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WHY a library of tools and guidebooks?The IEe-library brings together in one place a range of relevant tools and guidebooks on energy efficiency, renewable energy applications and sustainable mobility. It includes items funded under the Intelligent Energy Europe (IEE) programme and a selection of instruments picked from over 2,500 EU funded projects (under Altener and Save, CIVITAS, structural and regional funds, LIFE, RTD 2002-2006, Leonardo, Phare and Concerto I-II). In addition, nationally and regionally funded tools and guidebooks have been included from the EU 27 Member States, Norway, Croatia, Iceland, the US, Canada and from some international organisations. Go to top HOW MANY ITEMS are available in the IEe-library? There are more than 900 tools and guidebooks in the library. The majority of items are available in more than one European language. The number of items available in the library is likely to increase due to the possibility offered to users to suggest new or updated tools and guidebooks for inclusion in the library (see section below on ‘How to submit a tool or guidebook’). Go to top Is the IEe-library FREE OF CHARGE? All tools and guidebooks included in this inventory are freely available and ready to download and use. WHO IS the library AIMED AT?The aim of this inventory is to disseminate practical 'intelligent energy' tools and guidebooks throughout Europe and beyond. Businesses, energy professionals, policymakers and interested individuals alike can profit from a wide range of freely available material to help them in their everyday work. The IEe-library is a good starting point for (future) applicants and contractors to the IEE programme, to allow their projects to save time and costs by profiting from an inventory of available tools and guidebooks. The full range of target audiences who may benefit from the tools and guidebooks contained in the library can be found under the question ‘Who are the target audiences for the library?’. Go to top How can I use the SEARCH facilities?How can I use the FREE TEXT SEARCH?
This is a simple search provided in a box at the top right of the Home page. Users can type in any text. The system will find the word or the combination of words by searching in every field, including title, abstract, type of tool and other fields. How can I use the THEMATIC SEARCH?
From the Homepage, browse the menu provided on the left. The menu lists the thematic categories under which tools and guidebooks have been classified. By clicking on the top level theme the system will show all the tools and guidebooks relevant to that theme. Some tools and guidebooks can be found also in the sub-themes where items can be filtered accordingly. How can I use the ADVANCED SEARCH?
You can search tools and guidebooks by category, type of tool, target audience and keyword. A search can be refined by combining criteria; the more criteria you add, the more the search will be narrowed down. If you do not find what you are looking for at the first try, use fewer or different criteria. Go to top How CAN I SAVE A SEARCH I have done?In the advanced search, you can save the results of your queries by (a) converting the results in PDF and then saving the file or (b) by saving the results as a clickable HTML table for future reference for future reference.
a) Saving your search as a PDF file: - You can save the results of your queries as a list of clickable items: once the results of your query are displayed, click on ‘Table’ on the top right hand side of the webpage. With this window active, click on the PDF icon, this will transform the list in a clickable PDF file, click on ‘Save a copy’.
- You can save the results of your queries as a list of abstracts: once the results of your query are displayed, click on ‘Items’ on the top of the webpage. With this window active, click on the PDF icon, this will transform the list in a clickable PDF file, click on ‘Save a copy’.
b) Saving your search in a clickable HTML table
- If you use Internet Explorer: once the results of your query are displayed, right click on the “table” icon and select the “save target” as option. Name and save your file. -If you use Firefox: once the results of your query are displayed, click on the “table” icon: a pop-up window showing the results will appear. With this window active, press Ctrl + S (control-save). Name and save your file. -If you use Safari / or you are a Macintosh user: once the results of your query are displayed, click on the “table” icon: a pop-up window showing the results will appear. With this window active, click on “file / save as”. Name and save your file.
