About us

The Mälardalen Energy Agency (MEA) is a regional energy agency with commitments in three counties in Sweden: Södermanland, Västmanland and Uppsala. We initiate, co-ordinate and implement projects aimed at improving energy efficiency and increasing the supply of renewable energy in all sectors of society. We work strategically and systematically to link local and regional projects with national and European policies.

MEA was established in 1999. We are owned by the municipalities in the region with six related public energy companies.

MEA is an active member of national and European associations and networks. We are in contact with 50 regional energy agencies through The European Federation of Agencies and Regions for Energy and the Environment (FEADERENE). MEA also participate in the Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy to promote the initiative in the Mälardalen region and give municipalities guidance in the process signatories are expected to go through to fulfil their commitments.

All 16 Swedish energy agencies, including MEA, are members of the National Association for the Swedish Regional Energy Agencies. The association has a close co-operation with the Swedish Energy Agency, as a co-funding part of sustainable energy projects and a national partner in preparing the regional and local implementation of EU directives.

About the region

The region is home to almost one million people, about a tenth of Sweden’s total population, and is highly industrialised with many multinational companies such as ABB, Ericsson, Volvo, Bombardier and SSAB. The nuclear power plant, Forsmark, is the largest producer of electricity in Sweden. The region is also home to The Swedish Energy Agency, the oldest hydropower plant in the country, Älvkarleby, and the world’s first recycling mall, ReTuna Återbruksgalleria.

The region is characterised by a few cities surrounded by minor urban areas and large sparsely populated rural areas. Major cities are Uppsala (210 000 inhabitants), Västerås (145 000 inhabitants) and Eskilstuna (103 000 inhabitants). Founded in 1477, Uppsala University is the oldest centre of higher education in Scandinavia. The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Uppsala has circa 4 000 students. Mälardalen University, with one campus in Västerås and one in Eskilstuna, has over 14,000 students.

Gender equality plan

The values of Mälardalen Energy agency are based on the equal value of all, regardless of gender, transgender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation, or age. Gender equality, integration and diversity is taken into account throughout all the company’s operations.

Resources

Through its management structure, Mälardalen Energy agency’s operations have special resources dedicated to ensuring, maintaining and developing the gender equality plan. Mälardalen Energy agency’s company board is composed of elected representatives, officials representatives as well as experts where gender equality and diversity are sought. The composition of the board contributes to better diversity by providing employment for all people regardless of gender, ethnic origin/affiliation, belief, functional variation, age, sexual orientation and transgender identity or expression.

Data collection and tracking

Mälardalen Energy agency collects, analyzes and follows data on its staff composition, which can be found annually in the business reports.

Competence

Mälardalen Energy agency works to ensure and, if necessary, add expertise on gender equality. Requirements for knowledge and awareness are proven in Mälardalen Energy agency’s projects, which include horizontal criteria.

Goals

Company goals for gender equality reflect the goals in Agenda 2030 and the UN’s global goals for sustainability. The agency promotes a good balance between work and private life along with a permissive organizational culture. A conscious gender balance in leadership and for decision-makers as well as the application of a gender equality perspective in recruitment and career development. The agency takes measures against gender-based discrimination, including sexual harassment.