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So Long, EE Global 2012 - Thanks for the Great Times!

The conclusion of EE Global is a bittersweet moment for me - the amazing speakers return home, the Solutions Showcase gets packed up, and all the new friends we've made have to rely on remote communication for the next while. BUT, the sweetness comes when I think about what we've accomplished over the past three days: solidifying relationships that will carry far beyond the walls of the Peabody Orlando, new ideas that came out of workshops and dialogue sessions, and inspiration from dynamic speakers like Dr. Kandeh Yumkella and others who positively electrified the plenary sessions!

The theme of EE Global 2012 resonated from day one to three: Energy efficiency as an "All of the Above" solution. The hundreds of attendees could all agree on that, whether they were here to talk finance, industrial efficiency, policy, buildings, appliances, or the many other topics that range the broad spectrum of energy efficiency.

This was our fifth EE Global, and attracted the highest caliber of speakers yet. And our new roundtable plenary format turned out to be a huge hit, garnering eager audience participation and thoughtful dialogue between some of the brightest minds in the field. The high-level speakers also meant that every conversation and every dialogue session carried that much more weight, since we're here with the real movers and shakers in government, business, and NGO sectors.

I could be here all day if I had to pick my top moment of EE Global 2012. Strong contenders are the Virtual Podium press conference that gave seven organizations a platform to share their latest announcements with media in the room and around the world via live webcast; an opening plenary session I had the pleasure to moderate featuring the excitable and thought-provoking Ambassador to Finland Bruce Oreck; and a morning plenary session centered on the UN declared Year of Sustainable Energy for All, keynoted by Dr. Yumkella and ably led by Principal Director for the Department of External Relations at Asian Development Bank Ann Quon. But more than anything, my favorite moments were what happened at the Solutions Showcase - the conversations I had with exciting global organizations and finding out what's the next big thing in energy efficiency.

To our wonderful speakers, sponsors (especially our Founding Sponsors Schneider Electric, Siemens, and Whirlpool), and co-host SEEA, thank you for making this week so memorable. And whether you were able to join me in Orlando or stayed up-to-date through our newsletters, I hope you got something out of these three days. Thank you for your continued commitment to advancing energy efficiency worldwide, and here's to another great EE Global!

Warm Regards,

Kateri Callahan
President, Alliance to Save Energy

Recognize Stars of EE by March 30!

With the conclusion of the EE Visionary Awards, now's the time to think about deserving "Stars of Energy Efficiency." Join the Alliance as we celebrate energy efficiency innovation and development at the 20th annual Evening with the Stars of Energy Efficiency Awards Dinner, a black tie gala on October 3, 2012 at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, DC. These prestigious awards culminate in one of the most highly-anticipated energy awards dinner of the year, drawing more than 500 energy leaders from every sector.

Nominate a deserving company, organization or individual (self-nominations welcome) by March 30, 2012 to be considered. The Alliance accepts all nominations—both domestic and international—to be reviewed by the 2012 Dinner and Awards Committee. Late nominations will not be accepted, so submit now!

Can’t wait until October for the next great energy efficiency event? Join us this summer for Great Energy Efficiency Day (GEED) on Capitol Hill. Held twice annually, GEED draws more than 400 stakeholders from business, industry, government, academia, the media and the public to discuss the most pressing issues and advances in energy efficiency. Visit the Event section of the Alliance website for more information.

Final EE Sessions Focus on Policy, Funding, and Technology

The final day of EE Global brought with it eight invigorating executive dialogue sessions, ranging from the role of EE in the residential sector to policy solutions to reduce global energy use. After all 20 sessions were said and done, attendees had undergone what Alliance President Kateri Callahan referred to as a crash Master's course in energy efficiency.

Big Steps to a Smaller Footprint: Tackling EE Policy on a Global Scale

Amit Bando with the International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Corporation (IPEEC) moderated this panel on the ability of international organizations to overcome geo-political barriers to influence energy efficiency. Kenji Kobayashi of the Asia-Pacific Energy Research Centre (APEC) provided an overview of the programs APEC is implementing in order to promote energy efficiency and reduce C02 emissions, including various regional workshops focused on implementing best practices for building codes and labeling, appliance standards and transportation infrastructure. Dr. Peter du Pont of Nexant Asia discussed the prospects for scaling up energy efficiency in Asia while Guenter Hoermandinger of the EU Commission turned the focus to the European context, describing the EU’s 2020 energy-saving goals while also emphasizing the EU’s commitment to setting a framework for implementing energy efficiency polices for member countries to follow. International Energy Agency's Robert Tromop reiterated that energy efficiency is still a policy problem and that barriers must be overcome to demonstrate energy efficiency’s multiple benefits beyond energy savings.