This feature also works if you wish to save all the results of any of the main themes or subthemes in the main navigation menu. Simply follow the procedure as described above. Go to top What are the CATEGORIES of items in the library?The themes and thematic areas covered by the inventory have been selected by the Executive Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation (EACI) on the basis of the Key Actions covered by the IEE programme and derived from observed needs. Each tool or guidebook has been classified under a category. You can search by category either by using the thematic menu on the Homepage or by using the Advanced Search facility. All items in the library are listed under the first thematic level (category); they are also listed within a second level (subtheme), where appropriate (e.g. if a tool can be applied across sub categories, such as in rural areas as well as in urban areas, it will be listed under the first thematic level 'Local/Regional Energy Management' and not under the subthemes). |
1 Energy Efficiency in Industry | 1.1 Energy Audits 1.2 Energy Management/ Benchmarking 1.3 Energy Saving Measures | Innovative Approaches in Industry | 2 Local Energy Management | 2.1 Islands 2.2 Regions 2.3 Rural Areas 2.4 Urban Areas | Sustainable Energy Communities Renewable Heating & Cooling Small Scale Renewable Energies Biofuels Energy-efficient buildings (in both residential and tertiary sector) Energy-efficient products | 3 Renewable Heating and Cooling Small Scale Renewables and Biofuels Applications | 3.1 Biogas 3.2 Biomass 3.3 Geothermal 3.4 Mini Wind 3.5 Renewable Integration into Buildings 3.6 Small Hydro 3.7 Solar 3.8 Transport Biofuels (Supply Side) | Renewable Heating & Cooling Small Scale Renewable Energies Biofuels | 4 Energy Aspects in Transport | 4.1 Alternative Fuels and Vehicles 4.2 Collective Passenger Transport 4.3 Cycling/Walking 4.4. Freight 4.5 Mobility Management | Energy Efficiency in Transport Sustainable Transport: Strengthening the Knowledge of Local Energy |
Each tool and guidebook has been classified according to one of the above themes. It has been classified also by thematic area only when appropriate.
For each of the four themes, specific thematic areas have been selected to help users in their search. The selection is based on needs observed during the past years of the IEE programme implementation. Which COUNTRIES are covered by the library?Most items in this library can be applied to all 27 EU countries thanks to their methodology that can be easily transferred or replicated.
Additional information has been provided on tools and guidebooks when the item includes country-specific information (e.g. datasets, legislative or economic analysis for a given country, or implementation specific to a particular country). In addition to the 27 EU countries, Norway, Croatia and Iceland are also covered by the library. Tools and guidebooks found in the US and Canada are included in the database; however, the classification below can not be deployed. The list of countries and their acronyms covered by the IEe-library is provided in the table below. You can search by country using the advanced search facility. |
| all EU | Only items explicity aimed at the EU 27 level | | AT | Austria | | BE | Belgium | | BG | Bulgaria | | CY | Cyprus | | CZ | Czech Republic | | DE | Germany | | DK | Denmark | | EE | Estonia | | ES | Spain | | FI | Finland | | FR | France | | GR | Greece | | HR | Croatia | | HU | Hungary | | IS | Iceland | | IE | Ireland | | IT | Italy | | LT | Lithuania | | LU | Luxembourg | | LV | Latvia | | MT | Malta | | NL | Netherlands | | NO | Norway | | PL | Poland | | PT | Portugal | | RO | Romania | | SE | Sweden | | SI | Slovenia | | SK | Slovakia | | UK | United Kingdom |
Which LANGUAGES are covered by the library?The library provides information about the languages in which items are available. You can search by language using the advanced search facility. A list of the languages covered in the library and their acronyms is provided in the table below. |
| BG | Bulgarian | | CS | Czech | | DA | Danish | | DE | German | | ET | Estonian | | EL | Greek | | EN | English | | ES | Spanish | | FI | Finnish | | FR | French | | HU | Hungarian | | IT | Italian | | LT | Lithuanian | | HR | Croatian | | LV | Latvian | | IS | Icelandic | | MT | Maltese | | NL | Dutch | | NO | Norwegian | | PL | Polish | | PT | Portuguese | | RO | Romanian | | SK | Slovak | | SL | Slovenian | | SV | Swedish |
Which TYPES OF tools are included in the library? To allow you to find specific types of tools and guidebooks more easily, each item has been classified as up to three types of tool or guidebook. You can search by type of tool using the advanced search facility. Remember that you can refine your search or make an alternative search by using the keywords! |
