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Energy efficiency extends its global reach by way of the Australian Alliance to Save Energy (A2SE), a new organization that will embrace many of the strategies of its U.S. counterpart, the Alliance to Save Energy (the Alliance).
Since fall of 2008, the Alliance has provided advisory support to its Australian colleagues, who sought to raise interest among Australian private and public sector actors to form A2SE. Their effort was bolstered by the eventual passage of the National Strategy for Energy Efficiency by the Council of Australian Governments (released in July), and the need for more robust participation by all sectors in the development of Australian energy efficiency policy.
To meet this need, this coalition of public and private sector leaders aims to replicate the Alliance model in the Australian context. Among other goals, the group seeks to inform the Australian energy efficiency debate and provide a conduit for governments to consistently engage the community to develop a culture of energy efficiency.
Private and public entities already involved in discussions to form of A2SE include members of the Australian business community, including Alliance Associates Siemens and Schneider Electric, Australian government officials, members of Australia’s Federal Parliament from both sides of the house, and foundation representatives. Australia’s Environment Minister Peter Garrett and Shadow Minister Greg Hunt both signed an endorsement letter for the formation of the new organization in July.
On September 21, the Alliance signed a memorandum of understanding with the new organization to establish the basis upon which the two organizations will collaborate to “further their shared goal of creating cost effective greenhouse gas reductions through smarter energy use.” These activities may include joint sponsorship of events, information exchange, joint access to databases, bilateral meetings of boards of directors and trade missions on energy efficiency between Australia and the U.S.
The A2SE will plan a formal launch in the coming months, and is interested to get in touch with Alliance Associates who have Australian operations. It is currently forming a board of directors, on which the Alliance to Save Energy will serve.
For more information about A2SE please contact Laura Van Wie McGrory, director of the Alliance International Program, at lvanwie@ase.org, or visit its website at www.a2se.org.au.
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