The Solar Heating and Cooling Programme was established in 1977, one of the first programmes of the International Energy Agency. The Programme's work is unique in that it is accomplished through the international collaborative effort of experts from country members, sponsor members and the European Union. The benefits of this approach are: accelerates the pace of technology development; promotes standardization; enhances national R&D programmes; permits national specialization, and saves time and money. The Programme is headed by an Executive Committee composed of one representative from each Member country and Sponsor organization, while the management of the individual projects is the responsibility of project managers (Operating Agents) who are selected by the Executive Committee.
