25 Years at the Energy Agency Southern Sweden: Lena Eckerberg’s Journey

Lena Eckerberg has been a driving force at the Energy Agency Southern Sweden since it began in August 1999. Back then, climate change was a topic mainly discussed by specialists and was far from a public concern. For energy agencies like the one in Southern Sweden, raising awareness was the primary challenge. Fast forward to 2024, and climate change is now a central part of global discussions. However, with this shift, the challenges for energy agencies have also grown more complex.

Energy agencies act as bridges between local municipalities and national or international efforts, connecting local communities with broader European experience and resources. European projects play a significant role in this mission. Having been involved in around 30 EU-funded projects over the past 25 years, Lena notes how, “EU projects have been an incredible learning experience, offering best practices and insights from more experienced partners across Europe—whether it’s in project management or energy and sustainability.”

One of Lena’s most impactful initiatives was the “Night Hawks” project. Collaborating with colleagues from France, the United Kingdom, Latvia, Denmark, Italy, Germany, and Cyprus, the project conducted energy checks in commercial buildings after hours to identify and address energy waste. This innovative approach not only underscored the importance of energy efficiency but also laid the groundwork for further engagement and training on a European level.

Throughout the years, Lena has learnt that involving local stakeholders is key to the success of energy projects. “Stakeholder support is vital for understanding what they can contribute and ensuring local acceptance and engagement,” she says. To do this effectively, she believes in pairing technical knowledge and project management skills with strong communication to convey the benefits of energy initiatives to a wide audience.

As climate change has become a prominent topic in public discourse, political priorities and funding opportunities have shifted, and so has the role of energy agencies. Although “Regional Energy Agencies will continue to play a crucial role in supporting local and regional authorities with their climate goals,” says Lena, there is an ongoing need to focus on the foundational work of raising awareness and promoting energy efficiency, lately often overlooked in favour of more innovative projects. “I believe Energy Agencies have a responsibility to not only push for improvements in energy efficiency but also raise awareness at all levels, even when the solutions aren’t as exciting or headline-grabbing.”

Now serving as Head of Development/Project Manager, Lena’s 25-year journey with the Energy Agency Southern Sweden showcases her passion and dedication to energy efficiency and sustainability. Her work has shaped local and regional efforts and contributed to a broader European vision for a sustainable future. As the field continues to evolve, Lena’s insights and commitment provide a guiding force for future initiatives, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps.