The Design of a New Programme to Increase the Energy Efficiency in Commercial and Public Companies

Vasco Janeiro, Eurelectric
Paolo Bertoldi and Vincent Berrutto, European Commission DG JRC

Keywords

Abstract

The new Energy Efficiency Management and Audit Scheme (E2MAS) builds on the success and structure of the GreenLight Programme and the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) by focusing the attention of companies on the use of energy and energy efficiency. The E2MAS is a voluntary programme through which private and public companies commit to continuous improvement of energy efficiency in order to:

Achieve the major portion of technically and economically feasible energy savings. In particular, the actions undertaken must satisfy the criterion of economic efficiency, so that the allocation of scarce financial and human resources is justified from the viewpoint of the organisation.
Establish top-management commitment to energy efficiency.
Record progressive improvement in energy efficiency and communicate the achievement to the general public.

The E2MAS has been developed to involve organisations in the industrial, commercial and public sector in improving energy efficiency. Though not entailing legally binding obligations, joining E2MAS requires strong commitment and a substantial contribution to the objectives of the E2MAS. Joining proceeds through Registration whereby the organisation commits itself to fulfil the E2MAS requirements. The organisation's relevant activities are publicised in the E2MAS related promotional activities, such as Awards, the Catalogue, Advertising activities, etc. The necessary trend towards increased investments in energy will be stimulated in a visible manner through public relations activities, focusing public support programmes on the objectives of the E2MAS to raise general public awareness of energy issues. The Partnership also includes the planned monitoring through regular audits and reporting of the relevant actions.