News releases
10-04-2012 - 12th European Forum on Eco-Innovation: " Scaling-up sustainable construction Through value chain innovation – Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 April 2012. Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
 |
The 12th Forum will examine: what kind of added value eco-innovation can bring to the construction sector; how eco-innovation can transform the industry's supply chain; how to communicate these benefits to public authorities, construction professionals and building owners; a review of the opportunities and challenges as part of a sustainable construction value chain.
It will aim to answer the following questions: Who should be the main stakeholders to push forward and implement existing solutions? With so many players, who should address the sustainable construction issue in a coherent and systemic manner? Who can take the lead? Moreover, how can the construction industry face up to the current crisis which may prevent the implementation of new technologies or construction, certifications and standards? This forum is jointly organised by the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment and the European Commission, Directorate-General for the Environment. It will gather together key players from business, academia, finance, policy and green groups.
This forum will feature high-level speakers, including:
- Mr. Hugo von Meijenfeldt, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment
- Mr. Maarten van Poelgeest, Deputy Mayor, The City of Amsterdam
- Ms. Jacqueline Cramer, Former Minister of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment
- Mr. Gaetan Siew, Director/partner of Lampotang & Siew Architects and Former President of the International Union of Architects (UIA)
- Mr. Sorcha Edwards, Deputy Secretary General, Cecodhas Housing Europe
- Ms. Maud Skäringer, Thematic coordination and innovation unit, Directorate-General for Regional Policy, European Commission
For more information about the forum, click here
PRACSIS has developed the communication tools to organise this event, supported the development of the agenda and executed communications strategies to promote it throughout specific audiences and media. Appointed by the European Commission, PRACSIS has managed the Secretariat of the European Forum on Eco-Innovation since 2007.
20-03-2012 - PRACSIS wins European Commission ManagEnergy contract
 |
PRACSIS will organise all the communication activities related to the ManagEnergy initiative for the next 3 years in partnership with prestigious consortium partners including SMEs and NGOs. The budget for these communication activities is €3 million. In addition to this, PRACSIS is currently directly involved in three other major Commission energy communication contracts and has become one of the main energy communication partners of the European Commission’s DG Energy and Executive Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation.
01-02-2012 - PRACSIS wins European Commission communication activities framework contract
 |
PRACSIS has recently been awarded the DG Agriculture Communication Activities Framework Contract, in partnership with Mostra Communications.
For a period of four years, PRACSIS will organise campaigns and events for DG Agriculture. The overall budget for the project is €15 million. In addition to this, PRACSIS is directly involved in three other major communication contracts, making the company one of the key communication partners of the European Commission's DG Energy as well as the Executive Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation.
01-02-2012 - 12th European Forum on Eco-Innovation - Scaling-up sustainable construction Through Value chain innovation
Westerkerk, Amsterdam 25-26 April 2012
 |
The 12th edition of the forum will be held at springtime in the Netherlands on a crucial topic for a sustainable Europe: the soft side of construction.
Green Building are designed using sustainable materials, smarter building are designed on smarter materials.
Looking beyond existing eco-technologies and eco-services the forum will question speakers and participants how to connect existing solutions with construction on the ground – office space, industry and housing. In other words, the forum will look at creating the necessary conditions to integrate eco-innovation at every steps of the value chain.
Building on the previous editions of the forum, this forum will mobilize and facilitate networking among stakeholders and seek targeted and reachable recommendations that can be integrated into EU national policies.
As for the 10 previous forum PRACSIS has developed the communication tools to organise this event, supported the development of the agenda and executed communication strategies to promote it throughout specific audiences and media. For this forum particularly, PRACSIS will make use of its synergy abilities by linking up relevant contracts such as BUILD-UP and Sustainable Energy Europe to increase the dissemination of the European message towards interested parties.
Appointed by the European Commission, PRACSIS has managed the Secretariat of the European Forum on Eco-Innovation since 2007 during which it has organised forum in:
Helsinki and Lahti,
Finland (2011)
Birmingham, United Kingdom (2011)
Brussels, Belgium (2007, 2010)
Bilbao, Spain (2010)
Copenhagen, Denmark (2009)
Berlin, German (2009)
Budapest, Hungary (2008)
Vienna, Austria (2008)
Paris, France (2007)
More information here.
14-01-2012 - First Euracsis meeting held in Brussels
 |
Twenty out of the twenty-six EURACSIS members gathered in Brussels on 12 and 13 January 2012 in the network's first meeting, hosted by PRACSIS. The EURACSIS partners outlined their activities, exchanged experiences and presented their vision. In addition to extensive discussions and networking, the group had the opportunity to visit the European Commission headquarters, in order to meet with EU officials. The success of the meeting was sealed by the group's determination to organise regular meeting .
More information on www.euracsis.eu.
03-11-2011 - Save the Date – EUSEW 2012
 |
Save the date! The EU Sustainable Energy Week 2012 will take place in Brussels and all over Europe from 18 to 22 June 2012. Hundreds of events will be organised in all parts of Europe to show, promote, discuss and celebrate energy efficiency and renewable energy - and you can be a part of it.
For the 5th consecutive year, PRACSIS will manage the EU Sustainable Energy Week Secretariat, involving: events coordination in Brussels, assistance to event organisers and attendees in Brussels, Energy Days recruitment and promotion all over Europe, and the coordination of the Sustainable Energy Europe Awards Competition. Moreover this year PRACSIS will coordinate the social media promotional campaign of the EUSEW.
PRACSIS has overseen the considerable growth of the EUSEW since 2006, with a total of 720 events recruited in 2011 (in comparison to 328 in 2010). Featuring 136 events in Brussels and 584 Energy Days in 43 European, Asian and North-African countries, EUSEW 2011 hosted 3445 attendees in Brussels. PRACSIS was also in charge of coordinating two media side-events in front of the EU Parliament (Electric Sidewalk from France and Strawberry Tree from Serbia), which attracted large media coverage in both the Belgian and European press.
More information on www.eusew.eu
13-10-2011 - Doing green business with emerging markets
 |
Policymakers, businesses and academics from Europe and the main emerging eco-innovation markets (i.e. Brazil, China, Korea, Russia, and South Africa) gathered in Finland on 11 and 12 October to map out opportunities for cooperation on green growth and eco-innovation development and diffusion. Their conclusions will feed into the EU's position for the Rio+20 Summit in June 2012. Some 140 high-level stakeholders attended the forum in Helsinki and Lahti. The 11th Forum was co-organised by European Commission, the Finnish Ministry of the Environment and the Lahti Science and Business Park.
PRACSIS has supported the development of the agenda and executed PR strategies to promote the forum throughout specific audiences and media. Its team organised all logistical aspect of the forum.
Appointed by the European Commission, PRACSIS is managing the Secretariat of the European Forum on Eco-Innovation since 2007.
For more information click here
23-09-2011 - PRACSIS organises the REACH Registration Conference addressing early results and future challenges for chemicals registration.
 |
23 September 2011 – Issues concerning the future of the REACH registration process were debated at a conference organised in Brussels by PRACSIS on behalf of the European Commission and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
Once again, PRACSIS successfully implemented its own registration tool – which was introduced last month. PRACSIS also delivered, for the first time, a new system that produces badges for attendees on-site. The new system was used to print specified data and names for all of the conference's 500 attendees.
