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Interview with Benjamin R. Barber : “A global parliament of mayors as a key” p.3
Financing local energy projects p.12
Understanding betterthe circular economy p.16
EnergyCities
www.energy-cities.eu
INFONo. 42 Spring 2014
LOCAL LEADERSMAKING THE DIFFERENCEInsight into successfullow-carbon strategies
INSPIRATION FORfuture European policies
Editorial
Thinking outside the (fossil fuel) box:
What makes a good leader?
Steve Jobs once said that “innovation is what distinguishes a leader from a follower”. I would add risk-taking, vision and the capacity to bring people together.
These used to be qualities demonstrated by EU decision-makers, notably when they adopted the 2020 climate and energy package in 2008. It was a bold, far-sighted commitment, which
encouraged citizen engagement across the whole of Europe. Looking to 2030, the EU’s leadership seems to be waning with concerns about short-term savings jeopardizing the well-being of future generations.
In this context, to quote author Benjamin R. Barber: “Cities can do a lot more for Europe than Europe can do for cities”. Indeed, despite faltering support from EU institutions, local leaders have not shied away from action. Over 5,500 signed the Covenant of Mayors, voluntarily committing to more efficient and inclusive energy policies. They are relying on human capital by involving their citizens and partnering with SMEs, associations and research bodies. These local authorities are also everyday contributors to any potential international climate agreement to be adopted at the COP21 conference in Paris in 2015.
Since we are talking about leaders, the time has come to pay tribute to the remarkable work of the person who for almost a quarter of century has been at the operational helm of our association. Stepping down from his position of Executive Director, Gérard Magnin is known for his fore-sight, his people-oriented skills and openness to change. His vision and determined guidance have continuously steered Energy Cities in the right direction. Gérard will be missed, but the challenge of his departure presents a promising opportunity. Indeed, as Energy Cities shifts to female leadership with the appointment of Claire Roumet, fresh perspectives and ideas are poised to emerge. With this new leader coordinating our association, we look forward to seeing how her experience and ambitions will bring us ever closer to our objective of supporting the front-runners of the energy transition.
Eckart Würzner, Mayor of Heidelbergand President of Energy Cities
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Pedestrian city boosted by people’s “waves of energy”San Sebastian’s theme for its 2016 European Capital of Culture title is “Waves of energy” and movements of citi-zens. This fits well with the fact that pedestrians are in some way the “local leaders” of this medium-sized Spanish city where walking represents close to 45% of all journeys. In addition to its 7-km walking trail, this walking-friendly city boasts an extensive network of cycle lanes, connected to the pedestrian one and covering a distance of 47 km!
Discover other cities’ best practices: www.energy-cities.eu > Actions > Cities actions
Energy Cities | Brussels Office1, Square de MeeûsB-1000 BrusselsTel.: +32 2 504 78 60Fax: +32 2 504 78 61
Energy Cities | Secretariat2, chemin de PalenteF - 25000 BesançonTel.: +33 381 65 36 80Fax: +33 381 50 73 51
www.energy-cities.eu/info
If you wish to receive this magazine once a year for free, please e-mail: www.energy-cities.eu/miriam
Director of publication: Miriam Eisermann
Contributors to this issue: the Energy Cities staff and members of the network, coordinated by Floriane Bernardot, Alix Bolle and Miriam Eisermann
Translation: Nathalie Fauchadour
Graphic design: www.tuttiquanti.net
Printer: Imprimerie SIMONGRAPHIC (Imprim’Vert) -
Printed on recycled paper - N° ISSN: 1256-6098 - Print run: 2500 copies
Cover: Tutti Quanti / Fotolia
Malmö : When high climate ambitions meet large-scale cooperation .................................................................................. p.4
After the Bristol sound, here comes the Bristol Pound! .................... p.5
How to help Europe keep its pole position? .............................................p.6/7
Always dare the impossible – Gérard Magnin .......................................... p.8
Get to know... Claire Roumet ................................................................................... p.9
Turkish pioneers in the field of urban challenges .................................. p.10
Crowdfunding and citizens’ cooperatives .................................................... p.11
Horizon 2020 – EU funding ...................................................................................... p.12
2030 low-carbon odyssey: Will the EU eventually involve cities? ............................................................ p.13
Negotiating the climate: COP21 in Paris ...................................................... p.14
Publications .......................................................................................................................... p.15
Circular economy: infographic ............................................................................... p.16
“Tandem”: French-German cooperation ........................................................ p.16
CONTENTS
Follow us! @energycities
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Interview with
Benjamin R. Barber “A global parliament of mayors as a key” We met with Benjamin R. Barber, an American political theorist to discuss global democracy, city evolution and the role of mayors in meeting today’s challenges.
You stated that today cities can do a lot more for Europe than Europe can do for cities. How do you think a bottom-up movement such as the Covenant of Mayors can contribute to the COP21 conference in Paris in 2015?
