In this blog post Alex Mellers tells us about his attendance at ECEEE Summer Study 2026 in Centre Parcs Lac d’Ailette, France
Taking place at the Centre Parcs Lac d’Ailette in the Hauts-de-France region, the European Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ECEEE) Summer Study, held from 1 to 6 June 2026, brought together a diverse community of experts from industry, government, academia and the non-profit sector. The event provided a unique forum for exchanging ideas, presenting research and discussing the policies, technologies and behavioural changes needed to accelerate the energy transition across Europe and beyond.
A huge variety of activities took place throughout the week, including presentations, informal discussions, networking events and poster sessions. The breadth of topics reflected the interdisciplinary nature of energy efficiency research and practice, with contributions spanning social sciences, engineering, economics, policy and governance. Delegates had the opportunity not only to present their own work but also to engage with leading experts and practitioners tackling similar challenges from different perspectives.
The programme was organised around nine thematic panels:
- Panel 1. Dynamics of People: Consumption and Empowerment
- Panel 2. Future and Innovative Policies
- Panel 3. Policy, Finance and Governance
- Panel 4. Monitoring and Evaluation
- Panel 5. Sustainable Communities
- Panel 6. Energy-Efficient and Low-Carbon Mobility and Transport
- Panel 7. Policies and Programmes for Buildings
- Panel 8. Products and Systems for Efficient and Decarbonised Buildings
- Panel 9. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability of Industry
Across these panels, recurring themes included the role of consumers in the energy transition, the importance of robust evidence for policy design, the integration of low-carbon technologies, and the need to balance technical innovation with social acceptance and equity considerations. Many discussions highlighted the increasing complexity of energy systems and the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing emerging challenges.
Beyond the formal programme, the Summer Study provided numerous opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange. Informal conversations during breaks, meals (a chocolate fountain, a personal highlight), and evening events allowed participants to build new collaborations, share experiences from different countries and sectors, and gain fresh perspectives on their own research and professional activities.
The week concluded with a memorable closing plenary that captured the collaborative and welcoming spirit of the event. As part of the closing session, participants delivered an impressive impromptu choral performance, apparently inspired by the karaoke evening earlier in the week and brought together after only a single rehearsal. Part of the performance centred on the uplifting lyric, “With a smile on your face, you can change the world”, providing a fitting and light-hearted conclusion to a week filled with insightful discussions and a shared commitment to advancing energy efficiency and sustainability.