The conference was interpreted in 6 languages and was web-streamed (in all six languages), thereby offering viewers the possibility to view and listen to the speakers in real time. The online audience could interact and communicate directly with the conference room, sending questions to the panellists and making brief comments. More than 3,500 online users benefited from this service.
As the event PCO, PRACSIS was also in charge, among other things, of the graphic design and all the logistics for the event
07-09-11 - PRACSIS organised the opening ceremony of two major exhibitions in Brussels: Hamburg's 'Train of Ideas' and the Brussels Region's "Brussels, a sustainable city!" .
 |
Hamburg's 'Train of Ideas' arrived in Brussels on 7 September. The train is part of Hamburg's activities as the 2011 European Green Capital and includes the exhibition: 'Visions for the cities of the future'. It showcases the challenges of designing cities that are sustainable, environmentally-friendly and attractive to live in.
The 'Brussels, a sustainable city!' exhibition, is housed in a spectacular 25 metre high tower, and is part of Brussels' bid to become the European Green Capital for 2014.
PRACSIS organised the official opening ceremony of both events, which involved a total of approximately 600 guests. Those present enjoyed a programme of different activities over the course of the afternoon.
Both exhibitions were opened by the European Commissioner for Environment, Janez Potocnik, Hamburg's Senator for Urban Development and Environment, Jutta Blankau, and Brussels' Minister for Environment, Energy and Urban Renovation, Evelyne Huytebroeck.
13-06-2011 - GREEN WEEK 2011 satellite events organised by PRACSIS.
 |
Green Week is one of the biggest annual events addressing environmental challenges and EU environmental policy. The Green Week 2011 conference and exhibition were organised by the Directorate-General for the Environment (European Commission) with the support of the Directorate-General for Interpretation and took place in the Commission's conference centre in Brussels, on 23-27 May 2011.
In order to reach out beyond Brussels, it has been decided to promote the organisation of satellite events in cities around the EU, where other stakeholders can be reached in Member States.
The slogan of Green Week 2011 was: 'Using less, living better', while the theme for the event was: 'Resource Efficiency'.
The satellite events were organised in a range of different formats, including debates, workshops, small conferences, awareness raising visits to schools, as well as less formal events etc.
PRACSIS was not only the main organiser of Green Week in Brussels but was also in charge of promoting and organising the satellite events out of Brussels, with the contribution of its network EURACSIS.
A total of 19 Green Satellite events (30 single events) took place in 15 Member States from 09 May till 11 June 2011 and were published on the Green Week website. A total of 7,784 participants attended the Green Week Satellite events.
13-06-11 - GREEN WEEK 2011 – A major event of DG Environment (European Commission).
 |
3,500 participants showed up in May at GREEN WEEK 2011 that was held in the Charlemagne building of the European Commission in Brussels. The theme of this year’s edition was “Resource Efficiency, using less, living better”.
PRACSIS was the main organiser of this event, in charge, among other things, of the decoration of the building and an exhibition with 50 stands that showcased LIFE projects, business solutions, NGO activities, local and regional authorities, European institutions and EU initiatives. GREEN WEEK 2011 included 38 sessions, debates and workshops over four days.
On that occasion, the zero fuel airplane SOLAR IMPULSE flew from Switzerland to Belgium, while the project founders Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg presented to the Green Week participants this aircraft that is powered only by solar energy.
PRACSIS and its EURACSIS network partners also organised over 20 Green Week satellite events across the EU, which gathered a total of around 7,800 participants in 15 Member States.
 |
PRACSIS has managed the EUSEW 2011 Secretariat which has led to the following results: Between 9 and 17 April 2011, a total of 720 events (in comparison to 328 in 2010) promoted, discussed and celebrated energy efficiency and renewable energy. Featuring 136 events in Brussels and 584 Energy Days in 43 European, Asian and North-African countries, EUSEW 2011 took place under the motto "Smart energy for a sustainable future". A total number of 3445 attendees registered for the EUSEW on www.eusew.eu.
PRACSIS wins three-year BUILD UP+ contract.
PRACSIS will continue to be responsible for the sustainable marketing and communication of the European Commission’s BUILD UP initiative under a three-year contract awarded by the EC’s Executive Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation (EACI)
PRACSIS will implement a broad range of innovative actions aimed at positioning www.buildup.eu as the European portal for energy efficiency in buildings. To achieve this challenging goal, a strong focus will be placed, in particular, on the promotion and effectiveness of the interactive BUILD UP web portal, as well as on communications actions including the organisation of events and the development of promotional materials. In this context, PRACSIS will continue to strategically organise and operate:
- Media Desk: Initiating long-term cooperation and ensuring wide media coverage;
- Public Relations Desk: Strongly encouraging multiplier networks to effectively use the features offered by BUILD UP.
PRACSIS has successfully developed the brand of BUILD UP brand among building sector stakeholders in Europe since its launch in 2009. The operation, maintenance, improvement and promotion of the interactive BUILD UP web portal will be jointly covered by the service providers INIVE EEIG (www.inive.org), MediaResponsable S.L. (www.corresponsables.com) and PRACSIS sprl under a service contract signed with the European Commission’s Executive Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation.
BUILD UP is a European Commission initiative aiming to reduce the energy consumption of buildings across Europe. www.buildup.eu promotes the effective implementation of energy saving measures in buildings and offers free access to a wide range of information on best practices, technologies and legislation for energy reduction. Via the interactive BUILD UP web portal, building professionals, public authorities and building occupants across Europe can easily share experiences, knowledge and best practices.
Birmingham ETAP Forum highlights commercial opportunities for eco-innovation in a resource-efficient European economy.
The 10th European Forum on Eco-Innovation in Birmingham, England on 22 and 23 March focused on the crucial role of eco-innovation in driving a resource-efficient European economy. It examined the need for resource efficiency in a world of overconsumption, reviewed actions already being taken by business and associations that recognise and support the commercial opportunities offered by resource efficiency and assessed the need to stimulate global demand for resource-efficient products and services, including influencing customer behaviour. Some 240 high-level stakeholders from business, academia, policymaking and green groups attended the Birmingham event, part of the EU Environmental Technology Action Plan (ETAP).
For more information click here
PRACSIS has supported the development of the agenda and executed PR strategies to promote the forum throughout specific audiences and media. Its team organised all logistical aspect of the forum.
Appointed by the European Commission, PRACSIS is managing the Secretariat of the European Forum on Eco-Innovation since 2007.
Register now – “Local and Regional Action for Sustainable Energy” event – 13 April, Brussels.
The European Commission (DG ENER), the Covenant of Mayors Office, EACI and ManagEnergy are organising a joint event dedicated to LOCAL AND REGIONAL ACTION FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY, during the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW).
When? Where?
Wednesday 13 April 2011, Brussels, Belgium
MORNING SESSION (9:00-13:00): Local and Regional Action for Sustainable Energy - ManagEnergy Annual Conference -
REGISTER NOW!
Who is it for?
Energy agencies, public authorities, local and regional energy actors, policy makers, energy consultants, regional representatives, anyone interested in energy efficiency and renewable energy actions!
What is there for you?
- The latest developments in EU sustainable energy policy.
- Technical support for energy efficiency and renewable energy at the local and regional level.
- Concrete examples of the close collaboration between energy agencies and local authorities.
- The ManagEnergy Award ceremony, with the participation of the European Commissioner for Energy, Mr Oettinger, and the President of the Committee of the Regions, Ms Bresso (tbc).