Since almost 80% of carbon emis-sions come from cities (metro-regions), they are in a position to take action on climate change whether or not the states to which they belong do so. And through ICLEI, the C40 and the Covenant of Mayors, they are actually doing so. Los Angeles with its port, New York City with the
insulation of old buildings, Bogota with a rapid transit surface bus system all offer examples of what cities can do even acting alone. Together, in inter-city networks, they can do even more. Moreover, when cities act, their codes and regulations often become default standards for nations. When California raised the emission standards for auto-mobiles sold in California, the automo-bile industry did not just make special cars for California, they raised their emission standards on ALL vehicles - the only efficient way to proceed! When cities agree (they account for over half the world’s population - 78% in the developed world), national governments will follow.
As for COP21 and the COP process, I have little faith in the will or capacity of “sovereign, independent” nations to reach agreements across borders on climate change policy. Its history has been one of sterile meetings and posturing sovereign states. It will be CITIES that do the important work - if important work is to be done. How do you think Energy Cities’ members can have a bigger say in relation to the EU and their national governments to advance the energy transition agenda?
Cities can certainly influence the EU, but until they have a political voice, global regulatory influence, and a capacity to shape world public opi-nion and the media, their influence will be limited. That is why I see a
global parliament of mayors as a key to increasing the real world impact of urban public goods and policies. It is important to know that this idea is not just a hypothetical notion discussed in my book, but a working project with
a planning process in which dozens of mayors are participating; and which has held two mee-tings already and is plan-ning two more later this year (Amsterdam and London). Energy Cities needs
to move beyond Europe. What I call “Euro-Parochialism” has hampered the EU by drawing new borders around Europe as parochial and impe-netrable as the old sovereign borders around states. It is a great virtue of cities that their interdependence is global, and Europe’s cities do not feel constrained to “think European” or limit themselves to “EuroCity” inte-ractivity! Think global - or at least “glo-cal”, with a concern for how the local and the global intersect.
A political science academic and former adviser to Bill Clinton, the American Benjamin R. Barber is the author of “If Mayors Ruled the World”. He is the keynote speaker at Energy Cities’ Rendezvous 2014.
Cities can certainly influence the EU, but until they have a political voice, global regulatory influence, and a capacity to shape world public opinion and the media, their influence will be limited.
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Members in the spotlight
Profil g the mayor! Members in the spotlight
Malmö, Sweden: When high climate ambitions meet large-scale cooperation Since July 2013, the city hall of Malmö has been headed by Ms. Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh. Sweden’s third largest city, home to 312,000 inhabitants, is widely reco-gnised as one of the greenest and most sustainable cities in the world, with CO2 reduction targets significantly more ambitious than that of the national government. On that front, the Social Democrat Stjernfeldt Jammeh plans to perpetuate the successful work of her predecessor, with the cooperation of Malmö’s neighbour cities.
As part of the Energy Öresund project and with the objective of making Öresund the first carbon-neutral region in Europe, a number of strategic recommenda-tions and energy guidelines have been developed. Cooperation and synergies are Malmö’s keys to beco-ming the climate-neutral local administration it has plan-ned to be by 2020, and 100% powered by renewable energy sources in 2030. “With ambitious plans come impressive cooperation. Malmö’s green living perfor-mances are a collective achievement.”,says the city leader.
Anna-Kaisa Ikonen Mayor of Tampere, Finland
Summary Young Leader of the Year 2013. Chair of the Climate Network of Mayors in Finland.
Skills & Endorsements “Ikonen’s merits include excellent organisational skills, a systematic approach to self-development, an interactive management style, and a strong will to promote the vitality of her operating area.” (Junior Chamber International Finland’s reasons for Ikonen’s selection as Young Leader of the Year 2013).
Citizens!The citizens’ forum (Alvari) gathers active citizens from the suburbs to cooperate with the city. As mayor, my aim is to establish information-based leadership and active cooperation between the city, residents and businesses.
Best idea?Tampere coordinates the national smart city pro-gramme, and ambitions to become an international-ly recognised and exemplary smart & green city.
Best mobility project?Tampere has extensive know-how in smart traffic, and is planning a city tramline that would connect the universities and the largest working and housing areas with the city centre. This would create a highly eco-efficient public transport system.
Most successful renewable energy development?
City-owned Tampere Power Utility tripled its use of renewable energy sources between 2010 and 2013 and reduced its CO2 emissions by over 20%.
Background
Current City of TamperePrevious State Secretary for the Minister of
Public Administration and Local Government
Education Doctor of Social Sciences
#1 Tippy-tap-tap water
#2 Go with the public flow
#3 Ecolicious food
#4 Don´t waste your waste
Malmö’s visitors greeted with sustainability!
Wanna try some of the best water in the whole, wide world? Just turn on the tap and enjoy!
