Ioannis Orfanos (GVA) presented at A-Energy Development Forum in Athens Nov 27, 2013

Ioannis Orfanos, Director of Business Development in Green Value Associates, had the opportunity to present on "Alternative Financing of Energy Efficiency Projects" based on international practices during the two-day business forum entitled "Towards Development: Time for Energy Saving - Mature Construction and Energy Projects". The forum was organised by A-Energy and took place in the Auditorium of the Hellenic Ministry of Infrastructure, Transport and Networks on 27-28 November 2013. Green Value Associates was one of the business forum supporters.

Ioannis explained the funding structures, public and private financial support mechanisms and tax incentives that apply in international jurisdictions namely in UK and at EU level. Some of the examples Ioannis used to showcase the available funds for Energy Efficiency project at EU level were certain specialised revolving equity funds, the UK Green Investment and Development Bank and the European Investment Bank Jessica and Elena programmes.

Ioannis presented on the options of subsidized low or interest-free loans from local and national government as well as international sources like the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) that are targeting with its country specific and Europe wide specialised programmes the implementation of energy saving measures in all types of buildings. Ioannis also mentioned the green investment funds and financial instruments utilised by local government in United Kingdom to promote energy efficiency and green retrofits in buildings.

In addition, Ioannis spoke about the significant opportunities deriving from tax and accounting incentives that could support energy efficiency investments. These opportunities include: discounts in VAT for services and equipment related to energy efficiency, untaxed corporate earnings equal to related capital investments, accounting depreciation treatment for installed (leased or not) energy saving equipment during and after the repayment phase, treatment of an energy services annual fee as an operating expense etc. Ioannis also highlighted relevant examples in international jurisdictions.

If you wish to learn more about the A-Energy Forum programme, please click here.

If you wish to access Ioannis' presentation (in Greek), please click on the pdf file below:

GVA (Ioannis Orfanos) - A Energy Forum_27 11 13 (GR).pdf