Detailed programme and registration for the morning session
AFTERNOON SESSION (14:30-18:30): Local and Regional Action for Sustainable Energy - Covenant of Mayors - REGISTER NOW!
What local actions are being undertaken in the Covenant of Mayors? How is the European funding being used? What difference has the Covenant made? Find the answers during this Covenant of Mayors afternoon!
What is there for you?
- Practical results of the Covenant of Mayors signatory cities and regions, the role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for energy efficiency at local and regional level and line-up to the Smart Cities initiative.
- A specific session on financing of sustainable energy measures at local and regional level, including structural funds, ELENA facility and a new EU energy efficiency investment facility.
- Practical examples and lessons learnt.
10th European Forum on Eco-Innovation: "Towards a Resource-Efficient Economy: From Policy to Action – Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 March 2011. Birmingham, UK.
01/02/2011
This forum will be jointly organised by the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the European Commission, Directorate-General for the Environment with the support of The Technology Strategy Board, West Midlands European Service and Birmingham City Council.
The forum will gather together key players from business, academia, finance, policy and green groups. It will present business case studies on sustainable material management, encourage innovation through cross fertilisation between disciplines and sectors, and identify and prioritise the key issues that need to be addressed by Government and EU action. The forum will propose priority areas for future action on material security and resource efficiency and will help to shape future Research Councils and EU calls.
This forum will feature high-level speakers, including:
- Mr Janez Potočnik, European Commissioner for the Environment
- Lord Henley, Parliamentary Under-Secretary, UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)
- Jacqueline McGlade, Executive Director, European Environment Agency
- Mr Timo Makela, International affairs, environmental financing and eco-innovation, Directorate-General for the Environment , European Commission
For more information click here
PRACSIS has developed the communication tools to organise this event, supported the development of the agenda and executed communications strategies to promote it throughout specific audiences and media.
Appointed by the European Commission, PRACSIS has managed the Secretariat of the European Forum on Eco-Innovation since 2007.
PRACSIS shapes the Research Executive Agency's new graphic identity.
20/12/2010
PRACSIS has overseen the revamping of the graphic guidelines for the European Commission's Research Executive Agency (REA). In close cooperation with the client, PRACSIS delivered a range of fresh, original designs to be used in official documents, promotional material and online content.
The Research Executive Agency (REA) is a funding body created by the European Commission to foster excellence in research and innovation. It manages large parts of the Seventh Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities (FP7) – the main EU funding package to address Europe's needs in terms of jobs and competitiveness in the global knowledge economy.
Through its specialist expertise PRACSIS was able to help the REA reinvent its graphic identity. In particular, PRACSIS updated the existing REA logo according to the desires of the client.
In order to create a coherent and recognisable visual character for the REA, PRACSIS designed a distinct, comprehensive set of graphic guidelines.
Taking these graphic guidelines, PRACSIS produced a wide range of templates in keeping with the REA’s revitalised visual identity.
In addition to designing models for REA’s basic administrative documents (envelopes, thank-you cards, etc…), PRACSIS also produced templates for the Agency’s communication tools.
Templates were created for the following communication materials: brochures, reports, internal and external electronic newsletters, flyers, presentation folders, PPT templates, models for intranet and Internet pages (HTML), theme cards, note pads, umbrella stands, ‘roll-ups’ promotional stands, posters, signage, as well as layouts for credit reels at the beginning and the end of video presentations.
In order to provide a clear indication of how these graphic tools should be used, PRACSIS produced a straightforward user guide. The guide was made available as both a brochure and as a mini-website.
In order to further help meet the REA’s communication needs, PRACSIS also provided a specially selected picture library. Furthermore, PRACSIS agreed to develop alternative templates for different communication products (business cards, themed notebooks, intranet pages, post-its, PowerPoint slides, etc…).
Autonomous since June 2009, the REA was set up in 2007 in Brussels for the lifetime of FP7. Although FP7 runs until 2013, the REA is expected to remain in place until 2017 in order to finish managing the projects funded under FP7. The life of the REA may then be extended depending on the decisions on EU research funding subsequent to FP7.
Find out more about the Research Executive Agency
PRACSIS awarded ETAP communications contract .
20/12/2010
PRACSIS will continue to oversee the communication activities of the EU Environmental Technologies Action Plan (ETAP) until the end of 2011. The company will raise awareness of ETAP by providing relevant content on eco-innovation and related EU activities.
Eco-innovation is crucial to the economic competitiveness of Europe, boosting business while reducing pressure on the environment and helping create jobs. The ambitious Environmental Technologies Action Plan (ETAP), adopted in January 2004, promotes environmental technologies within the EU and globally, while exploiting their potential to improve the environment and competitiveness.
Since taking on the responsibility of managing ETAP’s communication services in January 2008, PRACSIS has been committed to promoting the Action Plan amongst relevant target groups in both the public and private sectors.
Over the course of 2011, PRACSIS will continue to improve ETAP’s communication activities. To achieve this aim, PRACSIS will look to expand ETAP’s existing communication tools. This effort will be complemented by the implementation of an efficient dissemination strategy.
Through both the ETAP website and the newsletter, PRACSIS will work to mobilise important actors and communities, by providing pertinent and timely content related to eco-innovation and relevant EU activities.
Under the supervision of PRACSIS, the ETAP website underwent a major overhaul in 2008. Since then regular improvements have been made to ensure a more dynamic and multilingual presentation – the website is now available in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.
Through a panel of specialist eco-innovation writers, PRACSIS will provide rich, comprehensive content aimed at the website’s key audience – public authorities, SMEs, research organisations, members of the European institutions and NGOs.
Fresh content – based on a specialised sourcing strategy – will be published on the website twice a month. In 2011, a total of 88 articles – including short articles, policy agendas, long articles and web-interviews – will be produced. These articles will provide a broad introduction to ETAP and its policy priorities, as well as the most up to date information concerning available funding. The topics covered will include: waste treatment and recycling; sustainable building materials; improvements in the chemical industry; energy-efficient water technologies; green business and smart purchasing; and the economies of eco-innovation.
In addition to the website, PRACSIS will continue to oversee the production of ETAP’s quarterly newsletter: ‘Clean, Clever, Competitive’. PRACSIS intends to sharpen the design and improve the mini-website of this already highly accessible and informative publication.
PRACSIS will also promote ETAP at a range of eco-innovation and environmental events across Europe in 2011. Through various promotional and networking activities, the company will ensure the Action Plan gains the maximum amount of exposure.
Visit the EU Environmental Technologies Action Plan’s website
9th European Forum on Eco-Innovation: "Financing the Eco-Innovators"
Monday 29 and Tuesday 30 November 2010 - Plaza Hotel, Brussels .
22/11/2010
The ninth edition of the European Forum on Eco-Innovation will address the important role access to finance plays in the start up and growth of businesses as well as the development and successful exploitation of eco-innovation in Europe.
The objectives of the ninth ETAP forum are to examine the current trends, identify and discuss the challenges faced by financial actors and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in this domain, share good practices and provide recommendations to feed into the design of financial support programmes in the post-2013 financial perspective at EU level. These will also benefit the design of similar programmes at national and regional levels.