In this well-kept city you can travel by bus, train, bike or on foot to pretty much anywhere. Go! Go! Go! Malmö is brimming with organic and fair trade options. Take your pick and dig in!
Please spend a second or two, and sort your waste in our special edition trash cans. Many thanks!”
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Members in the spotlight
Riga, so smart In terms of international standing, Riga is one of those “rising stars” with an impressive collection of achievements: not only was it awarded European Capital of Culture 2014. It was also the first EU capital to join the Covenant of Mayors as early as 2008. Now it is cooperating with European peers to incorporate the objective of beco-ming a “smart city” into its Sustainable Energy Action Plan. But what makes a city “smart” in the first place?
Generally, the idea is associated with information technologies and how they can help accelerate the transition to low-carbon cities. On this front, Riga is
progressing with speed notably with numerous city departments improving smart mobility and introducing “e-ser-vices” for citizens.
But from another perspective, there is more to smart cities than just smart technologies. What makes a city smart is the vision of its leaders, and how this is shared, co-constructed and taken up by citizens and the local com-munity. Nils Usakovs, the young, moti-vated mayor of the city recently told Energy Cities: “The culture of each country and city includes the lifestyle and life choices of people and it has been a long-lasting tradition here to use resources in a very efficient way. Riga City develops infrastructures and programmes to empower citizens of various ages to build a sustainable and active community”. And what are the fruits of this inclusive strategy? Well, here is a first glimpse: “Coordinated efforts of Riga and its local stakehol-
ders have led to a 53% decrease in CO2 emissions. Over 50% of electricity consumed in Riga comes from renewable sources and over 90% of heat is produced from highly efficient cogeneration.”
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Members in the spotlight
After the Bristol sound, here comes the Bristol Pound! In the 90s, Bristol captured great media interest for its famous under-ground music groups known as the Bristol Sound. Today it is its local currency, the Bristol Pound (£B), that is headlining. See for yourself, as Mayor George Ferguson provided Energy Cities with a quick, personal introduction.
Dear Fellow Mayors,Launched in September 2012, the Bristol Pound is
the UK’s first ever city-wide local cur-rency. Its development across the city is designed to benefit the local supply chain, boost new business growth and the city’s economy.As a complementary currency, desig-ned to work alongside the Pound Sterling, the Bristol Pound encourages people to shop and do their business locally. This has benefits such as encouraging our local and independent businesses to employ locally and reduce the need to travel, thereby improving Bristol’s local economy and environmental performance.I take my full mayor’s salary in Bristol Pounds and enjoy spending it in the interesting range of local businesses
now signed up to take £B. Similar ini-tiatives are springing up in other European cities, and we are open to welcoming visitors to Bristol and sha-ring experiences. The Bristol Pound will play a very visible role during the European Green Capital 2015.
Find Bristol’s experience in Energy Cities’ Booklet of Proposals:
http://energy-cities.eu/wiki/index.php/Proposal_3.6 http://bristolpound.org
What are you doing in your jobor sector to help Europe keepthis pole position?
For a long time, Europe has been a global energy
and climate leader. It might lose this
advantage soon.
Dr. Isabelle CanuVice-president in charge of Promotional Loans EU & Leasing, KfW Groupe “I am responsible at KfW for ELENA (European Local ENergy Assistance), a technical assistance facility for local and regional authorities who are major actors in the field of sustainable investments. KfW combines the grant with financing through financial intermediaries (our leading partners are the French BPCE group, Deutsche Bank in Germany and Erste Bank in Austria). I am convinced that building up a network of banks for muni-cipal and regional sustainable investments is one key to making energy efficiency and climate protection in Europe a success.”
Stephan BrandligtAlderman for the environmentCity of Delft – the Netherlands“Delft aims to be an energy-neutral city by 2050. I know this is an ambitious goal the city council can’t and won’t achieve by itself. For durable results we need the sup-port and collaboration of the city as a whole. We must rely on local partners, such as companies and education and knowledge organizations. To keep on track for 2050, we promote the necessity of energy transition, we pro-vide a network for partners and we encourage new ini-tiatives. The results show that our approach is effec-tive.”
Maxime BonoPresident of the Urban Community of La Rochelle, France, and Mayor of La Rochelle (until March 2014) “A strong Europe needs strong and committed cities. La Rochelle and its Urban Community have been famous for their pioneering, sustainable development approach since the 1970s. La Rochelle signed the Covenant of Mayors in 2013 and it was awarded the CITERGIE label in January 2014. The Urban Community was among the first to test out the Reference Framework for European Sustainable Cities in Europe. Involved in the TRIBUTE project on building energy efficiency, La Rochelle is demonstra-ting its firm intention to continue to be at the forefront of the movement. The city will also be a host city for the CITYMOBIL2 project.”
