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Case Study: Eco n'Home Project

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Summary

Eco n'Home is supported by the European Commission's Intelligent Energy Europe programme, contract no. EIE/05/029/SI2.419626.

The aim of the project is to combine expertise of energy agencies in seven Member States in developing and implementing in a sample of 1,000 households an innovative and highly replicable model for sustainable energy advice, addressing energy in dwellings and travel. Eco n'Home has investigated and will now go beyond current practice by providing advice and recommendations specific to each circumstance and supporting households individually on RUE and RES. Historic energy records, meter readings and an audit establish the baseline against which to evaluate action impacts. A common methodology for investigation guarantees replication potential such as by energy agencies, utilities, local authorities and energy services companies, including new electronic tools for data collection, follow-up, and evaluation. Household documents combine graphics, text and statistics presented so as to enhance understanding.

The project is expected to achieve significant savings in energy ("Negawatts") and carbon emissions and aims to link these with markets for White Certificates and energy services, whilst offering a follow-on opportunity to Energy Performance Certificates in both new and existing buildings. Implementation of this 36-month project began in January 2006 and will complete in December 2008. Results from households and the project will emerge from the evaluation process from June 2008.

The Eco n'Home project is coordinated by MVE, France

Results

An aim of Eco n'Home is to reduce energy demand (kWh) and carbon emissions (kg CO₂) by an average 10 - 20% per project household, at least half of which must be in travel. The specific carbon target is one tonne for each.

Evaluation of individual households and the project as a whole will commence once the follow-up period is completed any are expected by June - July 2008. These results will include the measures installed and theenergy and carbon saved per partner and in total. Partner experiences suggest however that the success of Eco n'Home is unprecedented when compared to other sustainable energy initiatives.

In addition to carbon savings Eco n'Home will improve local air quality and by releasing expenditure, the socioeconomic conditions of individual households to strengthen the local economy. New opportunities for sustainable energy technology manufacturers, suppliers and installers will result from increased demand.

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