The escalating climate crisis and other global shocks demand a focus on maximizing the impact of our work, careful consideration of those worst affected, and a drive for innovative solutions. In the newly released CLASP 2021 Annual Report, we highlight stories of human adaptation and the ingenuity that will lead us into a clean energy future.

Impact

In 2021, CLASP addressed the urgent global issues of mitigating catastrophic climate change and delivering sustainable energy services to the world’s poorest people. We supported ambitious commitments and dialogue at COP26, pushing the Product Efficiency Call to Action to double the efficiency of four priority appliances. CLASP also represented the Efficiency for Access Coalition at COP26, spotlighting the inextricable role of off-grid appliances in achieving a global clean energy transition.

Our international policy work resulted in new and revised policies for some of the most widely used appliances in the world. New standards for appliances that include rice cookers, refrigerators, and televisions will reduce emissions by millions of tonnes within the next decade.

CLASP also published the second iteration of the Appliance Data Trends report, showing that near-to-market products are more affordable and efficient today compared to five years ago, in part due to the CLASP-coordinated EforA Coalition and Global LEAP Awards.

Equity

Phasing out toxic fluorescent lighting came to the forefront, with concerns about the negative health effects of mercury. In response, CLASP formed the Clean Lighting Coalition (CLiC) to campaign for a global switch to super-efficient, low-cost LEDs. CLiC brought together global experts in climate and public health to support the Africa Lighting Amendment to the Minamata Convention, which would phase out almost all fluorescents by 2025.

Health concerns were also at the center of CLASP’s electric pressure cooker (EPC) user testing in Kenya and a report on solar-powered clinic electrification. Many households traditionally use inefficient and air-polluting methods to cook, so testing by local cooks ensured that the EPCs would be suitable replacements.

CLASP also highlighted the value of solar power in off-grid clinical settings where important medical equipment is often unavailable. A separate consumer survey gauging the importance of quality-verified solar products showed user preference and satisfaction for VeraSol-approved products.

Innovation

Tools for rapid action in the face of climate change are essential, but often inaccessible. CLASP released Mepsy and the CLASP Policy Resource Center, a free-to-use policy impacts analyzer and a worldwide policy database, which help leaders in the energy world make data-driven decisions. CLASP’s 3H Hybrid Heat Homes report pushed heat pumps into the spotlight with a plan to accelerate the proliferation of highly efficient heat pumps. This innovative strategy earned mentions in Canary Media and the New York Times.

To further promote the uptake of life-changing solar-powered appliances, CLASP published a series of Technology Briefs, comprehensive guides on 11 off-grid technologies most likely to advance access and adaptation goals. These analyses help companies, investors, and other decision-makers keep pace with the ever-changing appliances market.

Organizational Health

To cultivate a healthy and just workplace, CLASP expanded team benefits to include more time off and ways to connect with each other, even at a distance. We further integrated diversity, equity, and inclusion by leveraging the expertise of external DEI-forward agencies in our hiring process and trainings, guided by CLASP’s staff-led DEI committee. Many program teams have also put a greater emphasis on equity in their work.

We are grateful for the support from all of our donors, board of directors, and partners who are standing with us in our quest for a more sustainable, equitable world.

Read the full report here.