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INFOMercedes Bresso
Vice-President,Committee of the Regions (CoR) “In the current economic situation affecting the EU, local and regional authorities can play a leading role in fostering new integrated environmentally-friendly strate-gies. While new financial instruments allow cities and regions to further increase their share of renewable energy and energy efficiency, the CoR calls on Member States to set new binding targets. Country sub-targets will strengthen our international authority and revitalise our climate diplomacy worldwide.”
Paul VossManaging Director of Euroheat & Power,Secretariat of the “Heat Coalition” “If there’s one area of the energy sector in which Europe remains the clear global leader, it’s heating and cooling. With network-based approaches and a range of individual systems, all using smart combinations of renewables and efficiency, European companies are hel-ping the world find better, greener ways to meet the fundamental human need for indoor comfort. Exporting our know-how and sustainable solutions to energy-hun-gry markets abroad is good for the planet and good business for Europe!”
Adrian JoyceSecretary General EuroACE,Campaign Director of Renovate Europe “The Renovate Europe Campaign (REC) is in constant touch with high-level EU policy makers and legislators, working to create a conducive framework for the mas-sive roll-out of innovative, non-disruptive and equitably-incentivised renovation programmes all across the EU. It is gathering support in the Member States by creating a network of national players that are working in the same direction. The campaign obviously includes cities and regions: its EU ambition to reduce the energy demand of the EU building stock by 80% by 2050 as compared to 2005 cannot be achieved without them.”
Bernadette SégolSecretary General,European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) “Fighting climate change is about showing solidarity with vulnerable populations as well as with young generations who will have to pay the price for measures that our cur-rent leaders are not able, or not wil-ling, to take. The climate and econo-mic crises can and must be dealt with simultaneously and with the same level of commitment. The concept of a “Just transition” sum-marises the ETUC position on how to tackle these two challenges: It means that our economy must be radically decarbonised through poli-cies that will create quality jobs, promote workers’ participation, res-pect trade unions rights, develop the greening of skills and enhance social protection systems.”
Stefan ScheuerSecretary General,“The Coalition for Energy Savings” “In order to stay ahead, the EU must switch from a reactionary mode to actively shaping the ener-gy transition. How much energy is needed to successfully run the eco-nomy in a resource-constrained world? How can energy wastage be stopped? As secretary general of a unique multi-stakeholder alliance, I am helping to place energy effi-ciency and savings at the centre of the transition, as the response to immediate social and economic concerns and long-term chal-lenges.”
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ALWAYS DARE THE IMPOSSIBLEA chapter is coming to an end. Retiring is a special moment. Even more so when professional and personal lives have become so intermingled. Sometimes excessively, to the extent of being as one with Energy Cities. I have often wondered how this story could have lasted almost a quarter of a century. It had to be a love story between one’s innermost beliefs and what one’s activity is trying to achieve. Some examples?
I believe that tomorrow will be anything but the continuation of the past. Public, private and associative action must endeavour to invent a future that people want and that is viable. This means getting rid of old ideas that clip the wings of creative thinking and continuing to experiment, always and everywhere. Is this not how we will change the energy paradigm?
Let us forget about hierarchical, vertical, centralised systems. The future belongs to dispersed organisations composed of equally-empowered, responsible networked entities. Is this not the beginning of a new energy system?
What about progress? I believe in progress when it aims at pro-moting long-term harmony between human beings and their eco-systems. But not when it sacrifices the future for short-term contingencies. Is this not an issue running through the energy debate?
I also believe that one must always dare the impossible, not fear wild ideas, set dreams in motion, believe in society’s potential for transformation, trust people and empower them. Avoid relying on widely held assumptions and maintain a rebellious and even sub-versive streak. Questioning confirmed habits whilst remaining true to strong values: equality, respect and solidarity. Like people so as to be able to pass on what one likes.
Having been able to dedicate my professional life to sharing my convictions and trying to communicate my enthusiasm to others has been a great privilege indeed. It is with pride and emotion that I say goodbye and thank all those I have been fortunate to meet! Based on shared values, a new chapter is about to be writ-ten by Claire Roumet, a seasoned team, a dedicated Board of Directors and a vibrant network of committed local decision-makers. And that is all that matters!
Gérard
Gérard Magnin
Born in 1951, Gérard Magnin founded Energy Cities in 1990 and was its Executive Director until 2014. He previously worked as regional manager for ten years for the French environ-ment and energy management agency (ADEME) in Franche-Comté, his home region. After studying electrotechnical engineering and then economics and political sciences at university, Gérard went on to teach econo-mics and social sciences for eight years.
On a scale from 1 to 10,
how important is the bottom-up approach?
What connection do you see between energy and territories?
What is your secret for detecting societal trends?
Gérard Magnin is known for his talent as a speaker. For this magazine issue, we set him a challenge: answer three questions... without saying a word!
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You are a mother of two young kids. How would you explain to them your new mission at Energy Cities?
