We’re in it together

There is a need for a step change in thinking in which the transition to a low carbon economy can take place. But to make energy supply sustainable, hearts and minds must also be captured to reduce and manage energy consumption on a business and domestic basis. Energy efficiency is a win-win solution for both organisations and individuals to counteract higher energy costs. The financial incentive of energy efficiency is clear – every organisation should have someone responsible for reviewing energy costs and identifying savings opportunities.

The energy institute’s work
The Energy Institute (EI) is the leading chartered professional membership body exclusively serving the international energy industry. Through its 13,500 individuals and 300 organisations in membership, the EI covers the full breadth of the industry including the oil, gas, renewables and nuclear sectors. Working to promote the safe, environmentally responsible and efficient supply and use of energy in all its forms and applications, the EI is a vital partner for individuals and organisations worldwide.
    
The Energy Efficiency Accreditation Scheme (EEAS) is an established award accredited by the EI that recognises achievements in reducing energy use by leading organisations in industry, commerce and the public sector. It is managed by the National Energy Foundation on behalf of the Carbon Trust. To date over 200 organisations, which includes over 100 councils, NHS trusts and other public services, have gained accreditation by reaching the standards set for the scheme and a large number of others are on the way to doing so.
    
The scheme was set up to provide independent verification of the achievements of organisations implementing energy efficiency measures, and to highlight those making real energy savings through management commitment and investments in energy efficiency. Evaluations are carried out by independent, experienced assessors who examine an organisation’s performance in a number of areas. Organisations who meet the standards become accredited which lasts for a period of three years before it is re-accredited.
    
In working towards a secure and sustainable economy, more organisations need to implement energy efficient practices and become leaders in their fields through accreditation of their work. The EI is keen to promote professionalism within energy and work with individuals to prove private and public sector organisations pay more than just lip service to reducing their energy consumption.

Including people
The people factor is a key issue for moving towards a low carbon economy. There is currently a general decline in the take-up of science, engineering and technical careers among young people and the EI is concerned that without a skilled labour force, new directions in energy policy may be difficult to achieve.
    
In its role as professional membership body, the EI is keen to ensure the provision of new recruits to the industry to solve the energy challenges of tomorrow. To support this work, the EI has begun building a database of volunteer members interested in mentoring or going into schools/colleges and talking to young people about potential careers in the energy industry and what a useful contribution they can make to society. This work forms part of a wider project that the EI has embarked on which is its educational web portal, Energyzone, aimed at providing information on energy to the wider public.
    
The EI is committed to working with governments, organisations and individuals to work towards a greener future but to succeed it will take contributions from all levels.

For more information
Energy Institute, 61 New Cavendish Street, London W1G 7AR, UK
Tel: 020 7467 7100, Fax: 020 7255 1472
Email: info@energyinst.org.uk
Web: www.energyinst.org.uk