AEE Highlights Critical Role of Energy Management and Skilled Professionals in Accelerating Global Decarbonization

As COP31 approaches, energy managers and engineers are positioned to translate energy efficiency commitments into measurable results.

ATLANTA – As global leaders prepare for the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), taking place November 9–20 in Antalya, Türkiye, the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) is highlighting the critical role of energy management and the skilled professionals who put energy efficiency strategies into practice every day. 

COP31 is being hosted by Türkiye under a new model of cooperation with Australia, with increased emphasis on moving from climate commitments to implementation. Türkiye holds the COP31 Presidency and leads the Global Climate Action Agenda, while Australia’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, serves as President of Negotiations. 

The Global Climate Action Agenda provides a framework for accelerating implementation through six thematic axes aligned with the outcomes of the first Global Stocktake. AEE’s work aligns most directly with Axis I, Transitioning Energy, Industry and Transport, which includes the key objective of tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling the rate of energy efficiency improvements. 

For COP31, the Action Agenda places particular emphasis on implementation, including priorities related to the clean energy transition and electrification. Achieving progress in these areas will require not only efficient technologies and supportive policies, but also professionals with the expertise to identify opportunities, implement solutions, measure performance, and continuously improve how energy is managed. 

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), systematic energy management helps organizations monitor, analyze, control, and optimize energy use. IEA research shows that industrial companies implementing energy management have achieved average energy savings of more than 10% within the first three years, with some achieving savings of 30% or more. 

“The global conversation around decarbonization often focuses on targets and technologies, but achieving those goals ultimately depends on people,” said Bill Kent, CEM, Executive Director of the Association of Energy Engineers. “Energy managers and engineers are already doing this work every day, identifying opportunities, improving performance and translating energy goals into measurable results. As the global climate conversation moves from commitments toward implementation, professionals with the knowledge and skills to put energy efficiency solutions into practice will be essential to accelerating progress.”

A Global Workforce Prepared to Put Energy Goals into Practice 

Around the world, energy professionals are working across buildings, industrial facilities, utilities, government, higher education, and other sectors to improve energy performance and implement efficiency solutions.  

AEE’s global community includes 18,500 members and 32,000 certified professionals across 144+ countries, representing professionals working across energy management, energy efficiency, sustainability, decarbonization and related disciplines. 

Through professional development, training, certification and knowledge sharing, AEE works to ensure energy professionals have access to the skills and resources needed to respond to a rapidly changing energy landscape. In 2025 alone, AEE delivered nearly 300 training classes, reaching approximately 4,400 professionals, as well as 38 member webinars with more than 30,000 registrants. 

AEE also expanded its Certified Energy Manager® (CEM®) program to include decarbonization and greenhouse gas accounting, reflecting the evolving knowledge required of today’s energy professionals. 

Turning Ambition into Implementation  

“We have an established global community with the technical knowledge to help organizations move from ambition to implementation,” Kent said. “Continuing to develop that workforce, share knowledge across borders and equip professionals with the tools they need will help ensure energy efficiency opportunities become real-world results.” 

As COP31 advances a more implementation-focused approach to global climate action, AEE will continue supporting the professionals responsible for translating energy efficiency priorities into practical solutions and measurable outcomes. AEE, together with its global community of members and certified professionals, is positioned to contribute to the objectives of the Global Climate Action Agenda and accelerate progress on energy efficiency worldwide through training, certification, and professional development. 

 
ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION OF ENERGY ENGINEERS 

Founded in 1977, the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) is a global nonprofit professional society dedicated to advancing the energy management profession. With more than 18,500 members and 32,000 active certifications across more than 140 countries, AEE supports energy professionals through internationally recognized certification programs, training, professional development and networking opportunities. AEE equips professionals with the knowledge and skills to improve energy performance, advance energy efficiency and support sustainability efforts across industries worldwide. 

Learn more at AEECenter.org.