The e8 structure allows for the rapid implementation of concrete measures, through activities centered on local solutions, in an effort to protect the global environment and to reduce the impacts on the earth’s climate.
The group provides e8 company expertise free of charge in developing and emerging countries.
The e8 Chairmen meet at least once a year during the Summit. Sherpas, executive company representatives, meet several times a year to ensure the group’s orientations and actions. The Project Committee is responsible for reviewing ongoing projects and analysing new requests for assistance. The Policy Committee prepares e8 policy positions on sustainable development and climate change issues. Human Capacity Building (HCB) and Project Teams are established for each specific activity.
The e8 General Secretariat, located in Montreal, Canada, provides support to and coordination of all e8 activities.
The Project Committee consists of a minimum of one representative from each e8 member company. It is responsible for the general management of Human Capacity Building and capital projects. The Committee meets three times a year or more to review current activities and analyse new requests for assistance.
Once a project is accepted by at least two (2) e8 companies, the participating companies select their own experts with the necessary background and expertise to form a project team.
The Policy Committee consists of a minimum of one representative from each e8 member company. Its mandate is to provide policy positions for e8 activities in general and examine issues surrounding both sustainable energy development and climate change.
The Policy Committee meets an average of three times a year.
The General Secretariat assists Sherpas and the Committees and supports all e8 activities.
Requests for assistance from developing countries, development banks, international organisations, or from interested governments are generally channelled through the General Secretariat.
A major activity of the e8 group is related to the preparation and delivery of sustainable energy-related workshops or seminars for developing countries.
A Human Capability Building Team is composed of experts from the participating e8 companies. The Team works with the beneficiary at the conceptual level of a project and strives to build problem-solving tools and human capability that will remain in the beneficiary country after the e8 project is complete.
See Human Capacity Building activities.
Since 1995, a number of capital projects have been implemented by the e8, with several more in the pipeline, all as actions to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG).
Each e8 project team is comprised of experts that are carefully selected to advise and manage a construction and/or a procurement project. The e8 project team also attempts to transfer knowledge, as well as to teach problem-solving tools and human capability that will remain in the beneficiary country after the e8 project is complete.
Major global environmental and social issues that affect the electric utility industry are considered to be the top priorities of the e8.
The issues of sustainable development, climate change, social trust, and internationalisation are the focus of the e8's actions.