A Learning Network (RdA) is a collaboration methodology between different actors that pursue a common goal, using the exchange of experiences and the technical support offered by experts. The Energy Management Networks aim to optimize the energy performance of the organizations that comprise it. They are made up of 10 - 15 organizations that set a common goal based on identified improvement potentials. They meet periodically to exchange experiences and register the progress they made.

Roles and responsibilities in the Learning Networks

Initiating Organization: Undersecretary of Energy Savings and Renewable Energy, Government of Argentina. The initiating organization of a Network can be an industrial chamber, a company specialized in the management of learning networks, government entities or associations.

Moderator: Marina Assandri (EQO-Nixus), expert of the project "Energy Efficiency in Argentina". Role: facilitating the exchange of information and networking between the participants, organizing face-to-face workshops and ensuring a fluid communication between the different participants in the network.

Technical experts: José Luis Larrégola (EQO-Nixus), Andrea Afranchi and Claudio Carpio (Fundación Bariloche). They provide specialized knowledge in the domain of the network, whether as training, feedback or advice, and often develop the initial energy diagnostics and supervise the implementation and operation of the Management System until Certification.

Sponsor Organization: The Consortium implementing the European project "Energy Efficiency in Argentina". It provides financing to cover operating costs, in addition to participating in its coordination.

Accompanying organization: Secretary of Energy of the Province of Santa Fe; Productive Ministry in the Province of Tucumán; CEC-CONICET in the Province of Córdoba.

Participants: 11 industries in the Province of Santa Fe; 13 industries in the Province of Tucumán; 12 industries in the Province of Córdoba. They are the core of the network, as they are the ones to exchange and generate knowledge, being the main beneficiaries of the network's activities.

Development of the workshops

What type of resources do the participating companies need?

Two people from different areas authorized to take decisions on behalf of the organization and take part in the workshops and tasks to be concluded.

What is the duration of a Learning Network?

12 months for the implementation phase
6 months for the operation phase

How many workshops are to be organised?

Six workshops are held over a year (four 1-day workshops and two 2-day workshops). Three other 1-day workshops are planned within the participating companies.

The activities carried out in face-to-face workshops consist in trainings in energy analysis tools for the diagnosis and development of the management system. The activities carried out within companies workshops aim to put into practice the knowledge acquired on the three most important clauses or requirements of the management system directly in the processes and activities of the companies where the workshops are held, which are: Energy Review, Operational Controls and Monitoring, savings` measurement and verification.
The participating companies must provide the Network with basic information on their production, activity, and energy systems and consumption according to energy sources. The main information is private and is to be shared only with the experts and the moderator of the Network.