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AIE annual activities report 2013-2014 and Proposals for AIE action plan 2014-2015
This activities report has the aim to report on the activities of the AIE over the past year, making reference to the action plan 2013-2014 presented at last Council of Delegates in Copenhagen and giving the perspectives for actions in 2014-2015. Further to the discussions and decisions at the Council of delegates in Portoroz, the AIE Strategic Roadmap will be updated accordingly and distributed to the member associations in autumn.
ENERGY POLICY THE EU 2030 FRAMEWORK FOR CLIMATE AND ENERGY POLICIES The EU already has a comprehensive set of energy and climate policies for the period up to 2020. But forecasts looking forward to 2050 suggest that current policies are not sufficient to bring about a sustainable, secure and competitive low-carbon economy and energy system. While the EU is making progress towards meeting its climate and energy targets for 2020, an integrated policy framework for the period up to 2030 is needed to ensure regulatory certainty for investors and a coordinated approach among Member States. The 2030 framework builds on the experience of, and lessons learnt from the 2020 climate and energy framework.
It also takes into account the longer term perspective set out by the Commission in 2011 in the Roadmap for moving to a competitive low carbon economy in 2050, the Energy Roadmap 2050 and the Transport White Paper. These documents reflect the EU's goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80-95% below 1990 levels by 2050 as part of the effort needed from developed countries as a group.
To prepare the 2030 framework, the European Commission adopted on 27 March 2013 the “Green Paper on a 2030 framework for climate and energy policies". This document launched a public consultation allowing Member States, other EU institutions and stakeholders to express their views on the type, nature and level of potential climate and energy targets for 2030, but also on other important aspects of EU energy policy over the next decade and a half.
These views fed into the Commission's on-going preparations for more concrete proposals for the 2030 framework. The resulting and long awaited Communication proposed by the European Commission on 22 January 2014, “A policy framework for climate and energy in the period from 2020 to 2030” proposes energy and climate objectives to be met by 2030. The objectives send a strong signal to the market, encouraging private investment in new pipelines and electricity networks or low-carbon technologies. The targets must be met if the EU is to keep its promise to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 80-95% by 2050. What are these new objectives? 40% cut in greenhouse gas emissions (compared to 1990 levels) To achieve at least a 27% share of renewable energy consumption Energy efficiency to play a vital role, but no specific target at this point.
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Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% A centre piece of the framework is the target to reduce EU domestic greenhouse gas emissions by 40% below the 1990 level by 2030. This target will ensure that the EU is on the cost-effective track towards meeting its objective of cutting emissions by at least 80% by 2050. To achieve the overall 40% target, the sectors covered by the EU emissions trading system (EU ETS) would have to reduce their emissions by 43% compared to 2005. Emissions from sectors outside the EU ETS would need to be cut by 30% below the 2005 level. This effort would be shared equitably between the Member States.
Increasing the share of renewable energy to at least 27%
Renewable energy will play a key role in the transition towards a competitive, secure and sustainable energy system. The Commission proposes an objective of increasing the share of renewable energy to at least 27% of the EU's energy consumption by 2030.
Increasing energy efficiency by 30%
The European Commission has proposed a 30% energy savings target for 2030, following a review of the Energy Efficiency Directive. The proposed target builds on the achievements already reached: new buildings use half the energy they did in the 1980s and industry is about 19% less energy intensive than in 2001. The European Parliament was much more ambitious regarding the targets and called for three binding targets by 2030: – a 40% cut in greenhouse gases, compared with 1990 levels; – at least 30% of energy to come from renewable sources; – and a 40% improvement in energy efficiency. Other measures in the so-called 2030 policy framework for climate and energy package:
Reform of the EU emissions trading system
To make the EU ETS more robust and effective in promoting low-carbon investment at least cost to society, the Commission proposes to establish a market stability reserve at the beginning of the next ETS trading period in 2021. The reserve would both address the surplus of emission allowances that has built up in recent years and improve the system's resilience to major shocks by automatically adjusting the supply of allowances to be auctioned.
Competitive, affordable and secure energy
The Commission proposes a set of key indicators to assess progress over time and provide a factual basis for policy action as needed. These indicators relate to, for example, the energy price differential with major trading partners, supply diversification and reliance on indigenous energy sources, as well as the interconnection capacity between Member States.
New governance system
The 2030 framework proposes a new governance framework based on national plans for competitive, secure and sustainable energy. The plans will be prepared by Member States under a common approach to ensure coherence at the EU level.