This is a very difficult question, despite what we might believe, because kids don’t buy simple answers such as “my job is to make a better quality of life for all”. So I told them the whole story: “I will meet many people to learn about their experience to transform their cities into places that protect the pla-net, using the sun, waste and the wind to produce energy, producing food in collective gardens, with warm homes and schools that don’t need heating systems. Then with my new collea-gues, we will use these examples to convince everybody to do the same”. What they liked most about what I said was the reduction of cars in the new city system I described, because they both dislike this way of travelling (I am afraid this is more because of my dri-ving skills than for environmental considerations).
What is the most important lesson your past job as Secretary General of CECODHAS (since 2001) has taught you?
“We have to make an offer to EU policy makers they won’t refuse”, that was one lobby lesson from CECODHAS President, David Orr, which helped us make a major breakthrough to finally put housing at the top of the agenda, especially as an answer to the crisis. CECODHAS Housing Europe is reco-gnised in Brussels for this positive thin-king and because its members do deli-ver, we are more than fine words. This spirit, I am glad to say, is found in Energy Cities too.”
Energy Cities’ mission is to help accelerate the energy transition thanks to its committed local authorities. 2030 is an important milestone. According to you, what should be reached by that date?
This is the first question I want to dis-cuss with Energy Cities’ members. I have some possible answers, but I
think that the only good one is a collec-tive vision. What is sure is that Energy
Cities has deve-loped, through the Covenant of Mayors and its dif-ferent flagship pro-jects Engage, IMAGINE and Display®, all the tools needed to exchange, show, plan and monitor so that from now
on we act and deliver the necessary change!
You are full of energy despite a very demanding job. Where do you get this energy from in your leisure time?
My energy comes from my roots, my parents for whom it is clear that we should all act according to what we believe in and from my very large family which is a living example of the strength of being part of a community. I like to spend my free time connecting to as many different worlds as possible.
Get to know… CLAIRE ROUMETDeputy Executive Director of Energy CitiesNATIONAlITY: FrenchHER MOTTO: “Competition is the past, co-production is the future” - not only for the energy market, but also for new economic and social relations.
“We have to make an offer to EU policy makers they won’t refuse.”
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Members in the spotlight
Zagreb aims high and proves successful Croatia’s capital city Zagreb is considered a national front-run-ner in the field of sustainable energy. Deputy Mayor Sandra Svaljek explains how the city intends to both get its own house in order - by improving public services’ energy efficiency – and involve citizens in its strategy.
“Zagreb is strongly committed in the energy field, notably through its Sustainable Energy Action Plan which includes 51 measures in the fields of building, transport and public lighting.We are making great progress with our Zagreb Energy Efficient City – ZagEE project which aims at making the overall city-owned equipment more energy-effi-
cient. Indeed, the city is seeking to achieve the EU’s objective of a 3% energy-retrofitting rate in public buildings, develop low-energy and passive housing and modernise public lighting. With ZagEE the city has planned to refurbish 87 buildings between 2013 and 2017!At the city hall, we have also acknowledged the role of good commu-nication activities in raising public awareness. The annual Zagreb Energy Week involves a wide range of players: professional associa-tions, schools, representatives from ministries and energy agencies, international networks of local authorities, academics, craftsmen, etc. Zagreb has chosen an integrated approach to sustainable develop-ment, in which the active participation of all generations is pro-minent.”
Meet the “electricity rebels” of Schönau
It is the story of a discreet revolution instigated by Ursula Sladek. Deeply affected by the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, this 67 year-old German teacher decided to break with coal and nuclear energy. In her home town of Schönau, in southern Germany, the electric network is owned by a cooperative called EWS. This cooperative was set up by Ursula in 1994 despite the initial refusal of the local electricity company but with the support of her husband and backed up by two popular referendums. Supplied with 100% renewable energy, EWS now serves 135,000 customers throughout the country, including large businesses. Concerned about involving citizens, EWS organises training sessions to encourage exchanges. The inhabitants of Schönau, nick-named the “electricity rebels”, have proved that another energy system is possible.
Bornova - one of the oldest municipali-ties in Turkey – is a pioneer in its country in the way the local administration is tackling urban challenges with a sustai-nable long-term strategy: RR Over the past few years, the overall
area of Bornova’s green space has doubled from 1.5 million m2 in 2009 to 3 million m2 today, with over 100 new parks;
RR The municipality, in cooperation with two licensed oil-collecting com-panies, has collected 70 thousand litres of vegetable oil to date;
RR Since the main city-owned buildings of Bornova started using white LED lamps, electricity consumption has decreased by 25%.
Former Mayor of Bornova and Vice-President of Energy Cities Kamil Sindir has a share in this success, being keen on gathering people around a common goal. An agricultural engineer by training, Mr Sindir spread his philo-sophy within the municipal council: What we sow now will be harvested later!
