Washington, D.C., September 30, 2009 –A group of organizations committed to progressing energy efficiency in Australia have created a new Australian Alliance to Save Energy (A2SE), modeled on the U.S.-based Alliance to Save Energy, to further their shared goal of cost-effective greenhouse gas reductions through smarter energy use.

The two alliances recently signed a memorandum of understanding outlining the terms of their collaboration and stating their recognition “that Australia needs a stronger voice for energy efficiency that can advance the case for saving energy through nonpartisan, collaborative work.” The new organization’s website is already up and running at www.a2se.org.au; and a board of directors, on which the U.S.-based Alliance will serve, is in formation.

Planned A2SE activities will include research, outreach activities, and the facilitation of stronger partnerships for energy efficiency, demand management and distributed energy activities among government, industry and the community. Collaborative efforts between A2SE and the Alliance to Save Energy could include joint sponsorship of events, information exchange, bilateral meetings of their boards of directors, and energy efficiency-focused trade missions between the two countries.

“The Alliance to Save Energy is extremely pleased to support the development of an Australian organization based on the same model that has been so successful in the United States: A coalition of business, government, environmental, and consumer leaders working together to inform and promote the efficient use of energy,” said Alliance to Save Energy President Kateri Callahan.

“We are eager to work with the A2SE to raise the profile of energy efficiency in Australia, to advance energy efficiency in both of our countries, and to help address climate change, energy security and economic well being around the world,” she added.

“Improving energy efficiency to cost-effectively reduce greenhouse emissions is a goal shared by all sides of government and many business leaders in Australia,” said A2SE interim CEO Mark Lister.

“A2SE is being formed because, despite this near universal recognition, the enormous potential of energy efficiency still lacks profile in the debate. We are grateful for the assistance provided by the Alliance to Save Energy team and the opportunity to learn from its long history of inclusive policy process, community awareness-raising and successful involvement in scaling up energy-efficiency programs around the world,” he said.

Private and public entities already involved in discussions on the formation of A2SE include members of the Australian business community, including Alliance Associates Siemens and Schneider Electric, Australian government officials, members of Australia’s Federal Parliament from both sides of the house, and foundation representatives. Australia’s Environment Minister Peter Garrett and Shadow Minister Greg Hunt both signed an endorsement letter for the formation of the new organization in July. The A2SE plans to outline its program of first year activities and formally launch in November.