Presentation of the certificates: Federal Minister for the Environment Ms Barbara Hendricks (3rd from right), State Secretary Uwe Beckmeyer (2nd from right), Mr Andreas Kuhlmann, Director of the German Energy Agency (1st from right) and representatives of the networks. © German Energy Agency (dena) / Pedro Becerra

Companies across all sectors can undertake many different measures that will enable them to save energy and reduce costs. A baker, for example, could switch to using more modern ovens, or companies operating vehicle fleets might start to use hybrid cars. Whatever the sector, there is one thing that more and more companies agree upon: working together makes the task easier.

Ever since 2015, various companies within a particular sector or region across Germany have been joining together to form what are known as energy efficiency networks. This enables them to discuss ways to get more out of the energy they consume, and to help one another with this.

The first annual event of the Energy Efficiency Network took place in Berlin last week. Federal Minister of the Environment Barbara Hendricks and Parliamentary State Secretary Mr Uwe Beckmeyer presented awards to 59 different companies who have teamed up to improve their energy efficiency. The companies, which are based right around Germany, have come together to form six different networks. These networks each received certificates of participation on behalf of all of the networks that are registered within the initiative.

State Secretary Beckmeyer: “Better together!”

When awarding the certificates, Mr Uwe Beckmeyer said the following: “Energy efficiency is an important aspect in the energy transition. Our experience to date has shown that companies which form networks with other like-minded firms can improve their energy efficiency to a much greater extent than by going at it alone.” And this is also attested by the figures. Over the next few years, the firms presented with an award alone plan to save a total of 257 gigawatt hours of energy.

The event was also attended by the Presidents of the Federation of German Industries (BDI) and the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH), Mr Ulrich Grillo and Mr Hans Peter Wollseifer, together with the Chairperson of the Executive Board of the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW), Mr Stefan Kapferer. In their speeches, they highlighted the value of the networks both for companies and for the economy.

500 networks by the end of 2020

Some 90 energy efficiency networks involving more than 900 companies have launched since the start of 2015. Some 21 business associations, in partnership with the Federal Government, plan to raise this number to 500 by 2020.

Experience with energy efficiency networks has shown that the companies involved tend to lower their energy costs about twice as quickly as the average for their industry. Not only do they raise their productivity and competitiveness but they also boost the company’s reputation among customers and employees. One reason for this is that companies which are part of an energy efficiency network keep pace with the latest developments in energy efficiency.