2 0 1 4 S U S T A I N A B L E D E V E L O P M E N T R E P O R T / 6 3

Created in 2014, the Rexel Foundation s joint skillsplatform for social entrepreneurs is a collaborative tool intended to accelerate the spread of energy progress.

The first initiatives have been launched and the network is expanding.

SOCIAL INNOVATION IN SUPPORT OF ENERGY

PROGRESS

The partnership inaugurated in 2012 with Ashoka, the leading in- ternational network of social en- trepreneurs, convinced the Rexel Foundation of the importance of having an intermediary to better target and amplify its actions. It therefore decided to create an en- ergy efficiency platform, with so- cial entrepreneurs on one side and sponsors on the other.

A TOOL FOR SPREADING ENERGY EFFICIENCY The eleven social entrepreneurs currently registered on the joint skills platform are French, Belgian, British and Finnish. The ten spon- sors are the Rexel Group and its subsidiaries, partner com- panies, associations and public institutions. When an entrepreneur needs as- sistance, the Foundation consid- ers which sponsor can provide the most appropriate support,

whether it involves supplies, lo- gistical support, financing or ex- pertise. Once both parties have been put in touch, the mission is launched and the Foundation fol- lows up on the different phases. For example, the platform en- abled the creation of a press kit by Ti'Eole, an association that trains individuals and companies in wind turbine manufacturing and oper- ation, or the financing of a train- ing tool to accompany the energy retrofitting initiative for single- family homes led by Institut néga- Watt. The platform also supports Les 7 Vents, a cooperative com- munity-oriented enterprise spe- cializing in sustainable projects. The project in question, RENO 3.0, is an ambitious initiative to design a demonstration building featur- ing the most effective new energy solutions.

The Rexel Foundation supports us by financing the studies for the eco-design of the buildings, as well as through skills patronage. We are therefore benefitting from advice as well as building design methods, such as a functional model bill of specifications.

FLORIAN GUILLOTE European projects and Innovation Manager, Les 7 Vents

REXEL FOUNDATION