Process

The target group of the Energy Gain is SME in Lidköping, Sweden. The project contains two parts, one educational and one practical. The education is specific for each industry branch. The focus in the education is on energy use and both seminars and study visits are used. Each industry branch has their own education to facilitate experience exchange and to tailor-make the seminars. In the practical part the participating companies are doing an inventory of their energy use and invest their possibilities for making their energy use more efficient as well as increasing the use of renewable energy. This is done by support from the project. The project also includes making the companies aware of other environmental aspects.

The project is carried out by the municipality of Lidköping in cooperation with several local SME organizations, but similar projects can be initiated by almost any actor. A key factor for success is the cooperation with the local trade and industry. Much effort was put in creating an interest in and a confidence for the project in the initial phase. Tools to facilitate the practical work were developed before the first education round. A voluntary agreement was made by the participators where they promise to do an energy inventory and an action plan for their organization. Until now manufacturing companies, industrial workshops, agricultural enterprises, real estate companies, groceries, supermarkets and automotive retailers has participated in the education. One education round is about to start (Nov 2007) and a last education round is going to be done in February 2008. To ensure the quality of the education, experts where engaged for the different education rounds to fit different target groups. 86 companies have participated in education, which means that the objective is going to be reached and surpassed. After the education the company is doing an energy inventory and action plan, with support by the Energy Gain, including a site visit. 50 companies have participated in this part so far.

One year after the education an evaluation is done, including which measures the company has taken, energy saved and decrease in emissions of carbon dioxide. Only the companies from the first education round have done the evaluation.