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By setting its level of climate ambition for 2030, the EU will also be able to engage actively in the negotiations on a new international climate agreement that should take effect in 2020. The 2014 Climate Summit organized by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, will take place on 24 September 2014 and the COP21 on Climate Change in December 2015 aim to mobilize political will for a universal and a legally-binding comprehensive agreement in 2015.
Both events on the international calendar will put pressure on the EU to advance with the development of the post 2020 framework. In the current context however, Member States will be reluctant to agree to political objectives without having a clearer idea of their concrete implementation.
Given the departure of the Commission in 2014, there has been an “analytical gap” during the key political negotiations. Moreover, the current context - economic crisis, the trend toward nationalization and fragmentation of policy, and interrogation regarding the EU’s climate policy effectiveness - means that policy innovation is required: extrapolating existing policy is likely to be insufficient.
Next step: EU leaders agreed in March 2014 to take a final decision on the framework in October 2014 at the latest. How has the AIE been engaged?
The EU Energy policy is influenced by the role of the Primary Energy Conversion factor for electricity. In line with the action plan 2013-2014, the AIE contacted in November 2013 other European associations in the electrical sector to initiate a discussion forum amongst the stakeholders and to define common action on this particular issue. See also infra (PEF). Action plan 2014-2015:
2014 will be an important year regarding future EU energy and climate policy. The AIE will continue to monitor the EU Energy policy and address with the electrical stakeholders group the challenges regarding the use of a primary energy factor on electricity (PEF) in the context of EU energy and climate policy.
THE CONSULTATION ON PROGRESS towards the 2020 energy efficiency objective and a 2030 energy efficiency policy framework (from: 03/02/2014 to 28/04/2014) Related to the previously mentioned Communication on the policy framework for Climate and energy, a public consultation was launched at which the AIE responded on 28.04.2014 with the TF energy under chairmanship of Mr Bouquillon based on the responses of AIE members. The consultation was divided into 2 main chapters: - Energy efficiency targets and measures - Energy efficiency sectors How has the AIE been engaged? •
In its response of 28 April 2014 to the consultation, the AIE has pleaded for an energy reduction target and binding energy efficiency targets at national level believing this is the only way to oblige Member states to act whilst giving them the flexibility on how to achieve these targets. However in this logic, the AIE emphasized the utmost importance to review the primary energy conversion factor for electricity used in the existing legislation.
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The AIE equally requested not to add new requirements or legislation but to firstly focus on enforcement and implementation of the existing Directives as to enhance the change of users’ behavior.
In the second chapter the consultation focused on whether additional policy measures were needed in different sectors such as :
– In buildings: AIE response: revision of the PEF, enhance the role of ICT & automation in buildings, new financing models to develop renovation programmes – In industry: AIE response: Ensure only import of energy efficiency products conform the EU high EE standards for products – In transport: AIE response: Need for support, development and improvement of the infrastructure for electric vehicles
The replies should provide an important input for the Commission to the review of the Energy Efficiency Directive 2012/27/EU. They will also be taken into consideration for the follow-up of the Communication “A policy framework for climate and energy in the period from 2020 to 2030” ENERGY EFFICIENCY DIRECTIVE Published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 14 November, the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) entered into force on the 5th of December 2012. EU Member States had until the 5th of June 2014 to transpose the Directive 2012/27/EU into national law. Energy efficiency is a key issue for AIE member companies. If applied correctly, the EED can foster the deployment of existing energy efficiency technologies, services and products installed by the electrical contracting companies. How has the AIE been engaged?
Article 16 of the Directive states that Member States will have to ensure that, by 31 December 2014, certification and/or accreditation schemes and/or equivalent qualification schemes (including, where necessary, suitable training programmes) become or are available for providers of energy services, energy audits, energy managers and installers of energy-related building elements.
In this context, the AIE emphasised during the legislative process the key role of Trade Associations in order to encourage quality and competence through the provision of quality labels. Article 18, 1, b of the Directive explicitly recognises this which is a substantial achievement! Action plan 2014-2015:
The AIE member associations will inform/share best practices on how article 16 and 18 are best being implemented in the different countries and how national member associations engage to ensure quality in the certification schemes for energy service provider and installers, bearing in mind the deadline of 31 December 2014.