This forum will feature high-level speakers, including:
- Mr Janez Potočnik, European Commissioner for the Environment;
- Professor Anders Flodström, Vice Chairman of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology;
- Mr Timo Makela, International affairs, environmental financing and eco-innovation, Directorate-General for the Environment , European Commission;
- Mr Gerassimos Thomas, Director, Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs, European Commission;
- Mr Patrick Lambert, Director, Executive Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation(EACI), European Commission;
- Mr Matthias Ummenhofer, Head Equity Fund Investments, European Investment Fund
For more information click here
PRACSIS has developed the communication tools to organise this event, supported the development of the agenda and executed communications strategies to promote it throughout specific audiences and media.
Appointed by the European Commission, PRACSIS has managed the Secretariat of the European Forum on Eco-Innovation since 2007.
Modernised ManagEnergy website launched in September.
20/09/2010
PRACSIS has recently completed the project of updating, revamping and modernizing the ManagEnergy website of the European Commission. ManagEnergy is a technical support initiative of the Intelligent Energy - Europe programme, which aims at promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy at the local and regional level. The initiative is targeted at energy agencies, public authorities and many other energy actors.
The renovated website combines rich content with usability, aesthetics and an interactive approach. It aims at enhancing integration and expertise exchange among regional energy actors through a wide range of tools and features. Aside from high quality information on recent EU legislation, publications and funding opportunities, there is a constantly updated news and events section. A valuable database of case studies and good practices from across Europe helps share knowledge and promote excellence. A practical and easy-to-use Partner Search facility supports energy actors not only in finding their counterparts', contact details but also in identifying potential partnerships at the EU level (e.g. in order to submit a joint EU funding proposal). The 'Energy Agencies' Corner' is a special and targeted feature of the website that aims at facilitating networking, experience exchange and direct interaction among the Energy Agencies. The 'Education Corner' is another lively and highly interactive section of the website with resources for teachers, information for parents and educational material for children.
Visit the website at: www.managenergy.net
Find out more on BUILD UP at EUSEW 2010! .
01/03/2010
PRACSIS is assisting the new Directorate-General for Energy of the European Commission in promoting and organising the specific event on energy efficiency in buildings, in the framework of the EU Sustainable Energy Week 2010, the key event for sustainable energy issues in Europe. Chaired by Pirjo-Liisa Koskimäki, Head of Unit C4 (Energy Efficiency), this workshop entitled “From recast to reality - public authorities leading the way to more energy efficient buildings”, will take place from 14.15 to 17.30 on Tuesday 23 March 2010 in Brussels. This event will feature two panels: one on the outcome of the EPBD recast and the forthcoming challenges of implementation, and a second panel which will look at how the public sector can lead the way to an energy efficient economy. For registration, please refer to http://www.buildup.eu/events/7571.
Moreover, please visit us at the BUILD UP stand (Charlemagne building, floor 2, in Brussels) from 22/03/2010 to 26/03/2010, and discover how the BUILD UP interactive web portal can be of interest to you in your daily business. With more than 6 000 participants in Brussels each year, the EUSEW 2010, for which the organisational secretariat is also managed by PRACSIS, is a traditional event attracting the interest of many key players in the field and much press coverage in Europe (http://www.eusew.eu/). Be there!
PRACSIS wins European Commission ManagEnergy contract .
27/01/2010
PRACSIS will organise all the communication activities related to the ManagEnergy initiative for the next 2 years in partnership with prestigious consortium partners including SMEs and NGOs. The budget for these communication activities is €1.5 million. In addition to this, PRACSIS is currently directly involved in three other major Commission energy communication contracts and has become one of the main energy communication partners of the European Commission’s DG Energy and Executive Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation.
8th European Forum on Eco-Innovation: “Making Eco-Innovation happen in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises” – 20 & 21 April 2010, Bilbao, Spain
27/01/2010
For the eighth edition of the ETAP Forum, the European Commission, in co-operation with the Spanish Ministry of the Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs (MARM) and the Public Society of Environmental Management of the Basque Country (Ihobe), is focusing on SMEs.
Representing 99% of all enterprises in Europe, SMEs are Europe’s best job creators. European SMEs are innovative, competitive and involved in fulfilling the EU Lisbon Agenda for more growth, as well as increased and higher-quality employment. Over two days, experts from business, finance, technology development, academia, non-governmental organisations and other relevant stakeholders actively involved in eco-innovation and environmental technologies will discuss supporting instruments such as funding, standards, legislative tools and capacity building to stimulate eco-innovation in SMEs.
PRACSIS is using powerful and innovative methods to enable effective delegate participation to share experiences and help influence European policy making and programme development. For the last three years, PRACSIS has supported the European Commission Environment DG in their actions for a more eco-innovative Europe
More information here.
BUILD UP Users and Stakeholders Committee – www.buildup.eu already 6 months old!
27/01/2010
On 15 December 2009, the 1st BUILD UP Users and Stakeholders Committee was held in Brussels, 6 months after the launch of www.buildup.eu, the European portal for energy efficiency in buildings.
PRACSIS successfully organised this event on behalf of the European Commission’s Executive Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation (EACI). This occasion was an opportunity to exchange information on BUILD UP as well as to provide details of the latest European policy developments, in particular the recast of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive which reached a political agreement just a few weeks before the event.
The many opportunities offered by the BUILD UP interactive web portal, and details on how to become a BUILD UP Partner, were presented during the event. Taking into account feedback from the audience, a lot of comprehensive suggestions were put forward. The proceedings of the meeting are available at http://www.buildup.eu/events/6659.
Besides this, all linguistic versions of the BUILD UP Leaflet can be downloaded from the “Press Center” section under “Communications tools” (http://www.buildup.eu/communicationstools). Hard copies of BUILD UP Leaflets and of the BUILD UP Poster can be ordered for free upon request.
The BUILD UP interactive web portal promotes effective implementation of energy-saving measures in buildings. It provides free access to a wide range of information on best working practices, technologies and legislation for energy reduction. Thanks to www.buildup.eu, sharing your practical knowledge on how to cut energy consumption in buildings couldn’t be easier! Wishing you a Happy 2010, full of intelligent energy…
We wish you all the best for the New Year. Happy Holidays!
Visit the webiste at http://www.buildup.eu.
Protecting the environment makes economic sense!
22/10/2009
Since 1987 the European Commission’s Directorate-General for the Environment has rewarded green innovation through the European Business Awards for the Environment (EBAE). PRACSIS has been organizing and promoting the scheme since 2004.
Today, the European Commission has chosen to continue working with PRACSIS by selecting them to manage the 2010 European Business Awards for the Environment.
The 2010 competition will encourage and reward companies that have moved from words to action by developing and applying pioneered solutions. The scheme comprises four award categories in which companies are rewarded for management practices, products, process and international co-operation activities. The competition takes place within the EU-27 Members States, Norway, Turkey and Croatia.
Pracsis has already begun to coordinate the 2010 edition of the Awards by organizing the upcoming EBAE Steering Committee in Malta and the next Jury meeting. For more for information please check the EBAE website!
More information here.
7th European Forum on Eco-Innovation, Adapting to Climate Change through Eco-Innovation
12/10/2009
PRACSIS is currently organising the 7th edition of the European Forum on Eco-Innovation. This edition of the ETAP Forum will be held in Copenhagen, Denmark, on the eve of the crucial COP 15 global negotiations on climate change.
The theme will be “Adapting to Climate Change through Eco-Innovation”.
The European Forums on Eco-innovation are renowned for bringing together business representatives, policy-makers, finance people and academics to share their perspectives on environmental technologies.
