Networking, a successful method
This best practice showcases the successful implementation of an energy efficiency network, emphasising its pivotal role in catalysing positive changes in the energy landscape of businesses in southern Sweden.
Illustration : © Hanna Everling
In recent years, efforts targeting businesses have revealed significant potential for enhancing energy efficiency. A standout methodology involved organising companies into networks and providing support through lectures, individual consultations, and knowledge exchanges.
Over the past two years, 33 companies in southern Sweden region Skåne participated in Energy Efficiency Networks. The results showcase substantial improvements of 15-25% in the energy efficiency of these businesses. Several companies attest that the network played a pivotal role in prioritising energy efficiency amid the myriad challenges they face. They emphasise that their initiatives wouldn’t have materialised without support from the project.
“The personalised and unbiased expert guidance, coupled with the knowledge we acquired, deepened our understanding of both new investments and routines for achieving greater energy efficiency”, says Oscar Karlsson, a production technician at Press Kogyo in Oskarshamn. “We are very grateful for the invaluable assistance we received from Energikontor Syd.”
Participation in webinars and events organised by Energikontor Syd facilitated new insights and connections. Oscar explains that they have invested in new equipment and enhanced energy-related procedures, gaining better control over their power and energy consumption. This enables smarter decisionmaking regarding energy use in both the short and long term.
The results indicate that between August 2021 and the end of October 2023, a total of 95 companies received individualised support to initiate energy-related efforts, with a focus on energy efficiency. Two notable examples include the Växjö-based restaurants Massimo, which reduced energy usage by 35%, and Keun Joo, which reduced energy consumption by 25%.
Throughout the project, approximately 1500 companies and individuals participated in webinars, seminars, and training sessions organised by Energikontor Syd or other business-promoting entities where the energy office contributed as lecturers. Participants gained information, knowledge, and practical tips on transforming their energy situations, fostering a clear understanding of what a green transition entails.
This best practice is extracted from our publication ‘Sustainable Regions in Action‘. Discover more best practices here!
You may also like
Local and Transnational Stakeholder Councils to step up regional adaptation
Multilevel governance is key in ensuring ownership of climate actions and guaranteeing the success of your project. Energikontor Norr, North Sweden Energy Agency is experimenting with it in the Norrbotten region by setting up a local stakeholder council. Consult our Best Practice to know more about it!
Embracing frugality: Overkalix’s journey towards sustainable energy in northern Sweden
The North Sweden Energy Agency, Energikontorr Norr, is taking part in the FEEL project under the umbrella of Interreg Europe.
The most powerful public photovoltaic solar plant in Gran Canaria
Antonio Morales affirms that the facilities contribute to Gran Canaria achieving strategic autonomy in energy resources, on its path towards the eco-island. The new facilities have a production of 1.49 MW and, thanks to them, the emission of 1,190 tons of CO2 will be avoided each year.
Transforming Kozani into a beautiful and climate neutral city
The Cluster of Bioeconomy and Environment of Western Macedonia (CluBE) is developing a methodological structure to support cities in their built environment transformation.
Bridging the gap between municipalities and electricity network companies
Aiming to address the current shortage of network capacity, Malardalen Energy Agency (MEA) is helping both municipalities and electricity network companies in jointly planning for future energy distribution.
Yenesis – youth employment network for energy sustainability in islands
The YENESIS project, co-funded by the EEA and Norway Grants Fund for Youth Employment, runs from 2018 to 2024 and involves 10 partners from 8 countries (Norway, Spain, Cyprus, Greece, Estonia, Italy, Croatia, and Portugal). Find out more about this Portuguese project!