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STAKEHOLDERS WG ON THE PRIMARY ENERGY CONVERSION FACTOR FOR ELECTRICITY (PEF) In legislative acts such as the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) and both the eco-design and energy labelling Directive, the Conversion Coefficient factor (2,5) is used to define and express the energy efficiency of electric products.
In AIE’s view the current use of PEF as a tool/instrument leads to: Contradictions with current EU energy and climate objectives and their instruments e.g. RES and the EU ETS Inconsistencies with the realization of the internal market for electricity and gas How has the AIE been engaged?
Upon AIE’s initiative and invitation, 8 European associations (CECED - European Committee of Domestic Equipment Manufacturers, EUEW - European Union of Electrical Wholesalers, ECI European Copper Institute, EUHA -Electric Underfloor Heating Alliance, EURELECTRIC Association of the electricity industry in Europe, NHO - Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise) met during 2 stakeholders meeting of the electricity sector on 28 November 2013 and 17 January 2014. The outcome of this meeting led to the signature of a joint letter by all European associations and addressed to high level EU officials on 27 February 2014! The AIE members were invited to use this letter to equally support the position at national level and/or national channels.
We received a direct response from the new Director General, Dominique Ristori and the letter circulated inside the DG Energy. The letter has equally received official support from Member States: Finland, Belgium and Denmark. After the elections, during the Sustainable Energy Week in June, a workshop “Ecodesigning the future - PEF and the future role of electricity” was organized with the participation of Paul Hodson, Head of Unit Energy Efficiency & Intelligent Energy, DG Energy and different stakeholders. The debate highlighted the challenges raised by the use of the primary energy factors in the EU energy and climate policies, from the impact it has on the transition to the low carbon society to the impact on end user product purchase decisions.
During the workshop Mr Hodson admitted that the principle of using the PEF could be considered and discussed in context of the upcoming revision of the Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Directives. Various stakeholders stressed on the need to explore how the use of the current factor can contribute to the EU climate policies. Given the unclear long-term energy and climate impact of the value and use of the PEF, thorough reassessment of the value identified in the EED and of its use in the context of the EPBD was highly recommended. The main conclusion of the workshop was that there is a strong need for a comprehensive study on today’s practice related to the PEF. The analysis should in particular evaluate how today’s use of the current primary energy conversion factor moves end users choices into the right direction to meet the targets set by EU energy and climate policies.
The signatories of the first letter wrote a second letter in summertime to Mr Hodson of the European Commission to call for and further look into the primary energy conversion factor and to make this one of the priorities of the Ecodesign and Energy Label revision process. It is a first good experience of power we can have as a sector stakeholders group!
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Action plan 2014-2015:
In the framework of the revision of the Ecodesign and labelling Directive this topic will surely be very closely monitored by the AIE in close cooperation with the above mentioned signatories. ECO-DESIGN AND ENERGY LABELLING DIRECTIVE The EU Ecodesign Directive establishes a framework under which manufacturers of energy-using products are obliged to reduce the energy consumption and other negative environmental impacts occurring throughout the product life cycle. It is complemented by the Energy Labelling Directive. While ecodesign aims at improving the energy and environmental performance of products and set minimum requirements, energy labelling requirements aim at providing the information about the same performance (to the customer). Energy labels are intended to provide consumers with energy and environmental information on which they can base a choice between products on the market. Detailed actions are introduced by the European Commission following a process of discussion with key stakeholders and through what the Commission calls implementing measures. -
Lot 20 on electric local space heaters
After a severe battle regarding lot 2 for water heaters and hot water storage tanks (Ecodesign regulation in force in September 2013, requirements should be implemented by 26 September 2015), the AIE took immediate action in lot 20 on electric local space heaters.
Consequently the Regulatory Committee decided and chose on 9 and 10 October 2013 a more positive phrasing about the information requirement that should only be applicable for portable electric local heaters (> 2018): “This product is only suitable for well insulated spaces or occasional use” instead of
“This product is not suitable for use as your main source of heating due to its high energy consumption and costs (~level G)”. This can be considered as a small but important victory! -
Lot 8 on power cables
The next product category in the action plan of the European Commision under the ecodesign Directive, are Power cables. In the framework of the Ecodesign Preparatory Study on Power Cables (ENTR Lot 8), the AIE organised on 17 March 2014 a webinar (= online seminar) for the Technical TF members on the study undertaken by the European Commission on power cables and the possible impact on electrical installers. During the webinar relevant data and technical information has been presented. -
Amongst the issues that were tackled: Scope of the study, what cables will be covered, what applications? What is the impact on environment and is there improvement potential? Impact on cable price and installation methods for the installer? What are the losses and how much savings could be gained? Potential impact on jobs?