By using powerful and innovative methods to enable delegate participation in sharing experiences and helping influence European policy making, PRACSIS is supporting “bottom-up” and “top-down” approaches to help information sharing between participants.
For more information and to participate, visit the ETAP forum website.
PRACSIS wins European Commission Framework contract
22/09/2009
PRACSIS will organise all the communication activities related to events and exhibitions of DG Environment for the next 4 years. The estimated budget for these communication activities is € 5 million. In addition to this, PRACSIS is currently leading four major communication contracts for DG Environment and has become one of the main environmental communication partners of the European Commission.
Launch of the 2010 European Enterprise Awards
09/07/2009
The fourth edition of the European Enterprise Awards (EEA) was launched in June 2009 by the European Commission’s DG Enterprise and Industry, assisted by PRACSIS. The European Enterprise Awards recognise and reward excellence in enterprise and entrepreneurship promotion. Its key objectives are to showcase best practice, to raise awareness of the added value of entrepreneurship within the market economy and to encourage and inspire potential entrepreneurs in Europe. The winners will be announced at a prestigious ceremony in Madrid in May 2010, which will be organised in cooperation with the Spanish EU Presidency, as a part of the European SME Week.
More information on the EEA can be found here.
Commission launches BUILD UP web portal to help cut energy consumption for buildings
17/06/2009
On June 16 2009, the European Commission launched the BUILD UP web portal as a tool for sharing information on reducing energy use of buildings. “The BUILD UP web portal will enable anyone from home owners to builders to look up and share best practice and information. At the same time, it will inform and update the market about the legislative framework. BUILD UP can be an extremely useful tool to improve building performance," said Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs
PRACSIS is responsible for the communication and marketing strategy of the new web portal.
Visit the webiste at http://www.buildup.eu.
European Enterprise Awards recognise outstanding initiatives that support entrepreneurship
15/05/2009
The winners of the European Enterprise Awards (EEA) 2008/2009 were announced during a prestigious ceremony in Prague on 13 May 2009, in the framework of the first European SME Week. Projects from Spain, Hungary, Finland, Sweden and Germany received awards in five categories, while the “Scarborough Renaissance Partnership” from the UK was awarded the Grand Jury’s Prize. All winning projects are examples of best practice in promoting enterprise and entrepreneurship, implementing sustainable business practices, facilitating administrative procedures or raising awareness of the added value of entrepreneurship among various target groups. Winners have been selected from a total of 350 entries, 47 of which were nominated for the European stage of competition.
PRACSIS has successfully managed the EEA Secretariat for the past three editions, giving support and liaising between the European Commission, the EEA national points of contact and nominees. Tasks included the organization of the high-level jury meeting and the preparation of the EEA conference, exhibition and ceremony in Prague.
The results of the EEA 2008/2009 are as follows:
- Jury’s Grand Prize: “Scarborough Renaissance Partnership” (North Yorkshire, United Kingdom)
- Entrepreneurship Promotion Award: “Instituto IDEAS” (Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Spain)
- Red Tape Reduction Award: “Anti-Bureau” (Miskolc Holding Zrt., Hungary)
- Enterprise Development Award: “Gothia Science Parc” (Enterprise and Community Building Sector, Municipality of Skövde, Sweden)
- Investment in Skills Award: “Knowledge, Skills, Support – From Entrepreneur to Entrepreneur” (The Women’s Enterprise Agency, Helsinki, Finland)
- Responsible and Inclusive Entrepreneurship Award: “Getting people into work” (The Waldkirch Employment and Qualification Company, Waldkirch, Germany).
More information here.
6th European Forum on Eco-Innovation
20/04/2009
PRACSIS has organized on behalf of the European Commission, Environment DG, and in close collaboration with the German Federal Ministry of the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety the Sixth edition of the European Forum on Eco-Innovation.
“Technology Transfer: Creating Partnerships for Stimulating Economic Renewal”.
This forum was held in Berlin on the 2nd and 3rd of April with the aim of positively contributing to the current economic crisis by enabling policymakers, industry, the academic community and other stakeholders to exchange ideas and opinions on best practice in technology transfer to encourage the development and adoption of eco-innovation and environmental technologies.
Among others, this forum has seen high-level presentations and powerful discussion between:
- German Ministry for the Environment, Parliamentary State Secretary, Mrs. Astrid Klug
- European Commission, DG Environment, Director General, Mr. Karl Falkenberg
- European Commission, DG Research, Director for the Environment, Mrs. Manuela Soares
For more information about the outcomes of the Forum and tools produced by PRACSIS to actively support exchanges between participants please check the ETAP Forum website.
More information here.
Pracsis contributed to the inaugural ceremony of the Covenant of Mayors; an event that was deemed a success by all.
03/03/2009
The First Ceremony of the Covenant of Mayors was one of the highlights of this year’s EUSEW, with more than 1000 guests attending the event at the European Parliament, Brussels. Over 300 participating cities from across Europe gathered together to formally sign the Covenant.
The Covenant is a pledge, made by officials representing 60 million citizens throughout Europe, to reduce CO2 emissions beyond the EU’s 20% objectives for 2020. In excess of 400 municipalities have so far made this commitment, with this number growing by the day. Signatory cities are expected to draft and implement a sustainable energy action plan, which will be monitored by the European Commission.
Pracsis made a significant contribution to the logistical and media organisation of the ceremony, which featured a host of esteemed speakers including: the President of the Commission, Jose-Manuel Barroso; the President of the Committee of the Regions, Luc Van den Brande; and the European Energy Commissioner, Andris Piebalgs. By providing a first-class media desk for the event, particularly a well attended press-conference, Pracsis ensured the Covenant of Mayors received considerable media exposure around the world
More information here.
Launch of 'Build Up' initiative
23/02/2009
In order to give widespread visibility and make the BUILD UP web portal an effective working tool, PRACSIS is responsible for all marketing activities of the BUILD UP initiative
Having been officially launched by the European Commission at the European Union Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW), which took place February 09- 13, 2009, the 'Build Up' initiative aims to inform and update public authorities, building professionals and building occupants about the energy legislation for buildings. It also aims to raise awareness on European legislation and facilitate access to national legislation. The Build Up logo and the graphics have a consistent visual identity creating a strong and noticeable branding.
The new platform will be an interactive web portal engaging powerful network of contacts and well-established umbrella and network organizations in a proactive commitment to energy efficiency in buildings. These actors will be able to offer a range of multiplier actions through their various and effective communication channels. Thus, the ‘Build Up’ initiative will increase the awareness of the whole chain from authorities, to construction industry and citizens in their pursuit of a common interest: the wide implementation of sustainable energy in buildings throughout Europe and beyond.
More information here.
For the third year in a row Pracsis has successfully managed the Organisational Secretariat of the European Sustainable Energy Week.
16/02/2009
In 2007, the inaugural EUSEW saw 40 major worldwide players gather together to organise 30 events which attracted over 4,500 people; the second annual convention in 2008 brought together some 10,000 delegates for 73 high-quality conferences which were organised by more than 100 institutions in Brussels and across eight European Countries.
We had even higher expectations for 2009: apart from over 80 stakeholders events which took place in Brussels, Pracsis was strongly committed to transforming EUSEW 2009 into a real European brand, coordinating the organisation of over 150 events in Brussels and across 27 European Member States, involving 20,000 EU citizens.
