The BESS project is supported by the Intelligent Energy – Europe (EIE) programme of the European Union (contract nr.: EIE/04/246/S07.38678). The duration of the project is 28 months (Januari 2005 to April 2007).

Project objectives:
The primary project objective is to further develop and promote the widespread application of benchmarking and energy management in order to improve energy efficiency in industrial SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises), with particular focus on the food and drink industry.

Participants from 11 countries including member countries, 2 accession countries, Bulgaria and Norway insure a broad base for the project and insure access to specific knowledge of energy management issues.

A further objective is the development of a sustainable approach to application of innovative solutions, thereby insuring the continued relevance of energy efficiency and energy management to SMEs. This, with a view to the improved competitiveness of European industry on the world market, by way of reduced production costs, reduced energyintensity and a measurable contribution to Kyoto commitments.

For an overview of BESS, see the BESS poster

To achieve the project objectives the project will focus on:

• development of an interactive tool promoting a systematic and persistent approach to energy management and benchmarking (jointly with sector associations). The tool consists of: an energy management implementation model and standards for adoption of energy management measures covering selection of appropriate measure, implementation and day-to-day management; an e-learning scheme; a monitoring and benchmarking system for the food & drink industry;
   
• execution of pilots in 45-65 SMEs. Each pilot acting as data collection point and as testing environment for the interactive tool;
   
• comparative analysis of energy monitoring and benchmarking in 11 pilot countries;
   
• targeted dissemination of the interactive tool with support from the food & drink associations. This activity will also address the issue of barriers relating to the dissemination of information and training at a local level, including the language issue;
   
• project management.

To see the Objectives of the ExBESS project click here!

Legal Disclaimer: The sole responsibility for the content of this webpage lies with the authors. It does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the European Communities. The European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.