Energy Efficiency First Summit

About this event

Since its adoption in the frame of the EU Clean Energy for All Europeans package, the Energy Efficiency First (EE1st) principle has been recognised in national planning documents, such as the National Energy and Climate Plans (NEPC), to some extent. EE1st is a decision principle to prioritise investments in energy efficiency and demand-side resources whenever these options are more cost-effective than investments in energy supply from a societal perspective in meeting given policy objectives.

Implementing EE1st means in practice:

1. To systematically consider energy efficiency and other demand-side resources among the possible options when comparing, planning or deciding investments.
2. To ensure that the energy efficiency and demand-side resources are assessed and valued on a fair basis compared to supply-side investments (or other investment types).
3. To prioritize the choice of energy efficiency and demand-side resources when relevant, based on the assessment in the previous steps.

EE1st is not yet implemented on a systematic basis in energy policy making, planning and investment. The European Commission published in September 2021 its Recommendation and guidelines to support a broader implementation of EE1st.

This conference will illustrate and discuss in practical terms how the EE1st principle can help get the most out of energy efficiency and other demand-side resources to achieve a sustainable and resilient energy system in the EU. Which became even more critical in the current energy crisis.

The two days will combine the latest findings of the sEEnergies and ENEFIRST projects, together with roundtables with experts and stakeholders.

The first day will focus on innovative methods and new results on energy efficiency potentials in all end-use sectors and from an energy system perspective, as this is the basis and first step in implementing EE1st by making possible to consider on a systematic basis the available demand-side resources.

The second day will focus on the integration of the EE1st principle in policies for buildings and their energy supply. This will illustrate in practice the path from quantitative assessment to policy and decision making.

The event will be held in English, in Brussels and with the possibility to join online.

This event is jointly organised by the H2020 projects ENEFIRST and sEEnergies.