- Client: European Climate Foundation
- Implementation period: May, 2013 - November, 2013 (Completed)
- Geographic coverage: European Union
- Theme: Energy
- Topic: Energy Efficiency
- Experts: Koen Rademaekers, Rob Williams, Jessica Yearwood Travezán
How effective was ECF’s Energy Efficiency Programme?
In 2013, Trinomics independently evaluated the Energy Efficiency Programme of the European Climate Foundation (ECF). ECF is Europe’s largest grant-making foundation focused exclusively on mitigating climate change. ECF’s Energy Efficiency Programme Strategy pursues a number of strategic initiatives to increase energy efficiency in the European economy. The Programme is divided into three initiatives: i) large-scale energy efficiency, ii) energy efficiency in buildings, and iii) energy efficiency in products. Within these initiatives, the funding strategy is further divided into work streams defined by critical political venues.
The two objectives of the evaluation were to 1) review whether ECF’s strategies and activities influenced their ultimate goals for EU and national policymaking, and 2) evaluate whether ECF employed the most effective strategies and action, based on a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). To reach these objectives, Trinomics reviewed strategic documents, grantee proposals and reports, and conducted over 60 interviews with external stakeholders, current and former grantees and staff members representing a broad range of EU and country perspectives. Study results were used in the ECF 2013 Annual Report.
Key findings of the report:
- The ECF has improved the collective quality and depth of the policy debate on energy efficiency.
- The study noted improved professionalism among ECF-funded NGOs; ECF’s outcome-driven approach and deep staff expertise allow grantees to adapt to changing contexts while staying focused on delivery.
- A good match between actions funded and intended outcomes could be observed.