February 2009 : First round of Energy Benchmarking training with energy service providers hold in Beijing
Participants at the first class of training hold at the romantic location of the WOFO hotel surrounded by the Botanical Garden in the northwest of Beijing. The training was organised by CAI key expert XIN Mingyi and attended by CAI PM and key expert Gerhard Weihs as well as by a number of experts of our Chinese partners.
According to the schedule the project started its first training bloc in February 16, 2009. The trainees come from 20 energy service providers nationwide covering 10 provinces. They were divided into two classes. Class one started on February 16 and finished on February 18; the second one started on February 19 and completed on February 21. The two classes conducted the same training programme: In a first section the general idea of benchmarking was introduced to the participants. After the general introduction a detailed methodology showing how to use the benchmarking tool in the energy intensive industry in China was explained. The methodology includes a 6 phase circle and 4 cross-section tasks. Worksheets designed to assist the service are also included.
Project background
One of the key projects within the framework the EU-China Energy Environment Programme (EEP) is the project “Promotion of Benchmarking Tools for Energy Conservation in Energy Intensive Industries” was formally started on 1st of September 2008. The project team consists of the following partners: Administrative Centre for China's Agenda 21 (ACCA21), CENTRIC AUSTRIA INTERNATIONAL - Center for Environmental Training and International Consulting (CAI), China Eco-efficiency Research Center (CERC), Beijing Energy Conservation and Environment Protection Center (BEEC), China Energy-Conservation Information Co., Ltd. (CECI).
The purpose of the project is to promote benchmarking as a tool for energy conservation in energy intensive industry in China. The project contributes to the Chinese government’s goal to reduce energy consumption per unit GDP by 20 percent over the 11th Five-Year Plan’s period (2006-2010).
Based on the initially developed Methodology the basic “BMT Manual – Instruction for Companies and Consultants” was repeatedly reviewed, and it is meanwhile available in a third edition in English and Chinese language. Based on that Training Materials were developed and a Training Programme was designed. A first Training Session was held successfully in February 2009. Software, which is part of the Benchmarking tool-kit, is in the final stage of design. Research on domestic and international benchmarks, which will be provided in a reference book with further information about Best Available Technologies and Practices, is ongoing.