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In June a stakeholders meeting took place on Ecodesign of Power Cables (Lot 8), where the technical and economic data were weak. The conclusion was that better and more reliable data are needed from the stakeholders to ensure that the study accurately reflects reality. This questionnaire is intended to structure data input to reflect the current and future situation in the power cables market (EU). Two survey documents have been sent out during summertime: one to be completed by installers and one to be completed by cable manufacturers. How has the AIE been engaged?
The AIE Technical TF has given input and the General Secretaries been consulted during the consultation process of the study concluding that energy efficiency of power cables is not the problem but rather the way power cables are used and the quality of the cables. The AIE organised the webinar (supra) and participated to the stakeholders’ meeting in June. Action plan 2014-2015:
Under the Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Directives, meetings hosted by DG ENERGY will take place on 13-14 October which will announce future plans and priorities for the forthcoming period of adopting new and revised delegated and implementing regulations. The AIE will monitor these closely and address the PEF issue when reviewing the Directives.
Though the issue does seem far away from the electrical installers’ bed, the AIE meets and maintains regular contacts with both Commission and industry stakeholders, such as European Copper Institute and Europacable, to convince that no regulation is necessary in this area which would only result in more expensive offers for the customer with few added value. MOVING FROM PRODUCTS TO SYSTEMS: While system approaches remain subject to technical and legal uncertainties, they become increasingly important as the Ecodesign Directive is now moving towards ‘energy-related products’. For instance, regulatory measures to improve the functioning and use of heating and lighting controls as well as smart meters are considered under the 2012-2014 Ecodesign Working Plan. In the meantime, the revised Ecodesign methodology (so-called ‘MEErP’) adopted in 2011 includes a chapter on technical and functional system approaches and clearly prescribes the consideration of the controllability and quality of auxiliary devices in the analysis of products.
The debate is still ongoing about whether systems (or part thereof) should be regulated under product policies such as Ecodesign or would be better tackled by an own piece of legislation. The lamp and luminaire federation LightingEurope has for instance made the case last year for a new ‘lighting system legislation’ in parallel to Ecodesign rules for lamps. Until now, the AIE managed to avoid any further legislative initiative in this area.
In February the AIE attended a conference dedicated to the ‘’Product towards Systems approach’ because of the requirements in the EPBD, the EED and the new legislation on the installers label for heating systems. The following challenges were debated: - Where does the product stop and where does the system begin? - Where does the internal market stop and where do national markets begin Who is responsible for the placing on the market and/or the putting into service? How to undertake market surveillance on (bespoke) systems? What are the most suitable legal instruments to address system efficiency?
Action plan 2014-2015
There is no specific action plan but the AIE will continue to closely monitor this topic, give input and contribute towards the EC, whenever necessary.
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HORIZON 2020 Horizon 2020 is the biggest EU Research and Innovation programme ever with nearly €80 billion of funding available over 7 years (2014 to 2020) – in addition to the private investment that this money will attract.
The AIE has been approached by different parties to participate in two proposals of EU projects under this programme: 1. 2.
Indoor lighting project: Uptake of SSL technologies and outreach through dissemination and demonstrations of the ‘Lighting for People Innovation Platform’.
ICT Tracker shall demonstrate the high energy saving and grid stabilisation potential of smart ICT in buildings in a twofold approach: (a) by applying latest non-proprietary ICT in seven European public buildings and (b) by best interfacing these ICT with the occupants and their mobile web connected devices through freely accessible ICT Tracker kits.
Cutting edge multifunctional and, where wireless, energy harvesting ICT controlling electric and heating systems will be implemented in seven pilot buildings mostly occupied by young, educated people with affinity to new communication systems, such as smart phones, to stimulate energy saving interaction: in Slovenia – technical university and boarding school apartments; Denmark – architectural university working spaces; Germany – family apartments with social housing character; and in Italy – primary and secondary school class rooms.
OTHER EU POLICIES AND DIRECTIVES
EU INITIATIVE FOR A EUROPEAN LIGHTING STRATEGY The European Commission is reflecting about a European strategy for policy coordination and innovation to support development and wider uptake of energy efficient lighting products, foster the competitiveness of the European industry, secure employment, and ensure Europe's role as key technology leader. In this framework the AIE attended in December 2013 and February 2014 2 meetings where the Commission requested input on how to bridge the gap between customers and the technology. How has the AIE been engaged?
