Presentation of key results from the Energy Efficiency Watch analysis

At the 2016 General Assembly of FEDARENE, Christiane Egger (OÖ Energiesparverband) presented the progress in energy efficiency policies in the EU28 along with key policy conclusions from the Energy Efficiency Watch 3 EU project.

       → Download the presentation 

One key activity of the EEW3 project was an extensive survey on the implementation results of the second NEEAPs in the 28 Member States. The aim of the survey was to learn from stakeholders and experts how they see the actual “real-life” progress of energy efficiency policies and their implementation in different sectors since the second NEEAP in their respective country. It was carried out between January and May 2015. More than 1100 experts from all 28 Member States were consulted, with questionnaires and oral interviews. The survey shows a bottom up view for the people who work in energy efficiency, on a professional and daily basis. There are different realities therefore the survey offers a snapshot of these realities. The survey was carried out through online questionnaires for the quantitative survey and through oral interviews for the qualitative one.

The findings of the numerous research activities of the EEW3 consortium are condensed and translated into concrete and strategic policy conclusions.

→ Download the Key Policy Conclusions

As presented at this event and underlined in the EEW3 Key Policy Conclusions, all the stakeholders (businesses, agencies, academics, governments & public institutions) had a positive attitude towards energy efficiency policies, agreeing that opportunities clearly outweigh the risks. Europe becoming ‘number one on energy efficiency’ is connected to many concrete chances such as job effects, increased competitiveness, stimulating innovation. However, policies are only regarded as supportive in this respect if effective and stable. If policies are frequently changing, if their structure and implementation is intransparent, especially commercial stakeholders will perceive them more as a burden than as a support for their business.

Several recommendations were also presented in order to improve the effectiveness of policies. This could be achieved by implementing the following measures:

1. Developing positive European and national narratives on energy efficiency
2. Better communication and higher effectiveness of energy efficiency policies
3. Fostering innovative business models
4. Introducing binding and specific targets and effective financial instruments

Have a look also at the current state and the potential of policies to become elements of a new industrial policy. Policy instruments are examined regarding their design and their implementation in the brochure “How to make Europe Nr.1 in Energy Efficiency “.

→ Download the Brochure “How to make Europe Nr.1 in Energy Efficiency “