EUSEW 2009 took place from Feb. 9 to Feb 13, with many side events being organised during the weeks immediately before and after, thus extending the duration of the event from Jan 24 to Feb 21, 2009.
The EUSEW Secretariat provided by Pracsis has been responsible for the entire organisation of the event, and for liaising between the major stakeholders involved and the EC.
Pracsis strongly contributed to make the EUSEW the key annual forum for sustainable energy issues in the world.
An initiative of the DG Transport and Energy of the European Commission, the events during EUSEW are also supported by the Presidency of the European Council; the Committee of the Regions; the Economic and Social Committee; the Austrian, Italian and German Ministries of Environment; and the most relevant players in the field of sustainable energy.
Pracsis has successfully shown all parties involved its outstanding ability to manage and coordinate major events involving first-class actors.
More information here.
PRACSIS is honoured to publicize the Winners of the Sustainable Energy Europe Awards Competition 2009.
13/02/2009
Since 2005, Pracsis is responsible for the daily management of the Sustainable Energy Europe Campaign, an initiative of the Directorate General for Energy and Transport of the European Commission. Sustainable Energy Europe aims to raise awareness of energy issues, spread best practices, motivate the production and use of renewable energy technologies and provide promotional and communication support to sustainable energy projects across Europe. The Sustainable Energy Europe Campaign is also the umbrella of the EU Sustainable Energy Week
The Sustainable Energy Europe Awards Competition is an integral part of the Sustainable Energy Europe Campaign and highlights the successes of the most outstanding and innovative programmes in the field of sustainable energy.
This year’s competition included 251 candidates. The 2009 SEE Awards winners were selected by a Jury headed by Ms. Stina Soewarta, Deputy Head of the Cabinet of Mr. Piebalgs, Commissioner for Energy. The Awards Ceremony took place the 10th of February at the Albert Hall complex in Brussels and was chaired by Mr. Piebalgs.
These are the SEE Awards Winners 2009:
- Category “Co-operation Programmes”
PlaNet Finance Group with RENDEV : Reinforcing provision of solar ENergy services in Bangladesh and Indonesia for Poverty alleviation and sustainable DEVelopment - Category “Demonstration and Dissemination”
HyFLEET:CUTE Project Partners with HyFLEET:CUTE - Category “Market Transformation”
Sonae Sierra with Sonae Sierra: Disseminating sustainable energy practices through the development and management of green shopping centres - Category “Promotional, Communication and Educational Actions”
Mobiel 21 with CONNECT - Category “Sustainable Energy Communities”
- Consorzio Produttori Agricoli Acque Minerali Umbre s.r.l. with Energy production using local wood and agricultural biomass renewable resources for land sustainable development
- Climate Energy Ltd with Thurrock Energy Partnership
More information here.
6th European Forum on Eco-Innovation
25/01/2009
PRACSIS is currently organising the 6th edition of the European Forum on Eco-Innovation. This time the ETAP Forum will be held in the German capital Berlin on the 2nd and 3rd of April 2009. The theme will be “Technology Transfer: Creating Partnerships for Stimulating Economic Renewal”.
The European Forums on Eco-innovation are renowned for bringing together business representatives, policy-makers, finance people and academics to share their perspectives on environmental technologies.
By using powerful and innovative methods to enable delegate participation in sharing experiences and helping influence European policy making, PRACSIS is supporting “bottom-up” and “top-down” approaches to help information sharing between participants.
For more information and to participate, visite the ETAP forum website.
PRACSIS contributes to the huge success of the European Enterprises Parliament organised by Eurochambres.
20/11/2008
With a tailor-made communication strategy, including the branding of the event, and its organizational skills, PRACSIS played a significant part in the success of the European Enterprises Parliament, one of the most important European events of the year gathering more than 750 business representatives from 45 European countries.
Held in the European Parliament Hemicycle last 14 October 2008, the European Enterprise Parliament gave over 750 business representatives from companies of all sizes and sectors, and coming from 45 European countries, the chance to 'be' Members of the European Parliament for one day, debating and voting on some of the most crucial topics currently at the heart of political debate, face to face with members of the EU institutions, and in the presence of the major European press.
As a communication service provider, PRACSIS not only ensured the event an appropriate visual identity but also made this identity highly visible before and during the event. Furthermore, with several years experience in organizing big-size European events, PRACSIS also coordinated the Registration Desk and the welcoming of all participants.
New website to better communicate European clean technologies
18/11/2008
The Environmental Technologies Action Plan (ETAP) covers investments of 35 billion Euros in Europe.
PRACSIS designed for the European Commission the new ETAP website, with its new appealing design, is now available in 5 languages: English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish. It allows simpler navigation, facilitates users’ research, and provides new features: among which a ‘printer-friendly’ option, a press room, and FAQ’s.
Discover the new ETAP website here.
5th European Forum on Eco-Innovation - Budapest 15-16 October 2008
17/10/2008
Pracsis organised the 5th European Forum on Eco-Innovation on behalf of the European Commission Directorate-General for the Environment and the Hungarian Ministry for Environment and Water.
This event saw intense discussions as well as political meetings between high-level European actors in the field of innovative environmental technologies.
The ETAP forum is gradually gaining a strong reputation among European eco-innovation players. This edition has gather some 150 specialists around Mr Timo Makela, EC Director for sustainable development, and Mr Imre Szabó, Hungarian Minister for the Environment for a day of intensive exchanges.
Thanks to powerful and innovative methods that enable delegate participation and experience-sharing, the ETAP Fora are helping industry, business, the R&D community and NGOs to influence European policy-makers.
Pracsis is proud to provide its experience and dynamism in support of an innovative Europe!
More information here.
Pracsis successfully manages the Organisational Secretariat of the European Sustainable Energy Week - for the third year round!
17/10/2008
The EUSEW 2008 took place from January 28th to February 1st. In 2007, the inaugural EUSEW saw 40 major worldwide players gather together to organise 30 events which attracted over 4,500 people: the second annual convention brought together some 10,000 delegates for 73 high-quality conferences which were organised by more than 100 institutions in Brussels and across eight European Countries.
We have even higher expectations for 2009: apart from the over 80 stakeholders events which will take place in Brussels, Pracsis is strongly committed to transform EUSEW 2009 into a real European brand, coordinating the organisation of the over 130 which will be organised in Brussels and all over the 27 European Member States, and involve 20 000 EU citizens.
The EUSEW Secretariat provided by Pracsis is responsible for the entire organisation of the event, and for liaising between the major stakeholders involved and the EC.
The Secretariat screens organisers’ requests and directs to the EC interesting proposals.
It deals with sponsors and keeps the Media Desk informed about interesting events to be made known to the Press.
Pracsis strongly contributes to make the EUSEW the key annual forum for sustainable energy issues in the world.
An initiative of the DG Transport and Energy of the European Commission, the events during EUSEW are also supported by the Presidency of the European Council; the Committee of the Regions; the Economic and Social Committee; the Austrian, Italian and German Ministries of Environment; and the most relevant players in the field of sustainable energy.
Pracsis has successfully shown all parties involved its outstanding ability to manage and coordinate major events involving first-class actors.
More information here.
