Danish municipalities must reverse the trend

Danish municipalities account for nearly 75% of the electricity consumed in the public sector. But now consumption must fall and the municipalities have endorsed the move.

Agreement on savings
In October 2007 the Danish Ministry of Transport and Energy concluded a voluntary agreement with Local Government Denmark (KL) on saving energy in the municipalities.

The agreement must reverse the upward curve in the municipalities
The agreement on saving energy in the municipalities is crucial to reversing the energy consumption curve in the public sector, which has been climbing in the wrong direction over the past 10 years – namely upwards.

Under the agreement the municipalities will, in general, comply with the same requirements which apply to government institutions.

How you can help, and how you can use the Trust
Once you have set a target for how much you wish to save, the Trust can help you to achieve the target.

  • Set a binding savings target. The target should be backed up at all levels within the municipality – including the Mayor’s office. The target should, preferably, be an ambitious one; this will ensure a real turnaround in electricity consumption rather than just a small reduction in the electricity bill.
  • Use the Trust’s Purchasing guidelines. These form part of the requirements for municipalities to purchase energy efficient products, as laid down in the voluntary agreement signed by Local Government Denmark (KL) on behalf of the municipalities.
  • Use the Trust’s Interior Layout Guidelines. These make it easier for architects, engineers and office users to organise and equip office buildings energy efficiently, resulting in a good indoor environment.
  • Use the Trust’s campaign material. Speak to our Customer Advice service about the possibilities.

Sign a Curve Breaker Agreement with the Trust
You can, if you would like, work in partnership with the Trust as a curve breaker municipality. In this case you will have access to a range of additional offers and guidance, including:

  • Mentoring from a dedicated contact as well as from a range of other professional experts
  • Assistance to implement energy efficient purchasing policies
  • Material for behavioural campaigns
  • A free electricity saving computer bag
  • Presentations at themed meetings
  • Use of self-monitoring energy tools
  • PR and profiling in the media

Page last updated 29.03.2010