The AIE attended to both meetings and always advocated that a holistic approach of the electrical technical installation is needed, lighting being only one part of it. An integrated approach with interoperable interfaces between SSL and building systems is needed and more expertise at the beginning of the project on the technical systems to be installed. Action plan 2014-2015
The AIE is in contact and will organize a meeting between the technical TF and the Zhaga consortium (industry wide cooperation) who develops interface specifications that allow LED light sources from differet suppliers to be used interchangeably, without charging the luminaire design. The AIE will continue to monitor and give input to the European Commission if something is coming up regarding the initiative for a European Lighting Strategy.
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POSTING OF WORKERS DIRECTIVE
Directive 2014/67/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 on the enforcement of Directive 96/71/EC concerning the posting of workers in the framework of the provision of services and amending Regulation (EU) No 1024/2012 on administrative cooperation through the Internal Market Information System.
A political agreement was reached in December 2013 but there was no consensus between Council and Parliament on highly sensitive issues before the EU elections. Main opposite views of Council and Parliament remained on issues such as: o
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art 9: control measures: Council wants to cover only the construction sector and non exhaustive indicative list of measures to be completed by each MS there where the Parliament wants to see all sectors covered with compulsory measures for all MS
art.12: solidarity principle for subcontractors: Parliament wants unlimited liability on all subcontracting chain in opposition with the Council
How has the AIE been engaged?
The AIE hosted at its General Secretaries meeting of 6 may 2014, Mrs Margareta Przybyła, Adviser to Danuta Jazłowiecka MEP, EP rapporteur of the Posting of workers Directive who gave an extensive explanation about the insights of the negotiations and the final outcome of the posting of workers directive, adopted 2 weeks earlier, on 16 April 2014.
The new Enforcement Directive will help to ensure that rules are better applied in practice, especially in some sectors such as construction and road haulage, where for example so-called 'letter box' companies (without any real economic activity in their 'home' country) have been using false 'posting' to circumvent national rules on social security and labour conditions.
Each year +- 1million workers are being posted: Poland, France and Germany posting the most and Germany, France and Belgium receiving most. She explained the objective of the Directive is twofold: improve the protection of workers’ rights by preventing fraud, especially in subcontracting chains where posted workers' rights are sometimes not respected and give companies more legal certainty. The most important articles for the electrical contracting sector are art. 4 (access to information), art.9 (control measures) and art.12 (subcontracting) that Mrs Przybyla extensively discussed in a most interesting debate with the participants at the meeting. One of the problems discussed was also the bogus self-employment and how to identify it.
The Directive has been published on 28 May 2014 in the Official Journal. Member States have to implement the new Enforcement Directive in their national legislation no later than two years and twenty days after its publication in the EU's Official Journal. Action plan 2014-2015
No specific AIE action is required at this stage other than benchmarking amongst AIE member associations the implementation of the Directive at national level.
PUBLIC PROCUREMENT DIRECTIVE
Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on public procurement and repealing Directive 2004/18/EC Text with EEA relevance
After long negotiations and a never-ending procedure, the Directive Public Procurement was finally published in the Official Journal on 28 March 2014.
The topic at AIE level is actually closed but the General Secretaries agree to exchange information on the subject when relevant on e.g. how to tackle the increased flexibility given to the public authorities, the apply-or-explain principle or payment of subcontractors etc. 10
ALLIANCE, PARTNERSHIPS AND NETWORK WITH SECTOR RELATED ASSOCIATIONS
COMMON ACTION ON THE PRIMARY ENERGY CONVERSION FACTOR (see supra) Electrical value chain Alliance on a common position on the Primary energy conversion factor
EUEW (European Union of electrical wholesalers) CECED (European committee of domestic equipment manufacturers) EURELECTRIC (Union of the Electricity Industry) ECI (European Copper Industry) EUHA (Electric underfloor heating Alliance) NHO (Norwegian industry Association)
Amongst others: Cooperating partner of CENELEC – the European Committee for Electrotechnical standardization Cooperation with EPIA (European Photovoltaic Industry Association) on several issues : o European projects SUNRISE and INSTALL+RES o Photovoltaics promotion campaign: Your Sun Your energy Member of the Sherpa group within Orgalime (European Engineering Industries Association) on the ELECTRA report Contacts with Europacable on the sector related issues amongst which the study under the ecodesign legislation on power cables Participation to Renovate Europe and the Construction Forum WORLD SKILLS EUROPE (WSE) The AIE negotiated with WSE for nearly 2 years and obtained the creation of a single trade category in the Euroskills competition for electrical installation. This resulted in the decision of the AIE at last Council of Delegates in 2013 to join WSE and become associate member. The AIE continues the discussions with the experts and organizers on the content, use of material and task description for the ‘electrical installation’ category within the Euroskills competition. A technical meeting was held on 11 December 2013 between experts (CDC) on the development competition design. The AIE is officially represented by the expert Adrian Sommer from VSEI. He has all the technical expertise and experience with both the AIE CYE and the Euroskills competition as to ensure the electrical installation category and competition task to be according to AIE’s expectations and wishes.