Leveraging Technology to Increase Energy Efficiency

Recent technology trends are helping businesses improve their energy efficiency and bottom line, as expressed by President of Danfoss John Galyen, who highlighted how variable speed air conditioning technology can reduce energy consumption with a sophistication that allows for greater building integration capabilities. This win-win technology can save consumers 50 percent of energy costs with less than a 5-year payback period. Jonathan Jutsen, Executive Director at Energetics followed with an insightful glimpse of drivers for energy efficiency in Australia, where a new carbon policy requiring emissions disclosure is driving a market for energy-efficient buildings and spurring greater demand efficient technologies. On lighting, Vice President of Cree, Greg Merritt discussed how Cree is leading the LED lighting revolution and set the business case for LED technology, namely the potential to reduce U.S. energy needs for lighting by 46 percent. The technology is seeing greater application. For example, the City of Los Angeles is upgrading 140,000 street lights and will reach a cost savings of more than 55 percent. In the building sector, Clay Nesler, Vice President of Global Energy and Sustainability for Johnson Controls discussed how information technology can have a large impact in improving building efficiency. “You can’t manage what you don’t measure and analyze.” Metering technology such as the “Negawatt” meter can track energy saving and present opportunities for efficiency.

Inside the Minds of EE Funders & Investors

Tom Dreessen of Energy Efficiency Project Investment Company (EEPIC) moderated one of the last panels of the conference, looking at the motivations of funders and investors of energy efficiency projects. Patrick Doyle of the Inter-American Development Bank (ADB) spoke about overcoming similar barriers in Columbia and Brazil by creating performance and credit guarantee facilities for energy service companies. Sheree Eddie presented on Jax (Jacksonville, FL) Metro Credit Union's highly successful green lending program, which has been able to offer zero- or low-interest loans for residential or commercial energy efficiency retrofit or upgrade projects, paired with equipment rebates from the local energy utility. Carolyn Green of EnerGreen Capital Management provided a private equity fund's perspective on investing in late-stage energy or water conservation firms, highlighting the importance of strong community ties and that the investment value of energy and water efficiency projects should take into account the products and services utilized in addition to the energy savings generated. Larry Shirley, North Carolina's Director of the Development of the Green Economy, closed out the session by sharing how his state is combating high energy costs and climate/air quality concerns through their aggressive Utilities Savings Initiative, which reduced state facility energy costs by over $82 million over the last year.

Top of the Asset Class: Buildings New Role

As an asset class, buildings are earning a new respect, creating strategic value and delivering bottom-line business benefits to both public and private enterprise. Certainly the traditional functions associated with buildings remain, but now business, government and military leaders are calling on them to be able to earn their keep financially while supporting business, national security and social responsibility goals.

From the CFO to the facility manager, organizations are constantly looking for ways to make their buildings smart, efficient and sustainable—high performers ready to drive results. Siemens, long an active participant in bringing sustainability and energy efficiency solutions to building owners, continues this legacy of innovation, introducing new technologies, services and solution sets to help facility owners deliver these goals to the enterprise.

For the first time, as a class, buildings no longer have to be passive consumers of energy. Through building automation and the smart grid, both individual and groups of buildings can, through new and established technologies interact with the existing power grid without manual intervention, automatically aggregating load on a level and scale utilities can wield to manage peak demand.

Through building automation, smart, efficient, sustainable buildings are set to make an even greater contribution both to profitable commerce and society. Whether one is managing one, or 1,000 buildings, the technology is ready for the future now—and it’s never been a better time for building owners to leverage building automation, energy management and demand response technologies to shape their own.

Siemens offers end-to-end solutions to both public and private sector business customers including building automation and energy management and control technologies, financial solutions, enterprise consulting for energy and sustainability planning, enterprise IT projects & solutions, energy procurement services, and of course, our traditional and market-leading energy efficiency and alternative energy solutions and services.

