Renewable energy and energy efficiency can, in combination, provide over 90% of the necessary energy-related CO2 emission reductions to meet the decarbonisation and climate mitigation goals set out in the Paris Agreement (IRENA, 2018). Already, more than 100 cities around the world get at least 70% of their electricity from renewable sources such solar, wind, geothermal and hydropower (CDP, 2018). Despite the consequences of the COVID pandemic on the energy sector, an encouraging IEA report from November 2020 shows a sharp increase in renewable energy demand in 2020, contrary to all other fossil fuels. Renewables are resisting the crisis, corresponding to 90% of the total increase in energy capacity around the world. It is estimated that in 2021 this growth will accelerate and it will score a record in the last six years, with India being the largest contributor to this raise.

Cities can leverage public procurement to contribute towards the global transition by phasing out fossil fuels, supporting the uptake of renewables and establishing energy efficient approaches that make use of embodied energy.

GLCN Cities have set ambitious targets, showing the commitment to harness the opportunity of setting tender criteria and specifications for energy saving, electrification and renewable energy thresholds.