Do voluntary agreements deliver? Experiences from Denmark and expectations for Sweden

Agneta Persson, ÅF-Process AB
Erik Gudbjerg, LokalEnergi A/S

Keywords

energy management systems, voluntary agreements, systematic approach, energy efficiency, energy consumption reduction, reduction of CO2 emissions, added values

Abstract

Voluntary agreements and other industrial energy efficiency schemes building on energy management systems have been implemented and used in several European countries during the last decade. The aim of these agreements and schemes is to encourage industry to implement energy management systems and thereby identify and carry out measures to reduce energy consumption. In return for participating in the schemes and implementing energy management systems the industry is "rewarded" with energy tax remedies.

Will these kind of agreements deliver energy efficiency and reduced energy consumption? This paper focuses on experiences from voluntary agreements and implementation of energy management systems carried out in real life in Denmark and Sweden. The paper describes the structure of the agreements and expected outcome versus real results so far. The paper also deals with costs associated with joining a voluntary agreement (for the individual company) and which categories of industry these kinds of agreements mainly attract. Furthermore the paper will show main success criteria (real or perceived by industry) in order to deliver energy efficiency and reduced energy consumption by voluntary agreements. The paper will also show that important indirect effects (such as better product quality, increased production capacity, increased employee engagement) have been achieved by the involved industries.