Our Collaborating Centres

The Energy Branch has two collaborating centres, each of which supports UNEP in planning and implementing our energy and climate change programme under a long term, cooperative arrangement.

  • UNEP Risø Centre on Energy, Climate and Sustainable Development (URC) The UNEP Risø Centre, or URC, is a leading international research and advisory institution on energy, environment, climate and sustainable development that works in close partnership with national and international organizations and developing country partner institutions.

    The Centre is based on an agreement between UNEP, the Danish International Development Assistance (Danida) and Risø – DTU, the National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy within the Danish Technical University. URC broadly supports UNEP’s efforts to incorporate environmental aspects into energy planning and policy worldwide, with a special emphasis on assisting developing countries.

  • Basel Agency for Sustainable Energy (BASE) BASE is a non-profit foundation that works to promote increased finance sector engagement in sustainable energy in both developing and industrialized countries. BASE is UNEP’s main partner in the Sustainable Energy Finance Initiative, (SEFI ).


Our Partners

The Energy Branch works with and through a broad range of partners in governments, the private sector, and civil society, in both developed and developing countries. Brief descriptions and links to Some of our many partners are:

  • BRASUS , headquartered in Salvador and with a presence in Brasilia and the U.S. as well, is an NGO established by Advanced Engineering Associates International (AEAI) and Aquino Consultores Associados. BRASUS promotes integrated sustainable development through a business-oriented, multi-disciplined and locally based approach. [UNEP Partner in: B-REED]

  • Centre for Energy, Environment & Engineering Zambia Ltd (CEEEZ) is a non-governmental organisation collaborating with Government and various institutions, that investigates, analyzes and makes useful conclusions and policy recommendations on energy, environment and engineering concerns, and also carries out studies, research and development, consultancy and training in those areas. CEEEZ represents AREED in Zambia. [UNEP Partner in: AREED]

  • Climate Institute inform key decision-makers, heighten international awareness of climate change, and identify practical ways of achieving significant emissions reductions. This has been done through several different media including symposia, conferences, roundtables, and special briefings. These have been carried out not only in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Japan and Europe but also in as many as 30 developing countries providing expert advice at ministerial and heads of state briefings and at sessions with business executives and private citizens

  • Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) . DBSA's key purpose is to address socio-economic imbalances and help improve the quality of life of the people of South and southern Africa. DBSA is working with AREED in Botswana and Zambia. [UNEP Partner in: AREED]

  • E+Co is an organisation that provides small loans, technical assistance, intermediary services, finance and direct investment in renewable energy technologies. [UNEP Partner in: AREED, B-REED]

  • Enda Energy is a branch of the organisation Enda Tiers Monde . Their work focuses on energy use and management in the African context, with an emphasis on the linkages between energy and development.
    [UNEP Partner in: AREED]

  • European Development Finance Institutions (EDFI) is a group of twelve European development finance institutions, whose members provide long term finance for private sector development in developing and reforming economies. [UNEP Partner in: RE/EE Investment Advisory Facility]

  • Instituto Eco-Engenho,is a NGO with significant experience in renewable energy, sustainable development and environmental projects. IEE's technical team conceived and implemented Projeto Luz do Sol, a photovoltaic program funded with support from the Banco do Nordeste. IEE is implementing other projects in Brazil related to renewable energy and sustainable development, such as the USAID-sponsored Brazil Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Program (BCEEEP). [UNEP Partner in: B-REED]

  • International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is a business organisation representing enterprises from all sectors in every part of the world that promotes an open international trade, investment system and the market economy.

  • International Energy Agency (IEA) is an autonomous agency linked with the OECD that is committed to taking joint measures on oil supply emergencies, energy information exchange, energy policies and cooperation in the development of rational energy programmes.

  • Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) performs the role in assessing the scientific, technical and socio-economic information relevant for the understanding of the risk of human-induced climate change.

  • International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association (IPIECA) is a voluntary non-profit organisation whose membership includes both petroleum companies and associations at the national, regional or international levels.

  • International Solar Energy Society (ISES) is a multi-faceted, global organisation. A long history and extensive technical and scientific expertise find expression in a modern, future-oriented Society. Clearly defined goals, extensive communication networks and practical, real-world projects are the hallmarks of ISES.

  • Kumasi Institute of Technology and Environment (KITE) contributes towards sustainable energy and industrial development based on technological capabilities, implements action research projects and undertakes feasibility studies and project management and evaluation. KITE represents AREED in Ghana. [UNEP Partner in: AREED]

  • Mali-Folkecenter is an independent NGO, cooperating with the Malian government, local and international NGOs, and international development agencies to promote sustainable development in the rural areas of Mali and other West African countries. Mali-Folkcenter represents AREED in Mali. [UNEP Partner in: AREED]

  • National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is a leading centre of US. Department of Energy that is developing new energy technologies to benefit both the environment and the economy.

  • Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is a federal government department specialising in energy, minerals and metals, forests and earth sciences. [UNEP Partner in: RETScreen]

  • SEI is an independent, international research institute specializing in sustainable development and environment issues. It works at local, national, regional and global policy levels. The SEI research programmes aim to clarify the requirements, strategies and policies for a transition to sustainability. These goals are linked to the principles advocated in Agenda 21 and the Conventions such as Climate Change, Ozone Layer Protection and Biological Diversity.

  • Tanzania Traditional Energy Development and Environment Organization (TaTEDO) is a local NGO responsible for developing and promoting Renewable Energy Technologies in Tanzania. TaTEDO is a coalition of individuals, professionals, artisans, farmers, Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) and micro enterprises involved in the development and promotion of renewable energy systems for enhancing sustainable environment and socio-economic development of communities. [UNEP Partner in: AREED]

  • United Nations Foundation (UNF) has a mission to support the goals and objectives of the United Nations and its Charter, in order to promote a more peaceful, prosperous and just world - with emphasis on economic, social, environmental and humanitarian causes.

  • World Alliance for Decentralized Energy (WADE) is the worldwide representative organization for those parties seeking the economic and environmental benefits of decentralized energy (DE) generation – including high efficiency cogeneration (also known as combined heat and power, CHP) and decentralized renewable energy technologies. In short, the key objective of WADE (formerly the International Cogeneration Alliance ,
    ICA) is to change the way the world makes electricity.

  • World Bank is the world's largest source of development assistance, providing nearly $16 billion in loans annually to its client countries.

  • World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) is a coalition of some 140 international companies united by a shared commitment to sustainable development.

  • World LP Gas Association unites the broad interests of the worldwide LP Gas industry into one independent organisation. The WLPGA promotes the use of LP Gas worldwide to foster a cleaner, healthier and more prosperous planet.

  • World Resources Insitute (WRI) World Resources Institute provides information, ideas, and solutions to global environmental problems - to move human society to live in ways that protect earth's environment for current and future generations.