Energy Effciency & Renewable Energies

The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energies division of IfaS is specialised in resource and energy efficiency consulting for private entities, governmental agencies, and local communities. The department has decennial experience in managing as a project leader for joint projects and collaborating as a project partner in the implementation of pilot, innovation and demonstration projects at national and international levels.

With its work, the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energies department aims to support the implementation of Circular Economy Strategies addressing production, consumption, waste management, innovation and investments at different stages of the value chain and development. The unit, therefore, provides concrete examples of local and international project implementation and functions as inspiration for other players to get involved in the transition to a circular economy.

The range of services includes energy efficiency and potential analysis for cities and regions, existing districts and buildings (residential areas, conversion, industrial sites) as well as the development of strategies for nearly zero emissions districts and buildings. All activities are carried out within the framework of energy efficiency, renewable energies, clean energy production, distribution, and storing with a synergetic stakeholder collaboration. In this context, data analysis and auditing for managing the impact of organisation’s greenhouse gas emissions are also core topics of the group work. Full inventory of all greenhouse gas emissions released throughout the lifecycle (cradle-to-grave) of a product or service is carried out applying to internationally recognised standards – such as the ISO 14067.

All the concepts developed by the team are based on the circular economy principles and the production of clean energy (electricity, heat, and cold) from regional resources such as wind, geothermal, hydro, solar, and biomass. Moreover, facing the current need for improved storing systems, the department works on the development of strategies for the use of hydrogen.

Overall the offered services compile an in-depth evaluation of local potentials from the technical point of view followed up by the economic feasibility, assessment, and evaluation of ecologic impacts. This is complemented by information on innovative financing options such as micro-financing or cooperative participation models and fundraising programs.