For example, combustion of fossil fuels and fuelwood leads to indoor and outdoor air pollution by particulates and oxides of sulphur and nitrogen; hydropower often causes environmental damage due to the submergence of large areas of land; and global climate change associated with the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has become a world-wide concern today. Natural resource depletion, accumulation of wastes, deforestation, water pollution and land disturbance are further examples of energy-related environmental concerns.
Progress towards sustainable energy goals requires the assessment of a broad range of relevant and interrelated issues that need to be analysed with quantifiable energy parameters or energy indicators. This partnership on ISED focuses on the comprehensive treatment of the energy sector encompassing the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability; therefore, the project is helping to fulfill the Millennium Declaration goals of "Development and Poverty Eradication" and "Protecting Our Common environment."
Energy is an essential input for social development and economic growth. It provides basic needs and services such as heating, cooling, cooking, lighting, and transportation and is a critical production factor in virtually all sectors of industry. There are large disparities in the level of energy use and quality of available energy services, not only among different countries, but also among the rich and poor in the same country. Nearly 1.6 billion people still have no access to electricity or other forms of commercial energy. At the same time, the production and use of energy can cause environmental degradation at all levels - local, regional and global. For example, combustion of fossil fuels and fuelwood leads to indoor and outdoor air pollution by particulates and oxides of sulphur and nitrogen; hydropower often causes environmental damage due to the submergence of large areas of land; and global climate change associated with the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has become a world-wide concern today. Natural resource depletion, accumulation of wastes, deforestation, water pollution and land disturbance are further examples of energy-related environmental concerns.
Progress towards sustainable energy goals requires the assessment of a broad range of relevant and interrelated issues that need to be analysed with quantifiable energy parameters or energy indicators. This partnership on ISED focuses on the comprehensive treatment of the energy sector encompassing the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability; therefore, the project is helping to fulfill the Millennium Declaration goals of "Development and Poverty Eradication" and "Protecting Our Common environment."