The Alliance launched the Council in 1999 with 18 participants from 12 companies gathering for the first formal meeting. This helped lay the foundation for the organization. The Council borrowed on the experience and success of another Alliance business group, the Indian Energy Efficiency Business Council, and similar councils in the United States.
The main objectives of the Council were to:
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The Council attracted both corporate and municipal organizations, addressing specific needs that municipalities and large energy users are faced with. The Alliance financially supported coordination and operation of the organization. In coordinating with the Alliance's Energy Efficiency Industry Partnership (EEIP), the Council developed an Industry Education Seminar for Hungarian hotel and hospital industries, registered itself with the Charter and Board of Directors, created a newsletter, expanded its membership, holding its first annual conference in Balatonfured, Hungary in 2000.
The Council assisted the Hungarian government with redrafting the Hungarian Energy Law. To date, the Council is the only organization the government asked to participate in its deliberations. The Council's activities included:
Council Committees
The Alliance assisted in creating a committee structure holding regular meetings so the council was better able to meet its goals. Creation of the policy committee was instrumental in identifying barriers and developing policy options for the government.
Database of industry professionals
The council maintained the Hungarian portion of the Central and Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency Business Directory to serve as a useful tool for businesses in and out of Hungary, as well as municipalities and others interested in learning about the Hungarian energy efficiency industry.
Industry Educational Seminars
The Council hosted industry specific energy efficiency educational seminars, similar to the Hungary and Poland seminars sponsored by the Alliance in 2000.
Newsletter
The newsletter included information on the Hungarian energy efficiency market, news about members, technology and events in the industry.
For more information about the Council & Alliance's activities in Hungary, visit:
or contact Angela Morin Allen amorin@ase.org