Energy

All policy measures regarding energy heavily affect businesses – especially SMEs – who on the one hand are providers of energy services and energy technologies and on the other hand energy consumers whose competitiveness is influenced by the last years' electricity and fuel price increases.

As representatives of business interests at local, national and EU level, Chambers provide a two-way communication flow: bottom-up, informing decision makers about the needs and concerns of the business community as regards energy policy, and top-down, informing businesses about developments in the legal framework and helping them to implement those in the most efficient way.

Energy policy

EUROCHAMBRES and its members examine current EU legislative proposals with a view to their possible effects on the business community. Our position papers on these issues are available for download from the “See Also” box on the right.

Energy Efficiency and Chambers’ services to business

European Chambers of Commerce consider energy efficiency a priority, as it reinforces the link between competitiveness and energy policy: reducing EU energy demand results in lower greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to the security of energy supply while in parallel creating net cost savings. Billions of euros not spent on energy translate into increased competitiveness. Finally, Europe is a world leader in energy-efficient equipment and energy services - an opportunity to be seized. Energy efficiency coupled with cost savings is therefore a clear win-win situation. Chambers work to ensure that these actions reach business, particularly SMEs. They raise awareness among companies, provide them with information and facilitate access to training and other services to help companies save energy and procure energy at the best possible price.

Examples of (EURO)CHAMBERS’ activities

Some of Chambers’ energy and environment activities featured in the September 2007 issue of "Commerce International" (English version / French version) were highlighted at a EUROCHAMBRES conference attended by Commissioner Piebalgs during Sustainable Energy Week 2008.
Two of these projects, the Stara Zagora Energy Efficiency Center and the EUREM Energy Manager Training programme had already been presented as best practice examples at the ManagEnergy Conference 2007. Visit the conference’s website and view the videos in one of the following languages: DE, EN, ES, FR, IT, PL!
For a collection of more examples, please consult the brochure “Energy Efficiency and Renewables: The Chambers’ activities and policy recommendations” in the “See Also” section on the right.

EUROCHAMBRES attaches great importance to showcasing the many initiatives for energy efficiency and economical use of renewable energy sources already taken voluntarily by businesses as well as other actors, as this will help to inspire additional action. This is why EUROCHAMBRES is pleased to be an Associate of the Sustainable Energy Europe Campaign.