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Beyond facts of efficiency: new report highlights the role of supporting narratives
(eceee Press Release, 20 May 2021) Facts alone are not enough to create enough buy in for energy efficiency from decision makers and policy makers. Ahead of the expected amendment of the Energy Efficiency Directive in June, a new study, conducted by the EU-funded project the Energy Efficiency Watch (EEW), shows the importance of supportive narratives in energy efficiency policies.
The survey results compile the opinions and insights of 1,270 energy efficiency experts in all Member States and includes information that can help put the EU on the path to climate neutrality. It presents how energy experts see the "real-life" progress of energy efficiency policies in their own country. One of the aims is to contribute to a deeper understanding of what constitutes a successful narrative for energy efficiency and the current positioning of energy efficiency in the public debate.
eceee is a project partner in the EEW project. Executive Director Nils Borg said: “We need to develop our communication skills when it comes to energy efficiency policies. Even if the evidence is there –efficiency is good for jobs, health, poverty alleviation, competitiveness – we need to develop narratives based on that evidence, strong narratives that help us move the energy efficiency policy agenda forward.”
According to the study, the perceived energy efficiency progress remains too slow across the EU27 and new dynamics are lacking. In countries or regions where a consensus has been reached on "WHY" it should be done, policy ambition seems more strongly maintained, despite political changes. This emphasises how effective and strong narratives are needed to drive the energy transition in Europe. The survey results provide new insights for this process on EU level and in each country.
Christiane Egger, Deputy Manager of the OÖ Energiesparverband (ESV) and main author of the study, commented: “Across all Member States, the survey results show that more attention needs to be paid to the positive economic impacts of energy efficiency on jobs, industry and competitiveness to gain the buy-in and participation of influential stakeholder groups.” A key finding of the study is that we need to strengthen the link between economic elements and energy efficiency in the public debate, and require better data showing these benefits beyond climate protection and cost savings.
Egger added: “The EU Recovery Plan and the debate around the revision of the EED present a unique opportunity to reposition energy efficiency as a key recovery strategy and economic driver. We therefore urgently need compelling narratives that can help shape the debate on energy efficiency on local, regional and national level, and create new dynamics for successful implementation of energy efficiency policies in Member States.”
Read the full EEW4 survey report here
Read the executive summary of the EEW4 survey here
The report can also be downloaded from EEW4 website
