This book summarizes the lessons learned from practical recent experiences of implementing energy efficiency projects in China, India, Brazil and other countries. They are based on the findings of a multi-year project financed by the United Nations Foundation. The book makes the point that institutional mechanisms must be created or strengthened to capture the opportunities for energy efficiency investments. The numerous case studies of recently implemented energy efficiency programs and projects which form the second part of the book illustrate the adaptation of various financial mechanisms (lending through commercial banks, partial-risk loan guarantee programs, development finance institutions and special revolving funds, energy service companies and utility demand-side management programs) within differing country institutional contexts and the innovative deal structuring that allow energy efficiency investments to go forward. Based on the experiences from several innovative knowledge-sharing exchanges between bankers and energy efficiency service providers of the three countries, the book emphasizes the need for establishing and maintaining practical and operationally focused dialogue between those two groups of actors. It also stresses the importance of strategic government support in addition to investment financing and project development support from international financial institutions.