“Today Data is everywhere, why? Because each of the given products produced from Europe makes its satellite images available, a farmer asks for an online grant […] today a great part of this data is available, and it’s quite new what happened there.” These words belong to Grégory Labrousse.
This French businessman has always been interested in sustainable development and energy transition. Most of his effort in business have had something to do with the information on behalf of everybody: Open Data. That’s why, in 2008, after seeing that green energies were developing, he launched GEOPLC, specializing in business consultancy dealing with energy transition.
Open Data and energy saving: Perfect combination
Open Data, the kind of non-personal data that surrounds all of our activities, gives deep insight into when and how much energy we consume. Organizing this valuable information allows every one of the components of the society to plan in almost every aspect of development. Even more, having it always at hand gives enough space to make adjustments on the go to fulfill common goals.
Let us take individuals as an example, energy efficiency for a family will include the energy renovation of their home. If someone provides support and expertise, the final result will be far more than just improving the family’s daily comfort.
The advice must include eco-efficient equipment and installations, and from thermal insulation to the installation of more efficient heating or ventilation system. Now imagine another factor, financial sector, also assisting the installation of heating equipment and using a renewable energy source. The partnership will result in a check or a credit while contributing to the lightening of your energy bill.
By optimizing individuals comfort and well-being, they will do good to the planet while receiving financial support. To enable individuals to benefit from the economic benefits of energy renovation, GEO PLC has forged exclusive partnerships with DIY superstores and a consumer association.
In France, this mega project involves every sector of society: from public markets, going through industries, transport, up to the very individuals.
Changes start with committed leadership
As shown before, the energy transition is the fundamental transformation of a specific model of energy production and consumption, it is to achieve a coherent energy mix, to gradually dispense with fossil fuels. This transition will only succeed if consciences are profoundly transformed as well as uses, which implies, in particular, to turn towards renewable energies. This requires a radical change in energy policy from a demand-oriented approach to a supply-driven policy and a gradual decentralization of production.
Some history
In 2003, the European Commission launched the “Intelligent Energy” program. This is an annual call for proposals aimed at helping the most relevant initiatives in energy efficiency. This program now supports the “20-20-20 targets,” set by the European Union: by 2020, member states must reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption by 20% and consume 20% % of renewable energies.
That is why that GEO PLC has used its expertise in environmental consulting, alongside four international partners specializing in energy efficiency: Joule, Energa Innowacje, VaasaETT, and Actility. They responded to the 2013 call for proposals by proposing a Platform. It is intended to overcome the shortcomings of current energy policies (financing, monitoring, and transparency). An innovative tool to encourage energy-intensive structures to save energy. “That is what we are supposed to support,” states Grégory Labrousse.