Other Turkish Energy Cities members:
Seferihisar – the first “slow city” in Turkey, champion of local agriculture and crop diversification in the country
Gaziantep – developed the first municipal climate change action plan in Turkey
Büyükçekmece - “12 Star City” as part of the European Local Democracy Week
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Bornova, a Turkish pioneerin the field of urban challenges
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Local savings to finance the energy transition: crowdfunding and citizens’ cooperatives Where can we find the finan-cial resources necessary to implement the energy transi-tion in towns and cities? As this issue tends to be given secondary importance in a context of reduced public spending, Energy Cities explains two ways of making local savings a genuine ener-gy transition driver.
What is it about?A cooperative is an association of per-sons founded on the principle of col-lective ownership whose aim is to serve the interest of its members. These members elect a board of direc-tors, which in turn appoints a general manager. All cooperatives share the same principle but may take several forms, such as consumers’ coopera-tives, production cooperatives, coope-rative banks, etc.Crowdfunding is a collective effort of individuals who pool their money to support projects initiated by other people or organisations. Crowdfunding has its origin in the 17th century but really took off recently with the deve-lopment of the Internet. Crowdfunding is used to support a wide variety of activities, including artistic production, scientific research and civic projects.
What does it mean in practice?Crowdfunding and cooperatives are increasingly used to support the ener-gy transition. In France, the Lumo crowdfunding platform (in La Rochelle) aims to promote socially responsible investments for local projects. Since June 2012, 79 citizens have contribu-ted to the installation of PV panels worth €15,000 on the roofs of local schools. Similar platforms exist in the US (Mosaic) and in the United Kingdom (Abundance).The European network REScoop com-prises 260 sustainable energy citizens’ cooperatives, including SomEnergia in Spain. Encouraged by Energy Cities’ member city Pamplona, SomEnergia sells energy from renewable local sources to its 12,900 members, who have invested a total of €3,572,100 since October 2011. In 2013, the co-
operative produced 1,070,900 kWh of electricity, the annual consumption of 190 people in Spain (cf. Energy Cities INFO N° 41).There are those who say that such mechanisms encourage local authori-ties to withdraw from public invest-ment since although they often provide match funding, the economic benefits for them are undeniable. We must, however, see beyond the financial issue, as these solutions enable citi-zens (once again) to have their say in local development.
www.lumo-france.com www.rescoop.eu www.somenergia.coop
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Horizon 2020 With €80 billion dedicated to research and innovation over the period of 2014-2020, the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 programme will focus on excellent science, industrial leadership and tackling socie-tal challenges. Horizon 2020 is the financial instrument implementing the Innovation Union strategy, a Europe 2020 flagship ini-tiative aimed at securing Europe’s global competi-tiveness.There are several calls for proposals offering funding to help public authorities carry out sustainable energy poli-cies. Energy Cities is considering joining in a number of projects to help clever sustainable local initiatives get started.
ec.europa.eu/programmes/horizon2020 ec.europa.eu/europe2020
23 billioneuros tofinance localenergy projects In the 2014-2020 programming period, the EU Cohesion Fund (€325 billion) is expected to play a major role in the transition to a low-carbon economy, with the allocation of at least €23 billion for sustainable energy.
Under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), a minimum percentage of funding is dedicated to measures including energy efficien-cy, renewable energies, smart distribution sys-tems and sustainable urban mobility: 20% in the case of more developed regions, 15% for transi-tion regions and 12% for less developed regions.
A greater amount of funding will be available for the energy renovation of buildings. The European Commission encourages Member States to design programmes that would use these finan-cing options (adapted to the type of end benefi-ciary): preferential loans, renovation loans (off-the-shelf instruments), a combination of grants and loans, guarantees, equity, and energy perfor-mance contracting.
Many cities and regions have already designed and tested such financing schemes and pro-grammes aimed at boosting the local economy. Among Energy Cities’ members, a few have created a revolving fund (Almada, Stuttgart) and provide soft loans for energy refurbishment of private housing for their citizens (Brussels-Capital Region, City of Delft or the Urban Community of Bordeaux).
ec.europa.eu/regional_policy
INFINITE Solutions
European Commission
Eleven Energy Cities’ members will exchange best practices on soft loan schemes in the framework of the new IEE co-funded project “INFINITE Solutions” started in March 2014 and running for three years. The new European Commission’s guide “Financing the ener-gy renovation of buildings with Cohesion Policy funding” and a comparative analysis to be developed as part of the INFINITE Solutions project will provide useful information to cities and regions who plan to establish similar financing schemes. Follow the progress of this project at:
www.energy-cities.eu/ > Actions > Projects
European Commission: Dominique Ristori heads the Directorate-General for Energy
Since January 2014, Dominique Ristori has been at the helm of DG Energy, a Directorate he knows well, having spent most of his professional life working for it. Energy Cities
had the opportunity to work with him some twenty years ago. He has always shown a keen interest in local and regional issues, displaying an awareness regrettably not always shared in the highest spheres.
