Heading into the final day of EE Global, delegates, speakers and even Alliance staff had plenty to say about the event’s activities. From the engaging Executive Dialogue and Plenary Sessions to the networking opportunities at Nationals Ball Park, one thing was certain: EE Global 2010 was a grand slam!
In the morning, we sat down with EE Global speaker Sumir Karayi, CEO of 1E, to hear his perspective on the topics discussed during his Consumers & End-Use session “Changing the World: Emerging Information and Communication Technologies and Social Networking Opportunities that Enable Energy Efficiency.”
Karayi provided insight into the session’s comparison between the European and American views on consumer behavior in the energy efficiency realm. While the United States tends to rely on consumers to initiate behavioral changes, Europe prefers to rely on laws and regulations to achieve meaningful results.
Karayi made an excellent point that today’s energy efficiency leaders are responsible for ensuring that saving energy is as easy as possible for the average consumer, and the best way to do so is through creating solutions implemented by legislation.
Solutions Showcase: A One-Stop Shop for Energy Efficiency
Meanwhile, the Solutions Showcase buzzed with conversations about the innovative technologies and programs featured in the exhibit booths.
From Best Buy’s A2B Ultra Moto Vehicles, to Panasonic’s 3D TV, the exposition hall offered plenty of opportunities to interact with the latest and greatest energy-efficient products.
Representing the recently formed Australian Alliance To Save Energy was Mark Lister who described his experience at EE Global as “inspirational.” ”It’s exciting to really see how energy efficiency is being promoted in the U.S.,” said Lister. “I look forward to initiating similar programs in Australia and will look to the Alliance To Save Energy as a model for success.”
Bruce McCullen of the International Code Council (ICC) provided us with a snapshot of the ICC’s Building Safety Month outreach campaign, which is focused on increasing awareness about the importance of building safe, sustainable and energy-efficient structures worldwide.
McCullen says he’s met with a variety of groups from industry leaders to school children all with the same goal in mind: how do we find more ways to use less energy? “We’re not alone,” concluded McCullen. “We’re all trying.”
These are but a few of the many valuable conversations that took place over the past three days – and we’re certain they will prompt valuable solutions and ideas for growing energy-efficient economies.
Tags: 1E, consumer behavior, Consumers, EE Global 2010, energy efficiency, energy-efficient consumer products, energy-efficient technologies, Sumir Karayi