6/07/2007
CIAA endorses “BESS” energy efficiency tools for SMEs in the food and drink sector
In June 2007, the EU co-funded project BESS – Benchmarking and Energy Management Schemes in SMEs – finalised an innovative e-learning scheme to implement energy efficiency measures in SMEs in the food and drink sector.

The BESS tools have been developed by a consortium of national energy agencies and consultancies and tested in over 50 food and drink companies in 11 EU member states. CIAA actively supported the BESS project and today endorses its deliverables as useful additional instruments to cut both energy use and costs.

Why does energy efficiency matter in the food and drink sector? Whereas the food and drink sector is characterised by a comparably low energy intensity, major differences exist among its sub-sectors and sharply rising energy prices over the last years have become a notable cost factor in several sectors.

The food and drink industry therefore fully supports the promotion of energy efficiency as an important driver for both industrial competitiveness and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. EU food & drink manufacturers undertake significant efforts to continuously improve energy efficiency, e.g. via the adoption of best practice and investment in new technologies.

CIAA actively supports BESS development and dissemination
CIAA actively supported the development of the BESS energy efficiency tools for SMEs. The tools consist of an energy management specification, an implementation model, a handbook, a web based e-learning system, a benchmarking scheme, and numerous supportive tools like templates for energy audits, measure lists and checklists. CIAA accompanied BESS from its early stages and provided continued support through its participation in the Project Advisory Group, which consisted of members of the project consortium, the European Commission, the International Energy Agency and CIAA.

Now, that the BESS project has been successfully finalised, CIAA recommends the BESS management tools as useful additional instruments to support and complement existing corporate strategies on energy-efficiency, in line with company and country-specific conditions. CIAA and its member federations will continue to support the dissemination of the BESS deliverables to SMEs across the EU.