Siemens recognizes there is a crucial market need for a strategic partner who can provide an enterprise-wide solution for energy and sustainability planning based on a powerful IT platform that includes data management, reporting and analytic tools, and that possesses a deep domain expertise in the design and implementation of energy efficiency strategies for large-scale business or governmental operations. To accelerate the ability to bring this unique value to customers, Siemens recently acquired Pace Global, an energy strategy consultancy and procurement expert to complement Siemens’ current energy efficiency offerings.

Siemens is the only company to offer truly automated (no-touch) Cloud-based Intelligent Load Management (ILM) Technology. By monitoring and controlling major energy consuming devices such as HVAC, lighting, refrigeration, signage and more, Siemens technology enables each building to dynamically interact with the electrical grid based on local business rules and real-time asset and environmental conditions.

Intelligent Load Management leverages existing building automation system equipment to generate cash payments through an automated load management platform that allows building operators to participate in Demand Response, Critical Peak Pricing and Smart Grid programs, as well as balance multiple factors, including: corporate standards, efficiency, financial circumstances, site conditions and automated aggregation and monetization services to maximize value at lowest risk.

Overheard at the EE Visionary Awards Luncheon

EE Global officially signed off at 2:30pm with closing remarks from ISC member and Alliance Board member Tom Dreessen of the Energy Efficiency Project Investment Company, Ltd. Four EE Visionaries were awarded from around the world for advancing energy efficiency in their localities. The session rounded out the week's dialogue on regional implementation of best practices. Hopefully these success stories will resonate with the hundreds in attendance, and their words (below) will provide some inspiration:

• Dr. Nawal Al-Hosany, Director of Sustainability, Masdar City, UAE:
  -"We are divided by many time zones but united by energy efficiency...I accept this award not only for what we have achieved but as encouragement to continue to achieve."
• Tom Dreessen (speaker), Chairman & CEO, Energy Efficiency Project Investment Company, Ltd: -"We've got a small group. We do. But this is THE group."
• Matt Enstice, Chief Executive Officer, Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, NY -"I used to be the guy who only cared about the bottom line."
• Kateri Callahan (speaker), President, Alliance to Save Energy, quoting Margaret Meade: -"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has"

Dr. Yumkella Calls EE a Source of "Prosperity"

During Wednesday morning’s plenary session, a panel of experts from the public and private sectors and several international organizations discussed energy efficiency’s role as the First Solution for Sustainable Energy for All. In her introduction, Alliance President Kateri Callahan again suggested that energy efficiency is the “all of the above” strategy to address multiple societal imperatives. Moderator Ann Quon, Principle Director of the Department of External Relations at the Asian Development Bank, agreed but cautioned that the momentum needed for the required increases in energy efficiency does not yet exist. Keynote speaker Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, Director-General of the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Co-Chair of the new High-level Group on Sustainable Energy for All, set the tone of discussion.

Dr. Yumkella noted that energy efficiency needs to be put in the broader context of resource scarcity. He added that “Sustainable energy for all is about prosperity for all; In order to achieve a stable and secure world, we must address energy poverty” through encouraging behavior changes, partnering with the private sector to take advantage of new business opportunities, and focusing on reducing the waste of resources such as flared gas.

Ambassador Richard Jones, Deputy Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), described the Agency’s commitment to promoting energy efficiency through the development of key data sets, preparation of “Policy Pathways,” and development and periodic updating of the IEA’s 25 Energy Efficiency Recommendations – which, fully implemented, would save 85 Exajoules and more than $1 trillion, and would reduce emissions by 20%.

Jeff Drees, US Country President at Schneider Electric, outlined Schneider’s efforts to support energy access in emerging economies through such initiatives as direct energy provision to homes, training for electricians and education for students, launching local businesses, and facilitating performance contracting. Drees also discussed the importance of automating the grid: “It’s about smart supply, smart distribution, and energy visibility.”

Ambassador Carlos Pascual, Special Envoy and Coordinator at the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Energy Resources, focused on the need for the public and private sectors to work together to address energy access in order to ensure global peace and prosperity. “The Public sector can help create a better business climate, and create a platform for businesses to be able to invest more effectively.” Pascual noted the critical role of demand-side energy efficiency – as well as building effective power distribution systems and improving regional electrical connectivity –in accommodating the needs of the growing world population.

