Energy Efficiency
The sector of energy efficiency (EE) is pivotal in addressing the global challenge of reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Improving EE in buildings and industry is essential for sustainable development and climate change mitigation. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the buildings sector alone accounts for over one-third of global energy use and emissions. This includes energy for construction, heating, cooling, lighting, and operating appliances and equipment. The IEA's Energy Efficiency 2024 report highlights that while current technologies offer significant energy and cost savings, stronger policy support is needed to align the buildings sector with the Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario.
In the industrial sector, improving EE is equally critical – not only for lowering emissions but also for reducing operational costs and enhancing competitiveness. The IEA emphasises the importance of electrification, system flexibility, investment, and workforce development in driving industrial EE.
The consultancy sector plays a vital role in advancing this agenda by providing expertise in energy policy, project management, and capacity building.
NIRAS, for instance, has been involved in a wide range of EE initiatives in the buildings and industry sector. These include technical assistance to strengthen institutional capacity, energy auditing, the certification of buildings, as well as the development of EE strategies, regulations and legal frameworks. Additionally, consultancy firms support the implementation of donor-funded EE projects funded, ensuring they are executed effectively and deliver the desired outcomes. Development cooperation further supports these efforts through training programmes. By fostering international collaboration and sharing best practices, development cooperation helps countries achieve their EE goals and contribute to global sustainability.
In conclusion, increasing EE in buildings and industry is a critical component of the global effort to combat climate change and achieve sustainable development. Consultancy services and development cooperation are vital to this endeavour, providing the necessary expertise, resources, and support to drive EE improvements worldwide.
How NIRAS adds value
At NIRAS, we draw on our longstanding experience in EE in buildings and industry to transfer tested solutions from advanced economies – such as those in Scandinavia, the UK, The Netherlands and Eastern Europe – to countries transitioning to a clean economy. Combining international expertise with local presence, we aim to deliver real value to our clients.
Within the field of EE, NIRAS offers the following services:
- Training programmes on energy auditing, energy certification and evaluation of energy performance of buildings;
- Capacity building on energy monitoring and energy management in the building sector;
- Project management, development and coordination of EE and retrofitting projects for residential and public buildings;
- Assessment and development of an institutional and legal framework for improving EE and energy certification in the building sector, including laws, regulations, standards and guidelines in line with EU Directives and regulations, EN/ISO standards and best practices;
- Implementation support to investment projects funded by international financial corporations and donors, starting from preparation and conducting procurement process, contracting, reviewing design documentation, implementation supervision, and ending with commissioning and results monitoring and verification.
- Feasibility studies and implementation of EE projects including technical, economic, financial and environmental evaluations;
- Energy performance and audits of industrial facilities (especially process industry and food & beverage);
Energy sector in Ukraine: key challenges and NIRAS’s response
Ukraine’s energy sector faces serious strain due to war-related infrastructure damage, high energy consumption, and dependence on imports. Achieving 2030 climate goals will require major upgrades to buildings and industry, a shift to renewables, and regulatory reform. NIRAS is assisting Ukraine in this transition and provides the following services to utilities, housing associations, industries and others through international finance institutions and donors active in the country:
- Feasibility studies, including Environmental and Social Impact Assessments, to increase, for example, EE
- Design and detailed development of tender documents
- Support to Project Implementation Units
- Energy audits (public buildings, social infrastructure, private homes and industry)
- Capacity building in terms of training and on-the-job training
- Policy advice on improvements of regulatory framework, including changes in tariff policy.
All the services are carried out in accordance with prevailing EU Directives, as well as relevant ISO and EN standards.