Sustainable Energy Europe visits Poland: 22-26 September 2009
02/10/2008
Within its duties of recruiting Partners and promoting the European Commission’s Sustainable Energy Europe Campaign (SEEC) in international energy-related conferences, Pracsis consultants visited Poland from 22nd to 26 September 2008. Pracsis presented the DG Energy and Transport initiative to the Congress of Polish Cities which took place in Bielsko-Biala on Friday the 26. In addition, Pracsis scheduled seventeen meetings with key energy actors from the public and private sector, amongst which the Ministry of Environment, the City Council of Krakow and the National Energy Conservation Agency.
This action is part of Pracsis pro-active communication strategy for Sustainable Energy Europe, a campaign to raise awareness and change the landscape of energy in Europe. Pracsis’ tailored and result-oriented approach has brought 350 new Partners to this EC programme in the last year, raising the total number of SEEC Partners to 568.
More information here.
Pracsis will manage the Organisational Secretariat of the European Sustainable Energy Week - for the third year running!
24/07/2008
The EUSEW Secretariat: an intelligent interface between the organisers and the EC. The Secretariat provided by Pracsis will once again be responsible for the entire organisation of the European Sustainable Energy Week, and to proactively interact between the major stakeholders involved and the EC. The third EUSEW will take place between the 9th and the 13th of February 2009.
In 2007, the inaugural EUSEW saw 40 major worldwide players gather together to organise 30 events which attracted over 4,500 people. The second annual convention in 2008 brought together some 10,000 delegates for 73 high-quality conferences which were organised by more than 100 institutions in Brussels and across eight European countries.
We have even higher expectations for 2009; apart from the stakeholders events which will take place in Brussels, Pracsis is strongly committed to transform EUSEW 2009 into a real European brand, coordinating the organisation of events for the general public all over the 27 European Member States.
Pracsis has strongly contributed to make the EUSEW the key annual forum for sustainable energy issues and has successfully shown all parties involved its outstanding ability to manage and coordinate major events involving first-class actors.
More information here.
EBAE 2008 winners announced
30/06/2008
The four winners of the 2008 European Business Awards for the Environment (EBAE) received their awards from European Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas at a special ceremony during the annual Green Week conference in Brussels on 3 June 2008. The EBAE recognises European businesses that make a particular contribution to sustainable development by combining innovation, economic viability and environmental concern. Pracsis has been successfully in charge of the EBAE award scheme for the past two editions. The results are as follows:
- Management Award (for strategic vision and management systems which enable companies to continuously improve their contribution to sustainable development)
Winner: The Co-operative Group Ltd (UK). The Co-operative Group won the prize for its approach to sustainable development. Its Social Goals Strategy identifies the environment as a primary issue. The Group identifies and measures key environmental, social and ethical impacts annually. - Product Award (for the development of a new product or service that makes an outstanding contribution to sustainable development)
Winner: ertex-solar GmbH (Austria) The company produces high quality photovoltaic products for producing electricity from the sun. The photovoltaic cells use a special safety glass technology whose advantages include widespread application in buildings without the need for special design features. - Process Award (for the development and application of a new production technology that makes an outstanding contribution to sustainable development)
Winner: CHOREN GmbH (Germany) The company was selected for developing a process that produces high-purity biofuel from biomass. The second-generation biofuel, which does not use plants intended for food, is low in pollutants, almost CO2 neutral and compatible with current and future diesel engine technology. - International Cooperation Award (for the sharing of knowledge and technology in international cross-sector partnerships which contribute to sustainable growth in developing countries)
Winner: KIT (Royal Tropical Institute) Holding/Mali BioCarburant SA (The Netherlands) The winning project involves the production in Mali of sustainable biodiesel from jatropha nuts, a drought-resistant non-food crop that can be grown on nonagricultural land. The fuel, produced and sold by a joint venture company set up by KIT, supplements farmers' incomes, thus reducing poverty.
More information here.
91 Campaign Associates part of the “Sustainable Energy Europe Campaign”
27/06/2008
The visibility and high profile nature of the Sustainable Energy Europe Campaign has been considerably enhanced due to the steady day-to-day work with over 90 Campaign Associates (CA) – big umbrella organizations that are key allies of the European Commission and act as multipliers of the Campaign.
The PR Desk, serving as a link between the Campaign Associates and the European Commission, has been operated by Pracsis since February 2007. It has put emphasis on ensuring an excellent quality of contact, strengthening the established connections, and fostering win-win situations.
The PR Desk has also contributed to recruiting new Campaign Associates, with recent focus on Central and Eastern European countries. Several high-level stakeholders, such as the Polish Ministry of Environment, the Baltic Environmental Forum and the Central European Initiative, joined the Campaign in 2008.
More information here.
Pracsis and the Sustainable Energy Europe Awards, a successful story
23/06/2008
With approximately 130 projects in competition for its first edition, and more than 240 projects last year, the Sustainable Energy Europe Award Competition has undoubtedly become an absolute must and an inspiring source for hundreds of energy actors throughout Europe.
PRACSIS has contributed a great deal to the success of the SEE Award Competition with its recruitment strategies and communication plans. Also in charge of the organisation of the SEE Award Ceremony, PRACSIS has made this prestigious event - hosted by the European Commissioner for Energy and Transport - the icing on the cake for European Sustainable Energy Week.
Based on this success, the European Commission’s Directorate General for Transport and Energy has decided to launch the third edition of the SEE Competition. This edition is open to all projects submitted between November 1st 2007 and October 31st 2008. The winners will be presented with their Awards during a ceremony that will be held in Brussels on February 10th 2009.
More information here.
Sustainable Energy Europe Campaign present in Slovenia
20/06/2008
PRACSIS has recently been promoting the Sustainable Energy Europe Campaign (SEEC) in Slovenia, in line with the Commission’s priority to support energy efficiency and boost the use of renewable energy technologies in Central and Eastern Europe.
During the second week of June, PRACSIS consultants have been in Ljubljana, meeting key public and private stakeholders and actively taking part in two major events: the 9th International Conference SLOBIOM 2008 and HIDROENERGIA 2008. As a result of this proactive communication strategy, Slovenia is expected to become one of the most represented countries from Central and Eastern Europe within the Campaign.
Over the last two months, PRACSIS has been representing the Campaign in Estonia, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and the Czech Republic. The Sustainable Energy Europe Secretariat has been successfully managed by PRACSIS since its launch in 2005.
More information here.
Update: 5th European Forum on Eco-Innovation
18/06/2008
PRACSIS is organising the 5th European Forum on Eco-Innovation. This time the ETAP Forum will be held in Budapest, Hungary on 16 October 2008 and will focus on emerging technologies.
Emerging technologies include ICT, nanotechnologies, biotechnologies, robotics and neurotech-nologies.
The European Forums on Eco-innovation are getting increasingly well known for bringing together business representatives, policymakers, finance people and academics to share their perspectives on environmental technologies.
By using powerful and innovative methods to enable delegate participation in sharing experiences and helping influence European policy making, PRACSIS is supporting “bottom-up” and “top-down” approach strategies to help information sharing among participants.
More information here.
Ljubljana Jury selects 2008 shortlists for the European Business Awards for the Environment (EBAE)
15/05/2008
In charge of the Secretariat of the European Business Awards for the Environment (EBAE), PRACSIS managed the selection process for the 2008 EBAE and coordinated the Jury Meeting of 18 high-level experts from various EU Member States in Ljubljana, Slovenia on March 11 and 12. Selecting from a long list of 125 companies, the Jury has published a shortlist of 11 nominees for consideration for the awards.
