The Idea Network and Appliance Efficiency

Abstract

Following close discussions between the European Commission and a number of interested European energy agencies and other parties, NOVEM (the Netherlands), took the lead in establishing IDEA (The International Network for Domestic Energy-Efficient Appliances) in 1997 and in launching the free Appliance Efficiency newsletter in partnership with ADEME (France) and STEM (Sweden). More recently, the Danish Energy Agency, and Swiss Federal Office of Energy have joined IDEA and contributed to its costs. Appliance Efficiency, the Newsletter of IDEA has a world wide circulation to 2400 key policy makers, manufacturers, programme managers, efficiency advocates, consultants, journalists and academics. Appliance Efficiency has established itself as a leading instrument for gathering information and contacts addressing domestic appliance energy efficiency. The newsletter has publicised the results and recommendations of all the major European Commission SAVE programme studies concerned with domestic appliances, has publicised articles on various national and EU energy policies and legislative initiatives, and has been highly instrumental in informing key actors in appliance efficiency area programme about relevant actions. The IDEA network has also overseen the development of a web site which carries electronic copies of Appliance Efficiency and copies of related SAVE studies and provides forums for discussion about appliance efficiency technology, policies and programmes. The IDEA network also produces and maintains an extensive database of key individuals and institutions concerned with appliance energy efficiency matters in Europe and the rest of the world. This database provides a very useful resource for the organisation of conferences, workshops, mailshots and other dissemination activities.