101 financial experts have been trained in energy efficiency project financing, empowering them to lead sustainable investments across Mexico and Latin America.
The MAF project “Energy Efficiency in Small and Medium Enterprises” has been strengthening the capacity of financial institutions to assess and finance energy efficiency projects in Mexico, since commencement of its operations in early 2019. Through its combined technical and financial components, the project has been promoting environmental and economic sustainability in SMEs across the country. In order for the project to attain these objectives, it has facilitated the completion of the basic International Energy Efficiency Financing Protocol (IEEFP) training by financial sector experts. Of these participants, certain trainees were assisted in the achievement of the advanced IEEFP Cash Flow Analysis course and the Energy Efficiency Financing Specialists certification. Notably, 47% of the participants out of all of the trainings were women, reflecting increased female representation in the sector.
The domestic challenge was clear: financial institutions lacked the technical expertise to evaluate and support energy efficiency projects. To bridge this gap, the project conducted four basic IEEFP trainings between 2021 and 2024 in collaboration with the Efficiency Valuation Organization (EVO). A total of 101 experts from 34 financial institutions completed the trainings and, as such, developed foundational skills to assess energy efficiency projects, understand common energy saving measures, and evaluate associated risks and financial benefits.
Building on this foundation, 19 people participated in the “Advanced IEEFP cash flow analysis” course, which granted them the opportunity to earn a certification upon successfully completing the test. This initiative resulted in the certification of 10 Energy Efficiency Financing Specialists (EEFS), who are now equipped to assess, structure, and finance energy efficiency projects, promoting sustainable investments and mitigating financial risks.
The International Energy Efficiency Financing Protocol (IEEFP) was developed to help the financial sector standardise the evaluation and financing of energy efficiency projects, reducing risks, and fostering sustainable investments. Its adoption supports the global decarbonisation agenda and strengthens the green finance landscape in Latin America, positioning financial institutions as key drivers of climate action.
