Quiz Time in Brussels: Crafting the Perfect Energy-Saving Policy Mix

A Successful Mission Accomplished!

The energy sector in Brussels recently buzzed with excitement as experts and enthusiasts gathered on June 12th for the REFEREE Final Conference and European Sustainable Energy Week session! Participants engaged in a competition to develop the perfect energy-saving policy mix for the EU. The panel of speakers worked as “contestants” in the “energy efficiency policy rating game” that had them test out the REFEREE tool live. The public, which filled the room of 100 people, engaged in Slido questions, and was encouraged to test out the tool themselves. 

Iakov Frizis, Senior Economist at Cambridge Econometrics kicked off the session by introducing the REFEREE Tool and its importance in the road to a sustainable future.

He then welcomed moderator Kira Taylor from the Climate and Energy Journalist and the panel of speakers:

  • Claudia Canevari, Head of Unit Energy Efficiency, Policy and Financing Directorate-General for Energy, European Commission
  • Maria Giovanna Gaglione, Researcher National Agency for New Technologies, Energy, and Sustainable Economic Development of Italy
  • Adrian Joyce, Secretary-General, Efficient Buildings Europe
  • Chiara Martinelli, Director Climate Action Network Europe
  • Arianna Vitali Roscini, Secretary-General Coalition for Energy Savings

The Power of REFEREE

Central to the event was the step-by-step guide of how REFEREE works. An innovative and user-friendly tool, it was designed to simulate energy efficiency measures and evaluate their impacts on local and national levels. This tool allowed participants to experiment with different policies and instantly see their effects on energy savings and various socioeconomic factors. 

Key Examples

Examples from different countries including Bulgaria and Spain allowed participants to test the tool and answer specific energy efficiency questions for various contexts. For example, one question for the speakers was “With the highest unemployment rate, how can Spain boost new jobs with three Energy Efficiency policies?”. Not only was this shortly answered by the speakers with direct responses from the REFEREE Tool, but participants in the audience were also able to compete on Slido by responding to other energy efficiency questions about that specific country. 

                   

 

Takeaways

  1. Interactive Learning: Attendees engaged in a hands-on session, using REFEREE to explore and implement various energy efficiency measures. This interactive approach made learning both fun and impactful, and was the best way to highlight all of the abilities of the REFEREE Tool.
  2. Expert Insights: The four leading experts provided invaluable guidance, helping participants understand the complexities of energy efficiency policies and their far-reaching impacts.
  3. Real-World Applications: Through simulated scenarios, participants gained practical insights into how different policy mixes can affect energy efficiency, and, in turn, have positive impacts on other sectors.
  4. Networking Opportunities: The event facilitated networking among professionals and enthusiasts, fostering a community dedicated to advancing energy efficiency.

Why Energy Efficiency Matters

The event underscored that energy efficiency is more than just cost savings. Effective energy planning can lead to significant improvements in socioeconomic development, public welfare, air quality, job creation, and more. By using tools like REFEREE, stakeholders can craft policies that maximize these benefits.

A Fun and Impactful Experience

Participants left the event with a deeper understanding of energy efficiency and its broader implications. The gamified approach not only made the session enjoyable but also demonstrated the importance of innovative tools in policy planning.

Looking Ahead

The success of REFEREE at the EUSEW marks the end of the REFEREE project and the beginning of a bright future in energy policy. By continuing to explore and implement effective energy policies, we can move towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.

We thank everyone who participated and made this event a success. Check out the full recording here  and test out the REFEREE National Tool and Local Tool yourself! For further information and updates, visit our REFEREE website.