Makinzie clark, towards a green economy, wwf greece by Makinzie Clark

TOWARDS A GREEN ECONOMY: SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION IN GREECE

IN COLLABORATION WITH WWF GREECE

AUTHOR: MAKINZIE CLARK ADVISOR: ACHILLEAS PLITHARAS CAMPAIGNS MANAGER, WWF GREECE

May 2014

Towards a Green Economy: Sustainable Consumption in Greece This report is part of the wider efforts by WWF to reduce the Ecological Footprint of Greece, and is a communication output for the Better Life Program – a campaign to move towards sustainable consumption. It will be translated and distributed to public authorities across Greece in September 2014. This report provides insight into the environmental impacts caused by consumption, focusing on areas that contribute the largest environmental pressures in Greece (food and mobility). Secondly, this report addresses issues related to Greece’s carbon Footprint, and examines policy measures to increase energy efficiency. Furthermore, this report provides examples of policy solutions and best practices that have been implemented by governments in Europe and throughout the world. These examples may provide inspiration and ‘food for thought’ for decision makers, encouraging them to consider new ways of approaching city development. It is advised that Greece aim to address unsustainable consumption patterns, and replace them with practices that promote the social, economic and ecological well being of citizens, the city, and the planet. Developing policies that reshape economies and lifestyles will help to create sustainable urban environments and a better quality of life for Greek citizens. Lastly, Greece has the opportunity to be a seminal force in the transformation of the Mediterranean region, and an example for countries facing similar challenges. Therefore, this report aims to provide a positive future vision for Greece.

Makinzie Clark

CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION 2. GREENING THE GREEK ECONOMY 3. ENVIRONMENTAL PRESSURES FROM CONSUMPTION 3.1 The Ecological Footprint 3.2 Greece’s Ecological Overshoot 4. SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION 5. FOOD AND DRINK 5.1 Environmental Pressures from Food 5.2 Sustainable and Healthy Diets 5.3 Food Behaviors and Food Waste 6. MOBILITY 6.1 Environmental, Economic and Human Health Impacts 6.2 Greening Greek Mobility 7. ENERGY EFFICIENCY 7.1 Reducing Greece’s Carbon Footprint 8. GREEN SPACE 9. CONCLUSION

1. INTRODUCTION Human demand of resources and energy increasingly reaches beyond the capacity of the planet. Overuse of natural resources is disrupting ecological systems, depleting natural capital, and contributing to irreversible changes in climate patterns. These global environmental consequences indicate that human consumptive activities are unsustainable. Increases in the consumption of natural resources have followed development policies that favor economic growth despite its environmental consequences. It was long accepted that increases in resource use would stimulate economic growth, and that this would benefit citizens, cities, and their countries. However, as proven by the current economic crises, increased resource use is not a fix for economic security. In fact, excessive consumption of natural resources is detrimental to the future functionality of economies. As humanity overuses the planet’s resources, we forfeit the stock of natural capital – the raw materials and natural cycles on Earth – that will be available in the future, thus putting economies, and livelihoods, at risk. Economies depend on the biosphere’s natural capital and its many life-supporting ecological services. Therefore, as demand on these ecological resources increases, economic success can no longer be secured without carefully managing and tracking the demand on, and availability of, natural capital GFN Mediterranean Ecological Footprint Trends

In Greece, loss of natural capital is coupled with a devastating economic crisis. The collapse of the Greek economy is due in large part to development practices that have relied heavily on overconsumption and the overexploitation of natural resources (WWF Greece). Years of unsustainable management of resources have placed Greece in a vulnerable position moving forward – especially considering how dependent the Greek economy is on nature. One thing is certain: Greece’s overuse of its natural resources, coupled with economic policies that ignore environmental consequences, is unsustainable. It is the belief of WWF that Greece needs a new development model and a shift in economic policy that lessens demand on the environment by reducing the consumption of Greece’s natural resources. This includes a reduction in the consumption of material goods and energy, and a shift towards more sustainable use of resources. The goal is to move towards resource and energy efficiency in order to conserve Greece’s natural resources while promoting sustainable economic growth. The goal is to steer Greece towards a green economy. A green economy is a “sustainable economy and society which conserves the natural capital, derives all energy from renewable resources and generates a better quality of life” Sustainable Greek Economy, WWF, 2013

2. GREENING THE GREEK ECONOMY Decreasing demand on resources has proven to be beneficial not only to the environment – in conserving natural capital and limiting pollution and waste – but also in making cities more efficient in terms of their resource needs and use. In effect, using resources more sustainably improves the quality of life in cities. Therefore, there is a benefit in greening our economies. In Greece especially, strong emphasis is placed on the role that green reforms can play in relieving the effects of the economic crisis. Therefore, for Greece to rebuild its economic and social security, it is essential that decision makers consider implementing sustainable practices and policies that respect the limits of the natural environment. In line with the European Commission’s ‘Vision for a Resource Efficient Europe’, the main strategy in transforming the economy is to reduce the overall demand on the natural environment by encouraging sustainable consumption and production. Not only is this important for the health of the natural environment and the people who live in it, but sustainable consumption of resources is also progressively viewed as a strategy for economic growth: Promoting sustainable consumption and production are important aspects of sustainable development, which depends on achieving long-term economic growth that is consistent with environmental and social needs (OECD, 2008). Therefore, transitioning towards a encourage and monitor sustainable impacts from human activity. This national level, as well as changes sustainably.