Vijay Iyer, Director of the Department of Sustainable Energy at the World Bank, agreed that energy is central to the development equation, particularly at the local level: “Global ideas, global knowledge, and global financing, but for local results and local impacts.” He noted the important role of the World Bank Group and other development banks in convening key stakeholders, as well as enabling private sector entry into emerging economies, “so that every dollar leverages $3-5 of private investment in a less risky environment.” As a key element of the Sustainable Energy for All initiative, the World Bank is also working to develop complete supply chains for gas in local markets around the world.

During the final discussion of opportunities and barriers related to extending energy access to all, the panelists agreed that in order to avoid political and social conflict, it will be critical to work together to address energy poverty through public-private collaboration, facilitating local financing, sharing information (e.g., through the World Bank’s new EE Community of Practice), and investing in people -- starting with children. As Iyer noted, “This is really the point where forces are coming together and it’s an opportune moment, but the challenge is tremendous.”

Energy Efficiency News Exclusively At EE Global

Eight prominent corporations and organizations announced their latest energy efficiency news during a press conference today from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. EDT. The EE Global Virtual Podium offered a live webcast option enabling reporters from around the country to watch, listen and ask questions. The announcements ranged from energy-saving systems and technologies premiering in the United States to new global energy efficiency investments and commitments.

Siemens, the United Nations Foundation, the League of Green Embassies and the Alliance to Save Energy, Bosch, Schneider Electric, Whirlpool and Danfoss each had 15 minutes for a self-contained news conference, including Q&A.

“The announcements today demonstrate that energy efficiency is a top-of-mind priority for businesses and governments,” said Alliance President Kateri Callahan. “As companies seek the economic benefits of energy efficiency and global leaders cultivate new partnerships, the next generation of energy efficiency is emerging and helping to improve economies around the world.”

Live and Webcast
With participants live in the room and on their computers remotely, the Virtual Podium announcements gained traction in Orlando and beyond.

Read and Watch to Learn More

• You can read the press release about all of the announcements to learn more.
• In case you missed it, you can watch the Virtual Podium on demand on Live Stream.
• If you would like to download the video content, use this FTP (510 mb)

From Innovation to Integration: Executive Dialogues Kickoff

Implementing innovative local energy-focused initiatives are not simple feats. Mayors from Germany to the United States are overcoming financial, political and technological barriers through simple ideas as expressed by Lord Mayor Boris Palmer of Tuebingen, Germany in Executive Dialogue session 1A, Small Steps to a Smaller Footprint. Lord Mayor Palmer participated in one of 12 of the day's sessions, ranging in topic from green jobs to the link between water and energy.

Session 1A: Small Steps to a Smaller Footprint
“We just have fun saving energy” all while promoting smart vehicles, hosting bulb exchanges and developing education campaigns. Mayor Carl Dean from Nashville, TN knows that energy efficient cities are much more compelling places to live, work and play and “set a goal for Nashville to be the greenest city in the southeast”. Lastly, through a Better Buildings grant from the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance, the city of New Orleans and Global Green USA just launched a new program called NOLA wise that offers financing, workforce development and consumer resources to make energy efficiency improvements available and attainable region-wide. Implementing energy efficiency programs locally allow local leaders, governments and non-profit organizations to cater specifically to local demands and circumstances that can ultimately result in better energy planning, business development and consumer education.

The Great Green Fleet and Beyond: Military Adoption of Energy Efficiency
Mark Brunner opened the session by stressing the importance of reducing DoD’s energy usage to address the federal government’s overall energy footprint. Deputy Assistant Secretary Hicks followed Brunner, saying that the Navy’s energy goals are in keeping with these government objectives. By 2020, the Department intends to cut its energy use in half via alternative fuel sources. An example of this directive was on display last September when the Blue Angels flew in an airshow on an equal blend of biofuels. Making Navy's tactical fleet more efficient will allow it and the Marine Corps to lower operational costs and sacrifice fewer lives on the fields of battle. Barbara Humpton stated that “energy is core business” for Siemens, and that DoD’s energy usage needs to be “tackled from the tooth to the tail.” Going forward, energy storage will continue to pose the greatest challenge to the military, and industry must expand upon existing technologies and ways to support our men and women in uniform. Tom Grumbly of Lockheed Martin opined that reducing energy consumption requires a comprehensive approach that engages all stakeholders. More specifically, redundant federal agency reviews on defense projects should be eliminated.

