Energy audits play an important role in promoting energy-efficiency measures in SMEs. This paper uses EIB Investment Survey data about energy audits and energy-efficiency investments of some 12,500 signatures from EU28 Member States per year. It suggests that: Energy audits are a useful tool for overcoming the information barriers and facilitating investments in energy-efficiency measures They are more important for small firms and for investments in things such as such as lighting, wall insulation etc. than in production processes such as the replacement of machinery and equipment The beneficial impact of energy audits ceases to exist, however, when firms are finance constrained Information campaigns are one of the most efficient available instruments among other instruments (regulatory, financial and voluntary agreements) for promoting energy audits in SMEs.

Energy efficiency is the best tool to improve sustainability and affordability of energy services. However, there are considerable challenges when it comes to identifying opportunities and measurement. This monograph provides a comprehensive understanding of the trends and progress made in terms of energy intensity in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) compared to other world regions and nationally by looking at the aggregate, industrial and household levels. Additionally, it discusses the limitations of using such indicator to measure energy efficiency in LAC. In order to complement perspectives resulting from this indicator, it investigates the counterpart challenge of promoting energy efficiency: creating incentives. To address this challenge, the present document proposes a conceptual framework through which to analyze energy efficiency policies and regulation across the region. This framework consists of four steps: Law and regulation, Types of incentives, Targets and Governance and Support. The analysis carried out leads to policy recommendations at both the national and regional levels.

The Europe Union's massive efforts to rebuild after the coronavirus pandemic present a unique opportunity to transform its economy, making it more green and digital – and ultimately more competitive. The Investment Report 2020-2021 looks at the toll the pandemic took on European firms' investment and future plans, as well as their efforts to meet the demands of climate change and the digital revolution. The report's analysis is based on a unique set of databases and data from a survey of 12 500 firms conducted in the summer of 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. While providing a snapshot of the heavy toll the pandemic took on some forms of investment, the report also offers hope by pointing out the economic areas in which Europe remains strong, such as technologies that combine green and digital innovation.

Designed to assist managers in companies of any size to understand the nature of project financing in the new European Community, enabling them to anticipate the requirements of project finance institutions. Coverage includes new sources of project finance, the changing criteria of large project financial organizations, the most popular financing techniques, cross-border projects, Russian privatization, emerging markets and the distribution of resources across the EC. Features numerous case studies of project finance.

The Investment Report, issued annually by the European Investment Bank, provides a comprehensive overview and analysis of investment and the financing of investment in the European Union. It combines the exploration of investment trends with in-depth analysis, focusing especially on the drivers and barriers to investment activity. The report leverages on a unique set of databases and survey data, including EIBIS, an annual survey of 13 500 firms in Europe, which focuses on their assessment of investment and investment finance conditions, and which allows analysis with firm balance sheet information. The report provides critical inputs to policy debates on the need for public action on investment, and on the types of intervention that can have the greatest impact.

Inclusive Green Growth: The Pathway to Sustainable Development makes the case that greening growth is necessary, efficient, and affordable. Yet spurring growth without ensuring equity will thwart efforts to reduce poverty and improve access to health, education, and infrastructure services.