1. GENERAL PROVISIONS.

1.1 The name of the Network is "European Housing Ecology Network - EHEN".

1.2 The Network is a legal body in accordance with the laws of Denmark; it shall be liable for its obligations only to the extent of its assets; it shall have economic, financial and organisational independence, may act as plaintiff and defendant at the courts or at tribunals.

1.3 The Network’s corporate seat is Copenhagen, Denmark.

2. OBJECTIVES

Mission
2.1 The Mission is primarily the forming of a Network with members, who are willing to share and discuss views and experiences, corresponding with the Thematical Focuspoints.

2.2 For this purpose EHEN will publish a newsletter, organise meetings, establish an Info-Link and its own Website.

Thematical Focuspoints

2.3 The aim of the Network is to identify and develop good practice in all aspects of ecology involved in or affecting the provision, management and servicing of housing. The Network supports the environmental sustainability, e.g.:

• Energy efficiency.
• Energy generation, storage and use.
• Water consumption and recycling.
• Green spaces.
• Healthy buildings and the elimination of dangerous materials.
• All matters concerning environmental sustainability.

2.4 Network members believe that it is essential to involve tenants, owners and part-owners in the implemention of plans in relation to these subjects, and the Network will develop models for doing so, promoting environmental sustainability by educational awareness to Clients.

2.5 The Network also recognises the need for affordable warmth to be available to everyone and particularly to those with low incomes.

2.6 The Network intends to lobby European, international and national authorities for ressources and policies which will enable and promote the development and execution of good sustainable practices in the provision, management and servicing of housing and associated amenities.

2.7 The Network will try to develop a common base of knowledge on low energy and sustainable housing on the basis of existing experience and new innovative projects and will concentrate on both new build and refurbishment as well as energy renovating of the existing housing stock.

2.8 The Network will operate by exchanging experience and disseminating information obtained through innovative actions taken by members of the Network. The dissemination will take place through joint projects and by the organisation of conferences, seminars and study visits.

2.9 The Network intends to co-operate with the European Union (EU) on "Green Issues" including energy conservation. Its members note that many current forms of activity and development are not environmentally sustainable, and the Network endorses, accordingly, the general objective of progressively orientating human activity and development towards sustainable forms. In carrying out common activity and individual projects initiated by members, the Network will:

Seek to bring about significant changes in current patterns of development, production, consumption and behaviour so as to achieve sustainable development.

Liaise with the relevant EU authorities where possible so as to try to obtain financial support.

Identify and support those EU programmes which have a relevance to the Network’s objectives and field operation.

Present a series of linked or joint projects to the EU within the frameworks of EU programmes (i.e. Thermie and SAVE).