| Blue print -Action plan model | A model or prototype with a detailed methodology for the achievement of a specific objective. A blueprint is a model where the steps to be taken are clearly outlined, including methodological, analytical issues, and resource requirement and include lessons learned (only case studies and best practices with these characteristics should be included). An action plan model is a blue print for action plans, an action plan is a scheme or programme for future action to achieve objectives. | | Benchmarking tool | A tool which allows something to be measured or judged against a specified standard or best practice example(s). It should enable a comparison to be made, success to be judged and also possible improvements to be made. It should include information which allows the target audience to compare different results, therefore it could include technologies search engines. | | Calculation tool | A tool to assist a target audience in making calculations. | | Checklist | A list of items to be noted, checked, or remembered, eg during the execution of an activity or task. | | Contract model | A template/model for a contract to provide a specific good or service (e.g. for the provision of energy services, for the greening of vehicle fleets, etc). | | Decision support system | For a tool or guidebook that provides information to support a target audience in making decisions. | | Energy audits | A methodical examination or review of the energy input/output of a structure, process or specific activity (e.g. an assessment of the energy use of a building). | | Evaluation system | A tool or guidebook helping with examining, appraising and judging the outcomes of an activity. | | Feasibility model | A tool helping to calculate and assess the economic-financial feasibility of a technology or project (e.g. assessing the payback time of a renewable installation). | | Game | A model of a competitive or negotiating situation with identified parties which play a designated role and rules governing the process. | | GIS-based tool | An information system or software tool capable of processing geographically referenced information. It generally allows users to create interactive queries/searches, analyse spatial information, edit data, maps, and present the results of these operations. | | Guidebook – Handbook – Manual | Guidebooks (or handbooks, manuals, etc.) are understood as publications guiding and advising certain groups of society. For the inventory priority should be given to guidebooks for clearly specified target group(s) and intended/developed for widespread use. | | Guidelines | A set of rules giving guidance on how to carry out tasks or outcomes. Guidelines should be clear and offer an outline of actual steps/actions to be taken. | | Monitoring system | A system or a guidebook providing advise on how to set up a system which allows testing, tracking or checking, especially on a regular basis, with a view to collecting information on an ongoing activity. It is often used to check compliance with commitments or obligations. | | Planning tool | A tool or a guidebook providing advise on how to set up a system which helps to formulate a scheme or programme for the accomplishment, enactment, or attainment of a particular aim. | | Simulation tool | A tool that imitates a real-life situation or operation, based on a given set of assumptions. |
Who are the TARGET AUDIENCES for the library?The main target groups for the tools and guidebooks included in the inventories are decision makers, energy and transport managers, energy and transport consultants, vocational trainers and teachers, and (future) applicants and contractors to the IEE programme. To help you to search for an item, each item has been classified as being aimed at up to three specific target audiences. You can search for items according to target audience using the advanced search facility. |
| Architects | Architects can find tools and guidebooks to assist them in including energy efficiency measures or renewable energy sources into the planning, design and management of constructing or renovating buildings. Examples include design guidelines for low energy homes, and feasibility models for the integration of renewable energy technologies into buildings. | | Citizens | Citizens are the target group that can have the biggest impact on sustainable energy by their changing behaviour and adopting low- or no-cost measures for energy efficiency. Items classified as aimed at citizens could be used directly by tshe layman, but may also be useful for energy agencies or NGOs for outreach work to citizens. | | Developers | Developers of buildings can find tools and guidebooks to assist them in including energy efficiency measures or technologies and renewable energy sources into the planning, design and management of constructing or renovating buildings. Developers of renewables sites can find a range of items including economic and financial feasibility models, design software and performance calculators. | | Energy Agencies | Energy agencies can find tools and guidebooks to assist them in supporting the introduction of good energy management practices and providing information and guidance to local stakeholders and citizens, ranging from tips, training materials and action plan models, to lists of energy saving measures, advice on how to implement energy and transport plans, campaign methodologies