Roadmap for Continual Industrial Improvement
This early afternoon session focused on energy management systems (EMS) as a key strategy for saving energy in the industrial sector. Roland Morrison talked about Canada’s success with a voluntary industry-government partnership using the new ISO Standard 50001 for energy management; he emphasized the 5 F’s: it fits, it’s flexible, focused, friendly and financially beneficial. From halfway across the world Tae Won Moon described how Korea has focused on energy efficiency as part of a new “green growth” development paradigm, with efficiency measures for industry, vehicles, buildings, appliances and consumers (and adopted ISO 50001 as a national standard). Ken Hamilton described a similar commitment to sustainability in a multinational company, HP, combining enterprise-wide EMS and a focus on its supply chain (responsible for 90% of its energy use). Milan Grohmann concluded from INSTAR ITS’s twenty years of helping companies save energy through energy management that it is inexpensive and has quick payback, has huge potential for energy efficiency improvement and has limited risk—and that is truly an all-of-the-above strategy.

Schneider Electric Shows Off Smart Building Technologies at Booth 201

Energy management, efficiency, sustainability, carbon reduction, preparing for smart cities and smart grids — these are just a few of the issues on the minds of governments and businesses across the world today. Schneider Electric is proud to sponsor EE Global and help its customers understand these issues and how they impact their business, how energy is being used across their enterprise and help them create a sustainability strategy to reduce their overall energy consumption and carbon footprint.

All companies and governments today are strapped for resources and have the opportunity to use their energy bill as an asset, not as a liability they just pay every month. Schneider Electric is showing thousands of customers around the world how they can achieve energy savings of 30 percent or more – that’s good for their bottom line and good for the environment.

The company is also showing how all businesses can take advantage of smart building technologies today, which will help provide immediate benefits while at the same time preparing for smart grids and smart cities. This makes good sense now – reduced energy usage, lower costs, continuous improvement and a more sustainable operation – and will take best advantage of the smart grid of tomorrow. These technologies also give utilities the insight they need to provide the right energy to their customers at the right time, as well as control and manage consumption for a fully intelligent grid.

Schneider Electric is also proud to be a leader in developing programs that help promote collaboration between organizations like the Alliance to Save Energy, academia, government and the business community in providing needed energy management education in the energy management industry.

One great example is Energy University (www.myenergyuniversity.com), the free, on-line, vendor-neutral education tool the company has created to help educate customers, partners and the general public on how to be more energy efficient. Energy University now has more than 110,000 users in over 100 countries, offering over 55 courses in nine languages and partnering with 10 professional associations to provide continuing education credits.

The company is also playing a leadership role in giving access to energy for the 1.4 billion people in the world who don’t have it. Access to energy gives these people progress and development. Through the company’s BipBop program (Business Innovation and People for the Bottom of the Pyramid), Schneider Electric is helping develop a reliable, affordable, green and sustainable access to energy to the people who need it the most. Since 2009, the company has electrified almost 1 million households, trained almost 7,000 young people in the electrical industry and supported over 200 entrepreneurs. The company has also developed a LED-based system called In-Diya that consumes 50% less energy than a regular light bulb, has better lighting power and lifetime and is much better for the health and welfare of people living in remote villages.

For more information, please visit Schneider Electric at booth 201 or visit www.schneider-electric.com.

Overheard at Lunch in the Solutions Showcase

“The break out of the opening and morning plenary sessions to accommodate both public and private sectors as well as developing countries and markets was a great format for the sessions. There was a great division of topics and the Alliance did a remarkable job inviting and confirming the perfect keynote speakers and panelists to provide insight on the cross-cutting themes. I also believe the Peabody Hotel as a venue is creating an integrated feel between all the plenary and executive dialogue sessions as well as the social and networking events.”
- Sam Choy, Director of Marketing & Strategic Development, Siemens

“It was nice to be grounded on the state of energy around the globe – and be reminded that just having power is a big deal.”
– Stephen Achilles, Associate Director, Portland Energy Conservation, Inc. (PECI), in reference to Dr. Kendah Yumkellah’s keynote remarks.

