Geres’ mission and Approach

Set up in 1976, Geres is an international development NGO which works to improve the living conditions of the poorest and tackle climate change and its impacts. As a grassroots actor, the energy transition is a major lever in all its actions. In order to drive societal change, Geres promotes the development and dissemination of innovative and local solutions, supports climate-energy policies and actions and encourages everyone to commit to Climate Solidarity by acting and supporting vulnerable populations.

Cambodia

Energy is a key component for any society and economy. The most sustainable form of energy is the energy that is not used. Cambodia has recently experienced a substantial increase in energy consumption. The total final energy consumption (TFEC), indicating its growth rate during 2000–2010, is 6.6% per year, and during 2010–2019, 7.9%, so Cambodia increased its energy demand rapidly after 20101.

To address rising energy needs and environmental impacts, the Cambodian government has implemented the National Energy Efficiency Policy (NEEP) 2022–2030. This policy aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 42% by 2030 relative to the 2016 Business as Usual (BAU) level. Additionally, Cambodia’s Long-Term Strategy for Carbon Neutrality (LTS4CN) targets carbon neutrality by 2050.

This policy aims to achieve ambitious targets, namely a 42% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 relative to the Business as Usual (BAU) level in 2016. In the longer term, Cambodia aims to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 through its Long-Term Strategy for Carbon Neutrality (LTS4CN). To achieve these ambitious targets, industry and the real estate companies but also the construction sector will have to continuously improve their energy efficiency.

Energy managers and auditors are essential for managing and reporting energy consumption. However, Cambodia currently lacks sufficient local expertise in these areas, necessitating the recruitment of foreign specialists.