The commercial buildings programme is carried out by O. O. Energiesparverband. O. O. Energiesparverband is the regional energy agency of Upper Austria and was established in 1991 by the regional government. Aim of the agency is the promotion of energy efficiency, RES and innovative energy technologies. O. O. Energiesparverband is a central institution for energy information and one of Europe’s largest energy advice and information providers. Services to different target groups, from private households to SME’s and public bodies are offered.

The main services of O. O. Energiesparverband include:

• energy information and awareness raising activities

• energy advice for private households and industry: 15,000 energy advice sessions annually

• international co-operation & European projects: vice-precidency of FEDARENE, member of EUFORES, co-ordinator of the OPET-RES-e network

• management of a sustainable buildings programme which includes energy certification for buildings and the calculation of an energy index for every new single family house (> 30,000 calculations carried out)

• a great number of different training activities (for energy advisors, for installers etc.)

• organisation of conferences, workshops, seminars, competitions

• management of the OEC, the network of green energy businesses.

Conclusions

The example of O. O. Energiesparverband and Upper Austria clearly demonstrates that a lot can be done at a regional level, provided the necessary political backing is given and a comprehensive action plan including information and promotion programmes is carried out.