The popularity of conventional installation methods not using bus technology is set to decline in the near future. For this reason, it is very important that apprentices and those at the beginning of their careers are familiarized with bus technology and building control right from the start. Action plan 2014-2015
Training, qualification and apprenticeships are of utmost importance in the sector but are equally hot topics for the European Commission as being drivers to reach their ambitions set by the Energy policy as well as to boost the European economy, employment and competitiveness. In this context and further to the discussions held at the strategic forum, the AIE will act accordingly. 11
CEETB On 28 November 2013 the CEETB General Assembly decided on the voluntary liquidation of CEETB and the appointment of the liquidators. All matters regarding CEETB have been taken over by the liquidators. The procedure will last for at least one year (until autumn 2014).
KNX PARTNERSHIP Since 2008 the AIE has a very constructive partnership with KNX. Amongst the benefits for the AIE, is the visibility for the AIE e.g. at the KNX Award Ceremony at which the AIE is kindly invited to hand over one of the awards. The KNX Award Ceremony attracted this year 1,500 guests from 80 countries worldwide. As official KNX partner the prizes were presented amongst others by Mr. Janne Skogberg, President of the European Association of Electrical Contractors (AIE), Mr. Karl Heinz Bertram, Vice President of the German Association of Electrical Contractors (ZVEH) and AIE’s PR.
After our successful CYE partnership, KNX is willing to extend their support and partnership to an Energy Efficiency Award. This Award would be a great opportunity for AIE and their national members to present the important role and added value of the electrical contractors in implementing energy efficiency solutions. Action plan 2014-2015
The proposal of a joint Energy Efficiency Award with a first success in Germany and one to be held in Spain in October, will be presented and discussed with the AIE members.
BUILD UP PARTNER The AIE has been welcomed by the European Commission in January 2014 as an official BUILD UP Partner to establish a continued cooperation and appreciates the commitment to the sharing and promotion of existing knowledge, guidelines, tools and best practices for energysaving measures in buildings across Europe. BUILD UP Partners are well-established umbrella and network organisations committed to energy efficiency in buildings across Europe. Action plan 2014-2015
The AIE and the national member associations can continue to benefit of the use and information on the Build UP Portal.
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SHARING BEST PRACTICES
COMMUNICATION AND SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGY MEETING Further to a session on communication and social media with the General Secretaries on 28 February, the AIE organised a most interesting and fruitful meeting on 26 August with the communication and marketing experts of members associations on ”Communication and social media strategy for the benefit of our members”. After an introduction on the various AIE communication channels, facts and figures were reported on the use of social media based on a survey made amongst European associations. An interesting debate on best practices and exciting discussions on how to best communicate with and to the members resulted in the conclusion to renew this experience in spring 2015.
E-LEARNING SYSTEM IN GERMANY At Light and Building, Mr Ralph Sassmansshausen of BFE (Bundestechnologiezentrum für Elektro-und Informationstechnik) gave an interesting presentation to the members of the PCC with on-line examples on: ‘Multimedia apprenticeships and further training in electrical careers.
USE OF SKYPE PRO In an attempt to intensify the participation or involvement of the members, the AIE developed a manual on the use of skype or any other type of video conferencing between members and the AIE secretariat. It creates a dynamic and more interaction/reaction between members while seeing the others. The manual is available at the AIE secretariat.
AIE PUBLICATIONS
AIE’s brochure: ‘Embracing 60 Years of AIE’ AIE Member Associations Directory AIE Technical Directory AIE’s manual on the use of Skype pro Interview of AIE’s General Secretary in the SERCE’s newsletter to the member companies AIE infoflashes and newsletters
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