 Energy Efficiency
Energy EfficiencyEnergy Efficiency
The DEESME Multiple Benefits Approach is a method aimed at boosting energy efficiency in European SMEs by recognizing broader business benefits rather than focusing solely on energy cost savings. Developed under the EU's Horizon 2020 program, DEESME advocates for energy audits and management systems that identify additional benefits like increased productivity, reduced environmental impact, improved health and safety, stronger brand reputation, compliance, and employee satisfaction. This approach involves four stages, starting with a Business Analysis that aligns energy efficiency with business priorities. The Energy Analysis focuses on energy usage data, followed by a Multiple Benefits Analysis to identify and measure extra financial, environmental, social, and reputational benefits from efficiency measures. The final stage is Business Model Sustainability Advancement, where the business integrates the findings into its model for sustainable growth, often resulting in innovation and improved sustainability communication. The DEESME approach emphasizes skill-building and team engagement across various company departments. It uses case studies to illustrate the multiplicative effects of integrating energy efficiency with broader business improvements. This strategy prepares businesses for future EU policies, sustainable finance opportunities, attracting talent, and comprehensive regulatory compliance. It's also supported by interactive materials and tools like Enerwhizz, an educational mobile quiz game designed to foster knowledge and competitiveness in energy management.
Read Full articleEnergy Management Reinvented: How the Multiple Benefit Approach Is Transforming European SMEs
The DEESME project promotes a Multiple Benefit approach, integrating energy efficiency with broader business goals in SMEs, aligning with EU sustainability policy and enhancing various non-energy aspects, such as safety and product quality.
Read Full articleUnlocking Energy Efficiency in SMEs: Lessons from Seven European Projects
Despite representing a significant portion of Europe's energy demand, most SMEs face challenges in adopting energy efficiency measures due to financial constraints, lack of knowledge, time pressures, and cultural inertia. However, research from seven European projects suggests that targeted training, energy audits, and collaboration can overcome these barriers, with the potential for substantial savings and competitiveness enhancements.
Read Full articleRethinking Energy Audits: How a Multiple Benefits Approach Empowers Sustainable Business
The DEESME project promotes a Multiple Benefits Approach to energy auditing, integrating energy efficiency with broader business strategies for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), aiming to generate value across various organizational aspects, thus transforming compliance into strategic opportunity.
Read Full articleBeyond Energy Savings: Unlocking the True Value of Energy Efficiency for Future Leaders
The M-Benefits research across 23 pilots identified 251 non-energy benefits (NEBs) of energy efficiency, quantifiable in 58% of cases, markedly increasing average internal rate of return and shortening payback periods, thereby underscoring their strategic business significance.
Read Full articleUnlocking Competitive Advantage: The Overlooked Multiple Benefits of Energy Efficiency in Business
Energy efficiency offers more than cost savings, including improved product quality, employee well-being, and corporate reputation. Its strategic value is underestimated due to non-energy benefits being often invisible and unquantified in decision-making processes.
Read Full articleEnergizing Change Together: The Power of Energy Efficiency Networks
Energy Efficiency Networks (EENs) promote cooperation between companies to improve energy usage and reduce carbon emissions. Over 1,300 networks exist globally, with Germany and China leading the way. EENs encourage sharing best practices, setting targets, and implementing energy-saving measures, with proven results in energy and CO2 reductions. This collaborative model supports achieving national and international climate goals and drives innovation across industries.
Read Full articleCracking Open Energy Efficiency This Easter!
Easter impacts energy demand, with UK households increasing electricity use during the holiday. Efficient practices and sustainable choices in areas like confectionery production and rabbit farming can mitigate environmental effects and promote energy savings across sectors.
Read Full articleDemystifying Industrial Symbiosis: A Comprehensive Guide to Opportunity Identification
Industrial symbiosis (IS) optimizes resource use and minimizes waste by exchanging resources among industries. European initiatives invest in IS methodologies to enhance market adoption but face challenges like complexity and data availability. The identification process involves mapping, screening, and matchmaking, requiring collaboration and long-term viability assessments.
Read Full articleHow new technology can allow factories without chimneys
Professor Hussam Jouhara discusses the development of the Heat Pipe Condensing Economiser (HPCE), designed to reduce industrial energy consumption and emissions by recovering waste heat and water. Supported by the EU's Horizon 2020, HPCE overcomes challenges such as exhaust stream variability and corrosive condensates, aiming to enhance efficiency and environmental sustainability in industries, especially in the chemical sector, by promoting energy and material recovery.
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