“The morning plenary had very impactful conversations on energy poverty and resource scarcity and it was great to hear about how local programs, like Duke’s Envision Charlotte, play in the global conversation on energy efficiency.”
- Vincent Davis, Director of the Smart Energy Now Program, Duke Energy

Day One: Letter from SEEA President Michael Mills: EE Global Energizes Orlando

EE Global 2012 has officially begun! As President of the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA), co-host of this year’s event, I was thrilled to see today's events in Orlando spring out from the gates, declaring energy efficiency as the triple-win, one-stop-shop for tackling global energy problems. From six pre-conference workshops, digging down to the nitty gritty of energy efficiency, to the packed Opening Plenary session featuring a rousing dialogue about Spurring Innovation and Driving Productivity – there was no shortage of idea-sharing and relationship-building.

SEEA started EE Global early, with our BetterBuildings Southeast Summit launching Monday, followed by our Tuesday workshop on “Local Strategies for EE Programs in the Southeast of the United States.” Though local, we were able to share our experiences that may apply beyond the Southeast – to our attendees from all over the world.

At its core, EE Global is about implementing best energy efficiency practices wherever you may call home. That message was stressed in today’s plenary session, backed by Siemens Building Technologies CEO Andreas Schierenbeck, Whirlpool Corporation VP of Engineering & Technology Christian Gianni, Philips N.A. Chairman Greg Sebasky, Bosch Thermotechnology N.A. President & CEO Ervin Cash, and U.S. Ambassador to Finland Bruce Oreck. Ambassador Oreck grabbed the masses with his focus on pushing EE as a dollar issue, not a science issue. His take, and the state of energy efficiency innovation, was discussed in a roundtable format with encouraging audience participation.

The day fittingly concluded with a Welcome Reception in the Solutions Showcase that gathered attendees for informal networking, eating, and drinking. While everyone wound down, I couldn’t help but think of the great things to come this week: 20 executive dialogue sessions, Wednesday’s Morning Plenary Session featuring UNIDO General Director Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, Lunch and Happy Hour in the Solutions Showcase, and Thursday’s breakfast and EE Visionary Awards Luncheon.

Whether you were here with us in person or in spirit, I’d like to thank you for your commitment to advancing energy efficiency. Here’s to a great week ahead!

Sincerely,
Michael Mills
President, Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance

Opening Plenary: EE an "All of the Above" Answer

Alliance President Kateri Callahan brought the fifth installment of the Alliance’s EE Global Forum to order with a discussion centered on the core concept that governments and businesses alike are focused on their economic “bottom lines” and searching for new and better ways to build profits, create jobs, and enhance sustainability. Distinguished panelists representing government leadership and some of the world’s leading buildings, appliance and equipment providers suggested that an "all of the above" solution to our energy problems is available now - in the form of energy efficiency.

“Whether the primary goal is increasing productivity, reducing costs, creating new jobs, enhancing security or tackling environmental problems associated with energy production – energy efficiency is the one and only “all of the above” resource that delivers on each and every one of these goals” said Callahan.

Leadership by Example & the Government’s Deep Pockets: Speaking on behalf of the U.S. government, and its embassies around the world, was U.S. Ambassador to Finland Bruce Oreck. Ever intriguing in his remarks, Ambassador Oreck challenged the audience to stop talking about energy and the environment and similar terms that have lost their traction throughout the world due to ever-changing political, economic, and social issues. “Talk about prosperity, boldness and the future you wish to make” said Oreck, who explained that it all funnels down to doing business.

Access to Capital: Siemens Building Technologies CEO Andreas Schierenbeck described a business partnership that Siemens has entered with Boeing that will provide the technology needed for military bases to generate their own power, as well as potentially that of their surrounding communities and cities. Commenting on what is needed to push the “microgrid” to scale, Andreas added that “It's an available technology, but in order for the biggest impact to be made the government needs to push and provide support for performance contracting.”

Incentivize Manufacturers & Consumers: “Regulatory incentives are necessary to shift the bar for increased efficiency products because consumers do not think in terms of long pay-back periods” explained Whirlpool Corporation Vice President of Engineering and Technology Christian Gianni. Furthermore, Bosch Thermotechnology North America President and CEO Ervin Cash, added that “new and newer technologies will need a runway to allow people to learn about them, and bridging the gaps between returns on investment and providing encouragement for consumers to make the move to efficiency is the government’s role -- and training and incentives are stepping stones to get there.”

