Mr. Tzanev, what has been the role of EnEffect in setting up ESG policies and green technologies as a leading market trend in recent years?
EnEffect is an organization that has been working to support sustainable energy policies for over 30 years – long before the ESG discussion, at a time when technologies were very different. Thus, we are able to tell the fads in business branding from real actions that benefit companies and society. In this regard, our mission remains unchanged – EnEffect supports the policies and develops the market of sustainable energy services seeking the best solutions for its partners based on detailed knowledge of market trends, technology developments, and energy management tools.
What are the organization's activities that enable this mission?
Our ambition to lead policy consultancy and bringing new services to the market requires complex skills and expertise, which we constantly develop. Our team specializes in energy consultancy and audits of buildings and industrial systems, we have been involved in the management of the Bulgarian Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Fund for nearly 20 years, and have been working with local authorities since 1997 within the EcoEnergy municipal network. We are probably the most active Bulgarian organization in international projects under the LIFE, Horizon 2020, and EUKI programs which gives us access to the latest knowledge, skills and tools developed by leading European universities, research institutions, and think-tanks.
What are the activities to enforce ESG policies and values you would recommend to businesses in Bulgaria and across Europe?
Both businesses and public authorities should remember that sustainable energy policies are not a fashion label, but a development strategy. This means taking energy management seriously and making it an intrinsic activity of organizations because opportunities for growth are identified this way. So, whenever we provide energy consultancy services or certify companies and municipalities to international standards such as ISO:50001, we start with the basics of good governance: creating operational structures and decision-making mechanisms, building expert capacity, collecting, processing, and managing data. Only thus ESG values can be embedded in the organisations’ DNA and generate measurable benefits for them.
Are there energy technologies with potential for rapid market uptake to which we should pay particular attention?
Historically, the market has never allowed the dominance of a single energy technology. Yes, most market players, and even more so politicians, are always hoping for a "silver bullet" technology to solve all problems. Well, it will not happen. However, if we think about what the guiding EU principle "Energy Efficiency First" means, we will realize that when we optimize energy demand, then "clean" energy sources become efficient and cost-effective. Alongside, the connectivity of buildings and industrial installations to the energy system, flexibility in terms of consumer demand, smart buildings, and energy communities will play an increasing role in market development. Seizing these opportunities however requires specialized knowledge and skills, and sometimes courage. It is reassuring to see that businesses are increasingly looking for that and are learning to distinguish between a shiny certificate and an actual service that develops the business model.