Energy Conservation Agreements
09/08/05
Better governance: Patterns of agreements concluded between authorities and different organisations aimed at stimulating the performance of energy audits and energy saving activities.
In the context of “better governance” the Commission welcomes alternative courses of actions such as self-regulation (voluntary agreements) by the industry where such actions are likely to deliver the policy objectives faster or more cost-effectively than mandatory requirements. Voluntary agreements can present advantages compared with regulation. They can provide for quick progress due to rapid and cost-effective implementation. They allow for flexible and adjusted adaptation to technological options and market sensitivities.
Source: http://europa.eu.int/comm/energy/demand/agreements/index_en.htm
Finland
The Government of Finland uses Voluntary Energy Conservation Agreements to encourage energy efficiency in different sectors of economy. The voluntary agreement scheme was launched in Finland in November 1997 not just for industrial companies but also for energy sector, public sector, real estate and construction sector as well as transport sector. An energy conservation agreement for residential buildings is being prepared in co-operation with Ministry of the Environment and Ministry of Trade and Industry. In Finland, Motiva is responsible for administration and monitoring of the agreements. Motiva Oy
Parties of agreements agree to take certain actions such as analysing energy consumption, drawing up plans for improved energy efficiency, taking energy efficiency into account when making investments or procurements. Some of these agreements include specific targets such as percentage improvements in energy efficiency.
Additional information on the Finnish scheme is available in http://www.motiva.fi/en/areas/energyconservationagreements/