Congratulations, Mr Ristori! Energy Cities is counting on you to further increase DG Energy’s support to the Covenant of Mayors.
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2030LOW-CARBONODySSEyWill the EU eventuallyinvolve cities?
The framework that will determine the European Union’s future energy and climate policies has been subject to much debate from the beginning of 2014. In January, the Commission released an unambitious White Paper, which falls short of the expectations of thousands of local authorities that are
already paving the way towards the energy transition, notably through the Covenant of Mayors.
The European Parliament, alongside the Committee of the Regions, proved to be more ambitious, calling for legal-ly-binding targets for greenhouse gas
emission reductions, energy efficiency and renewable energy production. It also encouraged the Commission and Member States to remove any obs-tacles that hamper local and regional authorities in delivering the EU climate and energy objectives.
Energy Cities sees in the European Parliament’s resolution a result of its own continuous advocacy activities. As reflected by our suggestions gathe-red in “The much-awaited and still unpublished Communication: Empowering local and regional authori-ties to deliver the EU climate and ener-gy objectives”, we want to make sure that the voices of cities and regions in energy transition are heard. We parti-cularly call on the new European Parliament and the new European Commission to fully recognise the role of local leaders in supporting the EU in its odyssey towards achieving a low-carbon future.
http://ec.europa.eu/energy/doc/2030/com_2014_15_en.pdf www.energy-cities.eu > Position Papers
The European institutions’ proposalsfor 2030 are still divergent
TARGETSExISTInG
FRAMEWORk TO 2020
PROPOSAlS FOR 2030
EuROPEAn COMMISSIOn
EuROPEAn PARlIAMEnT
Greenhouse gas emission reductions -compared to 1990
20%binding targets for every member state
40%binding targets for every member state
At least 40%binding targets for every member state
Share of renewable energies in energy consumption
20%binding targets for every member state
27%binding on EU level
30%binding targets for every member state
Improvements in energy savings
20%indicative
To be decided later 40%binding targets for every member state
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Energy Cities is aware of the economic problems that are threatening social cohesion, not only in Europe. However, short-term solutions should not prevail over long-term options on which the very existence of humankind depends, as is the case with climate change. While the last IPCC report, published on 30th March 2014, is a new wake-up call on the consequences of disruptions to the climate, States seem to relinquish their responsibility, using new emergencies as an excuse not to act and giving prio-rity to their domestic energy stra-tegies.There are, however, grounds for hope in view of the unprecedented involvement of cities, local players and an increasing number of citizens.
Involved in the design and implementa-tion of solutions combining energy
transition, local economic deve-lopment, quality of life impro-
vement and greenhouse gas emission control, they convey badly needed positive messages.With thousands of local authorities involved in the Covenant of Mayors, the European Union and its Member States have a trump card to keep the lea-
dership. All they have to do is to play it!
Climate change requires leadership change Cities are part of the solution! It is imperative that COP21, the United Nations’ Climate Change Conference due to be held in Paris in 2015, be a success.
Brainteaser
GUESS WHO?
The first of us joined the initiative as early as 2008. Together we now repre-sent 180 million involved citizens. Our average CO2-emission reduction target for 2020 is 29%, exceeding the EU objective. Who are we?
Peers from Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean region, South Caucasus and Central Asia recently joined us. As our family is growing, we are even rai-sing the interest of global players such as China and India! Who are we?
Although our first step was a signa-ture, our commitment extends much wider. Across 51 countries, we can be proud of the thousands of initiatives undertaken in the building, transport and planning sectors, hundreds of mil-lions of active local players involved and billions of euros invested. Still no idea of who we are?
Backed in our commitment by dedica-ted secretariats, we will soon be provi-ded with even more support through capacity-building and financing events. Our National Clubs are developing fast. Leveraging the experience of more
advanced cities, learning from one ano-ther, we are also benefiting from the help of regions, provinces and associa-tions. Another clue?
We strongly believe in this multi-level and multi-stakeholder approach, which is necessary to manage the energy transition, boost economic growth and revitalise the European Union. I’m sure you have found out by now!
The Covenant of Mayors Office is managed by a consortium of local and regional authorities’ networks led by Energy Cities.
www.eumayors.eu
“We”… are the 5,500 Covenant of Mayors-
committed cities.
SOlUTION
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Follow this issue on the Energy Cities’ blog:
www.energy-cities.eu
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Publications
Energy Cities recommends...
