Interdisciplinary analysis of the implementation possibilities of rational energy use in the industrial, commercial and the public sector

InterSEE provides in-depth, qualitative, socio-economic analyses of successful activities in the field of energy efficiency in small and medium-sized enterprises (SME). The empirical investigation of individual company examples ('success stories') and well-designed policy programmes emphasises the social and organisational process character of energy efficiency measures in SME.

Results

Energy efficiency is not exclusively determined by economic decisions but depends to a large extent on the existing company culture, and on the engagement of firm internal key actors and their interaction within the organisation. Furthermore, the findings underline the paramount importance of external actors to trigger energy related activity in SME and to foster a lasting implementation of efficiency measures, which points at promising domains for policy intervention. Concerning the external support, the empirical analyses indicate the need for differentiated ranges of instruments which provide fosterig inputs during the whole process from the initiation to the final realisation and continuation of activities. Covering distinct features of the observed realisation processes, four different types of succesful firms are identified, serving as a segmentation of SME target groups and related specific policy mixes. From the case study results, an innovative and dynamic policy philosophy was developed which foucuses on the support of energy related organisational learning in SME and on formation of energy service networks. Opportunities for energy policy programmes are indicated showing how to stimulate the SME's demand for energy services as a core element of transformation strategies for economically and ecologically sound energy service markets. Concrete recommendations are made concerning the design and management of policy programmes with emphasis on social marketing strategies and the cooperation of energy policy and service market actors

Key figures

Period:
1996 - 1998
Funding year:
1996
Own financial contribution:
0.81 mio. DKK
Grant:
0.64 mio. DKK
Funding rate:
44 %
Project budget:
1.45 mio. DKK

Category

Oprindelig title
Tværfaglig analyse af årsagerne bag successfulde energibespareforløb i erhvervene
Programme
EFP
Technology
Other
Project type
Analyse
Case no.
1753/96-0004

Participants

KORA, Det Nationale Institut for Kommuners og Regioners Analyse og Forskning (Main Responsible)

Contact

Kontakperson
Togeby, Michael
Comtact information
Amternes og Kommunernes Forskningsinstitut
Nyropsgade 37
DK-1602 København V, Denmark
Togeby, Michael (docent), 33110300, akf@akf.dk
Øvr. Partnere: Wuppertal-Institut für Klima. Energie (DE); Energieverwertungsagentur Wien (AT); Frauenhofer-Institut für Systemtechnik und Innovationsforschung (DE); Institut für Psychologie (DE); Amstein Wahlert AG (CH)