and good practices. | | Energy Managers | Energy managers can find a wealth of tools ranging from step-by-step guides on energy management, simple energy audit models or simulation Tools for energy performance assessments, to factsheets on the economic feasibility of energy efficiency interventions, and guidance or calculation tools for energy certification. Other examples include contract models for green procurement and training tools or guidebooks on energy management. | | Energy Service Companies (ESCO) | ESCOs can find tools and guidebooks to assist them in providing energy efficiency services and renewable energy solutions to businesses, organisations and public authorities. Examples include guidebooks on different technological options, databases of technologies and suppliers, calculation and simulation tools to assess the economic and financial feasibility of different options, design and sizing tools, and third party contract models. | | Energy Suppliers | Small and large energy suppliers, including producers and distributors, can find a range of tools and guidebooks from guidelines on standards for the provision of green electricity, to guidebooks on the development and implementation of district heating, guidelines for marketing campaigns, market reports, tools for the development of business strategies and more. | | Farmers/Forestry | Farmers and forestry personnel can find tools and guidebooks on the production of biomass and the efficient use of energy in rural areas, from introductory guidebooks for farmers and forest owners on selling electricity and heat, to concepts for collecting and processing wood for energy, and business models for the production of green electricity and heat in rural areas. | | Financial Operators | Banks, financial institutions or private investors looking for information to help understand the market for energy efficiency, renewables technologies and ways of financing energy projects, can find material such as market reports, economic and financial feasibility models, contract models for third party financing, and simple guides on incentive schemes. | | Industry | Industry personnel can find guides or tools which help to identify potential for financial savings and reduction of CO2 emissions, and to determine what type of technology or service would be best suited to the facility. Other useful tools include training or guidebooks on energy management, step-by-step guides, energy audit models and calculation tools (from quick energy checks to in-depth audits and software tools). | | Installers | Installers who want to be up to date with energy efficient and renewable energy technologies can find training materials, manuals and handbooks, as well as software tools to guide them through the sizing, feasibility and installation process, and guidebooks on the operation and maintenance of technologies. | | NGOs | Non-governmental organisations can find a wealth of information related to energy issues, which may be of use in their campaigns, communications work and dissemination of good practices. | | Planners/Builders | Planners and builders can find tools and guidebooks to assist them in including energy efficiency measures or renewable energy sources into their planning, design and management of constructing or renovating buildings, or in drafting plans for an area, such as master plans, action plan models for renewable energy developments or mobility in the built environment. | | Public Authorities | Local decision makers and policy makers looking for advice on the planning and implementation of energy and climate policies, can find guidebooks on the available policy instruments, simple guidelines to set up strategies, and decision support models, as well as calculation or benchmarking Tools to set achievable targets, blueprints or methodologies to establish communications campaigns and tips for engaging stakeholders in the planning process. | | SMEs | Small- and medium-sized enterprises can find a wealth of useful information on energy efficient technologies and processes, including software tools for energy assessment, tools to benchmark energy performance, advice on reducing the energy consumption of transport fleets, assessment tools to identify potential for financial savings and reduction of CO2 emissions, and how to achieve this. | | Technology Suppliers | Companies or individuals involved in the supply of technological products can find tools and guidebooks on the latest energy efficiency and renewables technologies and appliances and their characteristics, guidance on quality standards for products, databases for product benchmarking, marketing strategy models, information on financial incentives and methodologies and materials to assist with marketing campaigns. | | Trainers/ Teachers | Trainers and adult education teachers, vocational trainers and school teachers will find materials to assist with teaching and learning on energy-related issues. A wide range of teaching material ranging from games and curricula for training programmes, training manuals and editable presentations are available on energy efficiency, renewable energy and energy use in transport. | | Transport Operators | Transport operators, public or private, who carry people or goods, can find a wide range of simple tools to help reduce costs and improve energy efficiency of their activities, such as vehicle comparison tools, calculation tools to help assess driving costs and CO2 emissions, fuel saving tips, contract models and specifications for energy saving vehicles, training resources and much more. |