Green Roads to Growth in Municipalities (2013) The green road to growth is paved with local authority initiatives. Or at least it could be. This is why the United Federation of Danish Workers has collected information to serve as an inspiration for local political initiatives aimed at boosting the use of green technology and creating new jobs.
www.groennejob.dk/documents
Cities of Tomorrow: Action Today (2013) The seven thematic reports stemming from the URBACT II Capitalisation process cover the following topics: 1- Integrated and sustainable
urban development, 2- Shrinking cities, 3- More jobs, better cities, 4- Supporting young people
through social innovation, 5- Against divided cities in
Europe, 6- Motivating mobility mindsets, 7- Building energy efficiency in
European cities.
http://urbact.eu/en/urbact-capitalisation/outputs/reports-cities-of-tomorrow-action-today/
Climate After Growth (2013) This report by the Post Carbon Institute and the Transition Network calls on environmen-tal organisations and policy makers to recognise that we live in an era of new energy, cli-mate, and economic “normals” which force us to adopt a new approach to the challenges that we face. Responding to these “new normals” will require one common strategy: building com-munity resilience.
www.scribd.com/doc/171718124/Climate-After-Growth
Understanding Cities: Advances in integrated assessment of urban sustainability (2014) Addressing resource scarcity, pollution and climate change in urban areas requires integrated thinking across a range of urban systems and topics that are traditionally considered sepa-rately. This book by Newcastle University introduces key results from the European Science Foundation network that brought together researchers and practi-tioners involved in urban integra-ted assessment.
www.ncl.ac.uk/ceser/researchprogramme/costactiontu0902/
Green Roads to Growth
Green Roads to Growth
Inspiration for local political initiatives
United Federation of Danish Workers
AgAinst divided cities in europe
shrinking cities: chAllenges And opportunities
More jobs: better cities
building energy efficiency in europeAn cities
MotivAting Mobility Mindsets
supporting urbAn youth through sociAl innovAtion
ur
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ii
May 2013
cities of toMorrow – Action todAy
urbAct ii cApitAlisAtionKey messages
CLIMATE AFTERGROWTHASHER MILLER & ROB HOPKINS
WHY ENVIRONMENTALISTS MUST EMBRACE POST-GROWTH ECONOMICS AND COMMUNITY RESILIENCE
(Extra)ordinary energy transition stories
Participate for free in Energy Cities’ webinars showcasing energy transition best practices from all over Europe! Featuring speakers from public authorities, industry and academic institutions, they are an opportunity to debate our “Proposals for the energy transition of cities and towns”.Learn. Share. Take action!
Energy Cities’ Booklet of Proposals for the energy transition of cities and towns is now
available in eight languages! French, English, Czech, Polish, Chinese, Turkish, Croatian and Russian
Further information www.energy-cities.eu/energy-transition www.energy-cities.eu/floriane
Webinaires
How to measure the local economic benefits of energy transition policies? Energy Cities wants to find out more on this subject and will start working with a group of local authorities. Do you have feedback to share or are you just curious about the assessment method? Join us!
www.energy-cities.eu/christiane
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The trendy word
The nudge theory: a gentle push towards change
Nudging is a very subtle way to get people to change their behaviours without limiting their choices.You wish to have an example? Well,
have you noticed those feedback speed signs set up by your local authority? That is actually a good example of a nudge. On Øresund Bridge (Denmark), this type of gentle push convinced half of the drivers to stop exceeding the 40km speed limit within a few days. You too, nudge your local stakeholders for a sustainable city!
www.inudgeyou.com
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Understanding better...
THE CIRCULAR ECONOMy When the energy transitioncloses a loop!
New ways of meeting today’s needs
Benefits for all
Synergies: one company’swaste can become another company’s raw materials
* SOURCE: Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2012). Report on the Economics of a Circular Economy “Towards the circular economy”: p66
TRADITIONAL LINEARECONOMY
Each local authoritycan regain control of its resources, thus keepingthe money at home
Food
Manufacturedproducts
Solid waste
REducing REusing REcycling REthinking
Building materials Raw materialsFuels
The “Tandem” project
The energy transition bringing cities closer together How do the local energy and climate policy frameworks look like in France and Germany? Achieving better understanding of the French Territorial Energy and Climate Plans and of the German Climate Protection concepts was the starting point of the cooperation project “Tandem”. It was launched by Energy Cities and Climate Alliance with the support of the French environment and energy management agency (ADEME) and the German Ministry for Environment. The project aims at bringing local authorities from both sides of the Rhine closer together through the local implementation of practical mea-sures relating to common challenges: becoming “100% renewable” or financing building-stock energy retrofitting plans. What better challenge than combining two different (energy) cultures to reach the common 3x20 target for 2020?
The 3rd French Energy and Climate Plan Symposium organised by ADEME in Strasbourg in late September 2014 will demonstrate that cross-border co-operation between the two countries is already in place. It will also provide Energy Cities with an opportunity to highlight this Franco-German cooperation project.
Want to join this cooperation project?
www.energy-cities.eu/christiane
THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY minimises resource extraction
Governance: local authorities’ strategic role
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Dinnovation Djobs Dcompetitiveness D …
340-630 billion net annual* saving potential on material costs in the EU
Find practical examples of circular economy in Energy Cities’ Booklet of Proposals, Chapter 2 :
www.energy-cities.eu/ energytransition