The winners will be announced at an Awards Ceremony to take place on June 3 during the annual Green Week Conference in Brussels. Commissioner for the Environment Stavros Dimas will attend the ceremony and present the awards.
More information here.
Launch of the 2008 European Enterprise Awards (EEA)
10/05/2008
The European Commission’s Enterprise and Industry DG has launched in April the 2008 European Enterprise Awards (EEA). PRACSIS is running the EEA Secretariat since the first edition of a competition which recognises and rewards excellence in enterprise and entrepreneurship promotion especially at regional level. Key objectives are to showcase the best initiatives promoting enterprise and to raise awareness of the added value of entrepreneurship.
Pracsis shall coordinate the Jury Meeting in which a high profile panel of experts will select the final winners, to be announced at a ceremony in May 2009 in Prague in cooperation with the Czech Presidency. The Award ceremony will form part of the closing of the first European SME Week to celebrate and support Europe’s small business.
More information here.
Promoting Sustainable Energy Europe in Central and Eastern Europe
01/05/2008
The promotion of energy efficiency, renewable energy sources and sustainable mobility initiatives in Central and Eastern Europe is a European Commission’s priority. Accordingly, PRACSIS consultants have been increasingly representing and promoting the Sustainable Energy Europe Campaign in these Member States, attending important international conferences and exhibitions and participating in meetings with major stakeholders. The Campaign’s goal is to extend the number of SEEC Official Partners and increase its visibility in the region. During 2008, the Campaign has brought promotional support and has been actively taking part in major events in Estonia, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and the Czech Republic:
- Tallinn, Estonia: "International Fair and Conference Biomass & Bioenergy 2008", 27-29 February 2008.
- Sofia, Bulgaria: "4rth International Congress for South-Eastern Europe on Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Sources", 7-9 April 2008.
- Bucharest, Romania: "Build Green Central and Eastern Europe: Energy Efficient and Ecological Design for the Region”, 23-24 April 2008.
- Budapest, Hungary: “Renexpo Central and South-East Europe: International trade fait and congress for renewable energy and energy efficient construction and renovation, 24-26 April 2008.
- Praha, Czech Republic: during April 2008, meetings have taken place with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the City of Prague.
As a direct consequence of PRACSIS active promotional and representation actions, more than 20 new Official Partners from Central and Eastern Europe have joined the Campaign in 2008. More than 500 energy-related actors have attended a Sustainable Energy Europe presentation. Additionnally, PRACSIS has ensured that the visibility of the Campaign increases through the distribution of promotional material.
More information here.
5th European Forum on Eco-Innovation
21/04/2008
A part of its contract with DG Environment, PRACSIS is organising the 5th European Forum on Eco-Innovation. This time the ETAP Forum will be held in Budapest, Hungary on October 16 and will focus on emerging technologies for eco-innovation.
The European Forums bring together business, policymakers, bankers and academics to share perspectives on environmental technologies. The objective is to enable Europe to build on best practice across Member States in the support of the EU Environmental Technology Action Plan (ETAP).
PRACSIS appointed knowledgeable consultants to this contract in order to provide informed advises fitting perfectly to the client’s demands. In the past two years Pracsis has organised three ETAP Fora throughout Europe; topics included Sustainable Construction, Environmental Technologies Verification, and Unlocking Global Business.
More information here.
PRACSIS editorial work on Environmental Technologies
14/04/2008
As part of the ETAP Communication Services’ contact, PRACSIS is editing articles on innovative environmental technologies on a daily basis. These articles are read by European policymakers, businesses, academics and NGOs for a total of 8.000-10.000 visits per month. They are available online in four European languages.
PRACSIS appointed consultants with significant expertise in the topic at stake. These consultants are also establishing contact with major European organisations to obtain interviews with authoritative individuals in environmental technology domains.
More information here.
Successful management of the Sustainable Energy Europe PR Desk
14/03/2008
Since the beginning of the Sustainable Energy Europe Campaign, PRACSIS has been managing the PR Desk with professionalism and success. Based on a tailor-made recruitment strategy, the SEE Campaign Partnership section now counts some 460 partners, amongst which not only cities such as Stockholm, Seville, Milan, Oxford and Prague but also companies like Toyota, Carrefour, Philips, Nokia and TNT Express. The most ambitious and innovative projects are rewarded on a yearly basis during a prestigious awards ceremony hosted by the Commissioner for Energy, Mr Piebalgs, and for which PRACSIS is in charge of all logistical aspects.
More information here.
PRACSIS successfully manages the Organisational Secretariat of the European Sustainable Energy Week - for the second year round!
04/02/2008
The EUSEW 2008 took place from January 28 to February 1. In 2007, the inaugural EUSEW saw 40 major worldwide players gather together to organise 30 events which attracted over 4,500 people: the second annual convention brought together some 10,000 delegates for 73 high-quality conferences which were organised by more than 100 institutions in Brussels and across eight European countries.
The EUSEW Secretariat provided by PRACSIS has been responsible for major organisational aspects of the event, and for liaising between the major stakeholders involved and the EC.
The Secretariat has screened organisers’ requests and has directed interesting proposals to the EC.It has dealt with sponsors and has constantly kept the EUSEW Media Desk informed about interesting events to be made known to the Press.
PRACSIS has therefore strongly contributed to make the EUSEW the key annual forum for sustainable energy issues.
An initiative of the DG Transport and Energy of the European Commission, the events during EUSEW 2008 were also supported by the Slovenian Presidency of the European Council; the Committee of the Regions; the Economic and Social Committee; the Austrian, Italian and German Ministries of Environment; and the most relevant players in the field of sustainable energy.
More information here.
In Focus – Interview with Bernhard von Mach, Managing Director
11/01/2008
Bernhard von Mach talks about key issues and strategies for PRACSIS, and about his personal goals for the company.
There is a wide range of consultancy services in Brussels today. Why PRACSIS - what special services can your company offer to its clients?
Since its creation in 1995, PRACSIS strongly focuses on communication services, ranging from strategy development and planning to all different aspects of implementation and performance analysis. But in front of all, we have developed a unique in-depth knowledge and expertise in the field of networking.
What does “networking” mean for you concretely?
It means that we create opportunities for dialogue: We permanently strive to build bridges between different actors. One core aspects of our work is to establish and maintain partnerships between our clients and major stakeholders in their sector of interest. This will multiply the effects of a project and create win-win situations for all actors involved. Thus, we are able to fill the abstract term of “networking” with concrete content, and we permanently work on finding creative solutions that are tailored to the special needs of each client.
What are the priority issues PRACSIS is currently dealing with?
We work on a wide range of environmental and societal issues, with a focus on energy, eco-innovation and entrepreneurship. I would say that all of our projects are dealing, in one way ore another, with ecological and economic sustainability. These subjects are currently, and will remain, on top of the European, national and regional agendas.
And what are your goals?
I think that it is fundamental to strengthen the link between EU policy and particular initiatives in the Member States. Taking a bottom-up approach and establishing a pan-European dialogue is a major political priority today. My aim is to contribute to this project, and to further expand win-win situations with current and new stakeholders.
Welcome to the Pracsis news section!
11/01/2008
Here you can learn about recent developments within our company and find up-to-date information on PRACSIS key values and strategies. Furthermore, we provide you with insights on the latest projects our team has been working on, and on the achievements to which PRACSIS is happy to having contributed. We look forward to your feedback on info@pracsis.be!