How can I use KEYWORDS to find what I’m looking for?You can search for a tool or guidebook by keyword using the advanced search facility. Keywords define an item on the basis of its purpose and use. Each item has been classified using up to three keywords. |
| Behavioural Change measures | Tools and guidebooks including or relating to measures aimed at helping target audience to change their energy use/ travel behaviour or their life style | | Awareness Raising | Tools/guidebooks helping target audiences to understand and be aware of something (a different way of using energy/ using transport/ using energy technologies/ life styles etc) | | Buildings | Tools/guidebooks concerning energy use in buildings | | CO2 emissions | Tools/guidebooks helping to assess/calculate/evaluate etc. CO2 emissions | | Contracting | Tools/guidebooks helping to draft/ establish/ manage energy/ transport contracts | | Cooling | Tools/guidebooks dealing with cooling of spaces / environments/ buildings etc. | | Electricity | Tools/guidebooks relating to electricity (could be production/ consumption/ supply or other) | | Energy consumption | Tools/guidebooks dealing with energy consumption | | Evaluation | Tools/guidebooks assisting with the evaluation/ assessment of an activity | | Financing | Tools/guidebooks addressing financing issues | | Heating | Tools/guidebooks addressing heating of spaces / environments/ buildings etc. | | Industrial Processes | Tools/guidebooks dealing with manufacturing/ production processes in an industry | | Lighting | Tools/ guidebooks dealing with lighting | | Low Cost/ No Cost Measures | These are simple no cost measures to achieve aims (eg tips) | | Metering | Tools/guidebooks helping with measuring (metering) energy consumption | | Monitoring | Tools/guidebooks allowing systematic tracking of something with a view to collecting information | | Planning | Tools/guidebooks dealing with planning | | Procurement | Tools/guidebooks dealing with the purchasing process, usually for a company, government or other organisation | | Quality schemes | Tools/guidebooks dealing with schemes aimed at developing quality certificates such as labels, certificates etc, but also Tools helping with quality assurance methodologies/systems | | Resource assessment | Tools/guidebooks referring to land use planning and resource planning for biomass/biofuels production. See also Theme 3.3 | | Strategy Development | Tools/guidebooks helping with the development of strategies |
How does the RATING system work?The library features a rating system, where users can rate each tool on a scale of 1 – 5 stars (5 stars being the best). The ratings will help to guide other users towards the best tools. To rate a tool, simply click on the appropriate number of stars at the bottom of the tool’s page. You can only rate each tool once.The average user rating is displayed on the tool’s page, and in the search results. The current top 3 user rated tools are also displayed on the right side of the Homepage. CAN I SUGGEST A TOOL for inclusion in the library? If you like to share a tool or guidebook with interested stakeholders across Europe you can suggest it for inclusion into the IEe-library by using the ’Send Us a Tool’. Tools or guidebooks must be relevant to the library; to ensure that this is the case, you will need to complete a brief online form. The tool/guidebook can be submitted as web-link only. The EACI reserves the right to decide which items will be included in the database. Submission of a tool or guidebook does not automatically guarantee the right to inclusion. WHO CAN I CONTACT if I find incorrect information in the database? Whilst we have put an effort into making sure that the information in this database is correct the EACI cannot guarantee its accuracy (see LEGAL). If you were involved in the production of one of the tools or guidebooks in the library, and you notice that any of the information on the tool or guidebook is out of date or incorrect, please email us using the using the ‘Contact us’ facility, specifying your request in the text of the email. We would be grateful if you can complete an online form with the updated information and we will be happy to inlcude it in the database. How do I report a BROKEN LINK? If you notice a broken link please email us using the ‘Contact us’ facility, specifying in the title ‘broken link’ and adding in the text of the email the full title of the tool(s) for which the link is not working. Please specify the language version or individual tool if there are several tools under one title. We are very grateful for your collaboration. Go to top
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FAQs 