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Theme III: Going Green

Concrete Solutions from the Public Sector

Martin Unfried

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Financial crisis versus sustainable development?

Projects from which administrations?

Examples of topics

Lessons learned: continuation and innovation despite the crisis

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3

4

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Environment: Return of old thinking?

- financial and economic crisis

- dominating the EU and national political agenda

Global reaction:

Recovery packages to stimulate the economy

Cautious approach for important sectors

Stimulating sustainability?

2008/2009

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Copenhagen – the end of optimism?

no commitments for competitors

no world wide internalisation of external costs via emissions trading

New European strategy?

increased need for aid schemes?

Cancun: modest steps

Durban?

Climate Policy at a crossroads

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The EU 6th Action Programme

Review:

- implementation still a major problem (national efforts)

- climate change driven by external developments

- biodiversity (halt of loss by 2010) targets not achieved (lack of commitment by MS)

- thematic strategies: divers impact

Review

Headlines of the 6th Action Programme 2002/2012

- integration into other sectors- better implementation of EU legislation

- Ambitious climate change policy- Ambitious biodiversity policy-connection environment and health-natural resources and waste

Sustainable Development asa comprehensive concept “Sustainable Development Strategy”

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Europe 2020 – Towards sustainable growth

European Commission 2011

Sustainable growth means in essence

“building a more competitive low-carbon economy that makes efficient, sustainable use of resources,

protecting the environment,

reducing emissions and preventing biodiversity loss

and capitalising on Europe’s leadership in developing new green technologies and production methods ....”

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Extra Criteria for green projects

a strong link between innovative projects and EU environmental legislation or EU environmental objectives;

a convincing balance of environmental measures and cost effectiveness;

and a clear strategy for internal and external communication and awareness raising.

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The applications per policy subject

Green Public Procurement/PPP for environmental projects 3

Long-term sustainable development plans/strategies of towns 6

Nature conservation/reforestation 2

Specific projects on renewable energies and energy efficiency 8

Internal environmental/sustainable development strategies in public administration/EMAS 8

Stimulating sustainable development in the construction sector 3

Communication campaigns/awareness raising/e-governance tools/culture 12

Stimulation of clean technology/e-mobility 2

Innovation in waste policy/nuclear waste policy 6

Innovation in water policy 5

Institution building (cross-border environmental agency) 1

Total 56

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Final Nominees: Theme 3

Theme 3: Going Green: Concrete Solutions from the Public SectorThe Final Nominees

EPSA Porto, a Water Sensitive City: Sustainable Management of Urban Water Cycle (City of Porto, Portugal)

EPSA ECO2 - Eco-efficient Tampere 2020 (City of Tampere, Finland)

EPSA "ÖkoKauf Wien" - "EcoBuy Vienna“ (City of Vienna, Austria)

EPSA More Forest for More Life (Province of Arad, Romania)

EPSA The SITXELL Project: Integrating Natural Values and Ecosystem Benefits into Land Planning (Province of Barcelona, Spain)

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Final Nominees: Theme 3

Theme 3: Best Practice Certificate

EPSA The Barcelona More Sustainability City Council ProgrammeCity of Barcelona (Spain)

EPSA Klima:Aktiv – Going Green: buildings, mobility, energy efficiency, renewable energies! (Austrian National Government)

EPSA Subsidized Loans for the Purchase and Installation of Solar Thermal Collectors by Households and Residential Communities Program (Polish National Government)

EPSA A Step Change: Aberdeen City Council's Leadership for a Low Carbon Economy (Aberdeen City Council, UK)

EPSA ECOGGPxLA: Implementation of ECOdesign in Green Public Procurement of urban furniture for Local Authorities, Province of Barcelona (Spain)

EPSA Environmental Management Programme in the Vienna City Administration (City of Vienna, Austria)

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Topics: 56 Projects from 17 countries

A comprehensive approach towards green public procurement practices

Searching for alternative financing for environmental projects by involving a broader public/cooperating with schools and universities

Establishing long term programmes and strategies at the municipal level for sustainable development and climate protection with a holistic character tackling in particular the most difficult sectors

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Progressive long-term City programmes

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Topics

Organisational reform and policy changes in the field of water management

Integrating biodiversity aspects in spatial planning with a view to land value

Special instruments to stimulate the application of renewable energies

New forms of public awareness raising and education for environmental needs

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Topics

Improving the implementation of legislation in the field of waste and water policy (i.e. Integrated Waste Management System in Cluj County)

Improving the communication side of broader environmental programmes (like national climate protection programmes, i.e. klima:aktiv Austrian Energy Agency, Austria).

Developing an sustainable energy action plan in accordance with the Covenant of Mayors (i.e. Sustainable Energy Action Plan, City of Udine, Italy);

Establishing environmental management in difficult policy sectors (Defence Ministry Cyprus, Energy Smart Authority, Malta);

Introducing instruments as PPP in environmental projects (i.e. Radical innovation in energy policy and management of towns and cities in the province of Barcelona.

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Lessons learned

It is in particular the local level that is now taking responsibility in sectors that have in the past been seen as tasks for national or regional authorities (energy policy, transport policy, procurement, etc.)

Successful incorporation of green procurement practices into all branches of an administration means creating ownership in all parts of the administration

Comprehensive long term strategy of cities for sustainable development: the frontrunners are inspired and supported by international networks

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Lessons learned

Projects without much funding: searching for a new role of public administrations as motivator and moderator bringing together stakeholders and respecting their interests

New start for Environmental Management Systems: applying EMS across administrations (not only in environmental departments)

Public relation and information campaigns as crucial elements of successful sustainable development programmes

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Martin Unfried

European Institute of Public Administration

P.O. Box 1229

6201 BE Maastricht

The Netherlands

M.Unfried@eipa.eu

Tel. 31 43 3296230

Fax. 31 43 3296296

www.eipa.eu