Determined to break the curve

Curve Breaker No. 36
With the signing of Curve Breaker Agreements by ‘Sønderborg Statsskole’ on 11 March, followed by the Municipality of Viborg on 12 March, the Danish Electricity Saving Trust welcomed  curve breakers 35 and 36 to the progressive group of organisations who have volunteered to commit themselves to binding electricity savings targets.

‘It’s extremely satisfying to see the target has been more than adequately fulfilled since work started in 2007 on the mutually binding agreements for electricity savings with public sector authorities, institutions and selected large companies. If enough curves are broken locally, it follows that the curve will also be broken at a national level,’ explains Christian Jarby, Manager for Public Sector Affairs at the Trust.

EUR 8.2 million worth of savings
A recent evaluation of the Trust’s public sector campaigns reveals that the Trust has fulfilled its target in 2007 to conclude agreements covering electricity consumption of 500 GWh per year.

Further agreements have been signed in the first few months of 2008, including five sixth-form colleges, one municipality and two companies. The municipalities account for about a third of the 36 agreements made. Total savings amount to around 44,000 MWh, equivalent to cash savings of nearly EUR 8.2 million with electricity priced at 0.187 cents per kWh.

‘We’re really happy to note the great interest by organisations in doing something about their electricity consumption and taking responsibility for their own carbon footprint. When politicians commit themselves to a target, the whole organisation becomes dedicated to working to deliver the savings. This makes it possible for the Trust’s tools to be deployed in areas which can make a difference.

Staff responsible for energy management in organisations can call on the Trust to help them with the practical work of changing behaviour and installing equipment to enable savings,’ says Christian Jarby.

Great expectations on the help and financial front
The offer of help is being welcomed with open arms by the new clutch of curve breakers.

‘We’re counting on the Trust helping our service staff and getting good advice on energy saving technology – both for purchasing the right electrical equipment, and for choosing and operating energy saving technology,’ says councillor Eigil Jensen, who signed the Curve Breaker Agreement on behalf of the Municipality of Viborg in his capacity as Chairman of the Technical Committee.

Councillor Leif Olsen, who signed an agreement on behalf of the Regional Municipality of Bornholm in his capacity as Chairman of the Technical and Environmental Committee, explained the background to the agreement:

‘There were two main reasons for signing an agreement with the Trust to save power:

Firstly, it’s obviously extremely important to be able to manage electricity consumption in relation to the climate and environment. Secondly, we can save a considerable amount of money by a sensible appraisal of our resources – especially electricity. All municipalities are under financial pressure, and all the money that can be freed up will benefit the local population.’

Facts. Agreements concluded in 2008

Companies:
JP/Politiken
De Gule Sider

Sixth-form colleges:
Bjerringbro Gymnasium
Høje Taastrup Gymnasium
Viby Gymnasium
Roskilde Katedralskole
Sønderborg Statsskole

Municipalities:
The Municipality of Viborg

See all the Curve Breaker Agreements at: www.elsparefonden.dk/kurveknaekker *

* Above link only in Danish