Building Energy Codes & Standards: Gianni added that just as the ENERGY STAR suite of products have done for the last 20 years “To reduce energy without compromising performance there must be strong standards in place to level the playing field.” An important factor in governments and businesses making the biggest impact is “Allowing consumers to have more choice and using regulatory standards to create more solutions and options in the market,” added Philips North America Chairman Greg Sebasky.

“Through product innovation, technology, and support by policymakers and stakeholders alike we can fully tap the energy efficiency resource” said Callahan. Summarizing the opening plenary speakers she added that “Energy efficiency has proven itself to be a universal asset to achieving the bottom line for the collective whole, and while it has much iteration the constant remains that it is attainable by all, now, and through its innovative application, government and businesses can achieve greater productivity.”

Solutions Showcase Opens with a Bang

The Solutions Showcase kicked off with the Welcome Reception sponsored by Whirlpool Corporation. Conference attendees got their first look at the 42 exhibitors: A mix of business, government, and NGOs sharing the latest energy-efficient innovations and breakthroughs. If you missed the Welcome Reception, don’t fret, the Solution Showcase will be open throughout the conference’s meal times and breaks (see EE Global agenda).

Stop by one of this week’s many networking events to reenergize, grab food, and share a drink with energy efficiency elite. Danfoss showcased a touch-screen energy monitoring program while sponsor Whirlpool had a full "Eco-Efficient Kitchen Suite" and dishwashing tandem on display - all with the latest energy-efficiency enhancements, of course.

The Solutions Showcase hours continue throughout the week. Join Bosch on Wednesday from 12:45-2:00pm for Lunch, or attend Schneider Electric’s Happy Hour networking event Wednesday from 4:45-6:30pm. Finally, take one last walk through the Showcase floor after a Buffet Breakfast sponsored by Pacific Gas & Electric Company, Southern California Edison, and United Technologies Corporation on Thursday morning from 8:30-10:00am.

High-Performance Whirlpool Appliances at Booth 115

Leveraging a century of expertise in the appliance industry, Whirlpool Corporation continuously provides consumers around the world with innovative, high-performing, resource-efficient products. Just as we have taken a global approach to our home appliance business, we believe our world’s environmental issues, such as climate change, must be addressed in a similarly comprehensive way in partnership with businesses, government and organizations. Visit us at booth 115 to view some of our high-performance appliances that allow people to use the earth’s resources more efficiently … one home, one family at a time.

The strength of our commitment to improving home and family life … one home, one family at a time … has enabled our consumers to trust Whirlpool Corporation to make their lives easier. We are passionate about transforming home and family life through the next generation, and we are leading the way with connected appliances, resource efficiency and consumer-relevant innovation that no one can equal.

Leveraging a century of expertise in the appliance industry, Whirlpool Corporation continuously provides consumers around the world with innovative, high-performing, resource-efficient products. Just as we have taken a global approach to our home appliance business, we believe our world’s environmental issues, such as climate change, must be addressed in a similarly comprehensive way in partnership with businesses, government and organizations.

Our work with the Alliance to Save Energy, PROCEL and the ENERGY STAR® program are just three examples of models for how the private and public sector can work together voluntarily to meet consumer needs while achieving each party’s sustainability goals. Continuing to stay focused on the needs of the consumer and building on the framework of our private and public partnership is the path to producing long term results that will preserve our climate, protect our health and strengthen our economy.

Our goal as an industry leader is to develop high-performance appliances that allow people to use the earth’s resources more efficiently. Yet, we understand that consumers seek products that offer the features and convenience they desire, and we consistently deliver solutions that meet their needs. For example, our Whirlpool brand Eco-efficient Kitchen Suite, on display in booth 115, is a contemporary kitchen that is as efficient as our consumers. Our most efficient suite ever, the appliances represent our most cutting-edge technology, helping you save money without sacrificing valuable features. Our ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator, the most energy-efficient side-by-side refrigerator ever, uses less energy, reducing your electric bill. The double oven range lets you cook two different dishes at once, or cook small meals in the upper oven, using up to 39 percent less energy. And the ENERGY STAR qualified dishwasher cleans a full load of dishes using 1/3 less water and energy.

Visit us at booth 115 to view the Eco-efficient Kitchen Suite along with some of our other high-performance appliances that allow people to use the earth’s resources more efficiently … one home, one family at a time.