Performance Evaluation of Enhancing Capacity for Low Emission Development Strategies (EC-LEDS)

This report presents the findings, conclusions, and recommendations from a performance evaluation of the Enhancing Capacity for Low Emission Development Strategies (EC-LEDS) program. Launched in 2010, EC-LEDS is the U.S. Government’s flagship international program to reduce and mitigate global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The purpose of the evaluation, which focused on the first five years of EC-LEDS (FY2010 – FY2015) was to review the program’s progress and make recommendations for the next five years of implementation. The evaluation consisted of four primary questions: 

• Which EC-LEDS interventions have been effective in contributing to partner countries’ low emission development, and why? 
• How has the EC-LEDS program contributed to partner countries’ progress toward LED outcomes?
• How has the EC-LEDS program contributed to partner countries’ engagement in international climate change mitigation efforts?
• How has the “whole-of-government” approach affected implementation of the EC-LEDS program?

One take-away from this review is that building a national LEDS, and integrating LED into national planning and implementation, can be expected to take at least five years – which is the length of time that EC-LEDS has been in operation. 

Of the countries closely reviewed for this evaluation, Colombia, Mexico, and Vietnam have made considerable progress in mainstreaming LED into their national planning systems, and specific emissions reductions programs were being implemented. In the other three countries most closely reviewed, Indonesia, Malawi and the Philippines, significant progress had been created in building the foundation for LED, but progress had not yet reached a stage whereby the governments were financing and implementing activities as integral components of their national development plans.

Overall, EC-LEDS has made great progress in helping countries adopt the tools, skills, and systems that are required to develop LEDS. This has included critical contributions to helping partner countries develop systems to analyze emissions and identify cost-effective emission mitigation strategies.