HEAT is an independent consulting firm that operates in the field of energy conservation and environmental protection, for International Environmental Convention Programmes and household and informal sectors in developing countries. Comprising engineers, geographers and social scientists, HEAT was founded in 1992. Since then, the company has been committed to sustainable development, especially by carrying out projects in the fields of combating global warming and protecting the ozone layer, energy conservation and environmental protection for household and informal sectors in developing countries.

SERVICES

ENVIRONMENTAL CONVENTIONS

HEAT supports leading international organisations in the implementation of global conventions, like the Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer (1987), the Kyoto Protocol (1997) on Climate Change and the Stockholm and Basel Conventions (1998 / 2001) on Chemical Safety.

HEAT's interdisciplinary team offers expertise in following fields:

• International policy consulting
• Advising government organisations
• Supporting companies
• Training for occupational groups
• Energy Efficiency
• Environmental Facility (GEF)

REGIONAL AND LOCAL DEVELOPMENT

HEAT's primary objective is to improve living conditions in households in a culturally and economically appropriate manner.

HEAT's second objective is to reduce environmental damage and degradation caused by energy and resource mismanagement in households, businesses and industries and support developing countries striving to attain economic and ecological freedom. A prerequisite for a successful and future-oriented energy policy is the integration of infrastructure services and local communities into an overall development strategy that consolidates the objectives of economic growth, environmental protection and social equity in accordance with AGENDA 21.
By acting as a mediator, HEAT facilitates a process of know-how and capacity building in partner countries. For us it is most important to identify and acquire the best possible sources of knowledge in the North and the South. Our most essential skills are to build trust and partnership and to create synergies among all stakeholders.

To achieve this, HEAT's interdisciplinary team offers expertise in following fields:

Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion

• training programmes
• financial support programmes
• market analysis
• technology development and adaptation
• tool development

Community Development

• initiating infrastructural activities in the fields of energy supply, food production, transport and trade
• income-generating activities
• improving the working conditions of women
• training in construction and utilisation of household appliances
• low-cost housing technologies
• community afforestration schemes for fuel plantations and wind protection
• environment awareness programmes

Education

• awareness raising campaigns
• basic education
• adult education
• elaboration of school programmes integrating environmental aspects
• initial and on-going training of teachers
• elaboration of didactical material
• Participatory Impact Monitoring with target groups and intermediaries
• integrated concepts for community-based schools and for bilingual teaching