Introducing Eco n'Home

Context...
Energy use accounts for 78% of greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union and is therefore the greatest source. One-third of these emissions is associated with transportation. In addition, Europe now relies on imports to meet 50% of energy demand, expected to rise to 70% by 2030.

Sustainable energy is therefore a priority and will not only benefit the environment, but also social and economic agendas. All sectors must find ways to reduce their demand by energy saving, more efficient equipment and processes, and the greater use of low carbon and renewable sources as alternatives to fossil fuels. In addition, there must be a widespread change in attitudes and behaviour so that any benefits are sustained.

The Green Paper on energy efficiency (Doing More with Less) was published in March 2006 to provide a common, coherent policy framework for all member states and reduce demand 20% from 1990 by 2020 through cost effective sustainable energy actions. Included in this framework are programmes to address the domestic sector, which explains around 25%, and the 20% used in transportation.

Innovation...
Eco n'Home is a new and innovative approach to sustainable energy advice within the domestic sector that is beyond the common practice of any member state.

A key feature is the PERSONAL service - every household receives a visit from a personel adviser who carries out a full AUDIT of demand for heat, power and in travel and records energy meter data. The household then receives an INIDIVIDUAL analysis report and carbon footprint and a list of SPECIFIC recommendations for action. Feedback is presented using both graphics and text so it is easy to understand - see an example below.

The households receive with their Report an ACTION PLAN listing these recommendations. They are asked to indicate the actions they plan to undertake and return this to their adviser as the basis for follow-up.

The FOLLOW-UP of households takes place over twelve months beginning with the signing of the Plan. During this period advisers work one-to-one to provide specific advice, information, access to financial support. Energy meters are monitored so that impacts of actions can be identified and to engage the household further.

At the end of this period the households are EVALUATED on actions taken, changes in energy use, and therefore also in carbon emissions. The energy change is referred to as NEGAWATTS i.e. demand avoided. A second REPORT presents these changes to the household.

Key features...
UNIQUE features of Eco n'Home are therefore:

- Personal advice for every household

- One to one contact with an energy adviser

- Recommendations specific to dwelling & travel

- Relevant information and advice

- Follow-up of opportunities over twelve months

Policy development...
The creation of Negawatts relates strongly to European policies on Energy Services (DIRECTIVE 2006/32/EC) and the development of a market for White Certificates, and the Energy Performance of Buildings (DIRECTIVE 2002/91/EC).

- Evaluating specific energy and financial savings and following-up households is the basis of an energy services arrangement with an energy utility

- Purchase of certificates by energy utlities could contribute towards national government obligations for example in the UK, the Energy Efficiency Commitment (EEC)

- Implementation of opportunities identified through the Energy Performance Certification process