green economy will require programs and practices that use of natural resources, as well as minimize environmental will involve efficient resource management at a local and in citizen behavior – choosing to consume less and more

Vision for a Resource Efficient Europe: By 2050 the EU’s economy has grown in a way that respects the resource constraints and planetary boundaries, thus contributing to the global economic transformation. Our economy is competitive, inclusive and provides a high standard of living with much lower environmental impacts. All resources are sustainable managed, from raw materials to energy, water, air, land and soil. Climate change milestones have been reached, while biodiversity and the ecosystem services it underpins have been protected, valued and substantially restored. European Commission

3. ENVIRONMENTAL PRESSURES FROM CONSUMPTION Excessive consumption has become synonymous with life in cities, where people rely on the goods and services within a city to support their lifestyles: buying food from grocery stores, purchasing cars and the petrol they run on, or paying the electricity that heats their homes. Despite economic strain on Greek citizens and government, consumption trends have continued to grow (GFN, Mediterranean Report). Private/household consumption expenditure in Greece is one of the highest in the EU-27. It includes all the goods and services purchased by households – including food, cars, appliances, computers, as well as rent and government fees (World Bank, 2014). Before the crisis, in 2009, household consumption expenditure of GDP reached 72.53% in Greece, while the Eurozone had an average of 57.56% (WWF Greece, 2013). Years since the onset of the economic crisis, Greek household expenditure is still greatly higher than the EU average (World Bank). The map below shows the household consumption expenditure (% of GDP) of European countries, with the darker blue representing a higher percentage. It is clear that Greek households are spending far more than most of Europe.

indemuni.com and World Bank, 2014

This level of consumption has high environmental impacts because consumer demand falls on pressure-intensive goods and services – those that require large amounts of resources to produce, are a source cause of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, or are directly harmful to the environment and the people who use them. Not only are Greeks consuming too much, but they are consuming products that are harmful to the environment.

3.1 The Ecological Footprint The Ecological Footprint is a useful representation of the environmental pressures caused by human consumption. A consumed good or service embodies all the resources, including energy, necessary to provide it to the consumer (GFN, 2014). For example, “consumed food includes not only the plant or animal matter people eat or waste in the household, but also that lost during processing or harvest, as well as all the energy used to grow, harvest, process and transport the food” (GFN, 2014). In other words, the Ecological Footprint represents a measure of human demand on the environment created throughout a product’s lifecycle. The Ecological Footprint represents the total land or sea area (in global hectares, gha) that is necessary to produce the resources that an individual, population or activity consumes. The total land area accounted for in the Ecological Footprint includes ‘the areas for producing the resource consumed, the space for accommodating buildings and roads, and the ecosystems for absorbing waste emissions such as carbon dioxide’ (GFN, 2014). Basically, it accounts for the total amount of the planet’s land and water area and systems required to support human activity. 3.2 Greece’s Ecological Overshoot In order to see if a country is using its resources sustainably or not, the Ecological Footprint – the amount of land used – is measured against the amount of bioproductive land that is available for use – the country’s biocapacity. An imbalance between the two (the biocapacity and the Ecological Footprint) is calculated as the ecological deficit – and means that there is an overall loss of natural capital. When a country has an ecological deficit, it implies that current consumptive patterns are unsustainable because the pressure on the environment is too great to ensure ecological recovery. This overuse of resources indicates that a country is operating in ecological overshoot and using resources faster than nature can renew them.

Source: Global Footprint Network (GFN)

Greece has been in a state of ecological overshoot for over 50 years, increasing in scale as demand for natural resources intensifies. In fact, Greece is the country with the third highest per capita Ecological Footprint in the Mediterranean region (GFN). 7

WWF Global, Living Planet Report, 2012

Greece’s Ecological Footprint is close to 5 gha per person, which is the twenty-second highest Ecological Footprint per capita in the world (WWF Global, 2012). This means that the average consumer in Greece’s requires roughly 5 gha of ecologically productive land to support their individual lifestyle. When compared to the average per capita Ecological Footprint of Mediterranean countries (3.3 gha in 2007), it is clear that Greece is overusing resources (GFN). For years, Greece’s biocapacity fluctuated around 2 gha per capita, but fell to 1.59 gha in 2008 (GFN). This means that as consumption of natural resources increases, Greece’s biocapacity is destroyed and ecological systems are incapable of regeneration. Furthermore, it means that Greece’s Ecological Footprint exceeds biocapacity by almost two times. While Greece is gifted with numerous ecological assets, resource demand is threatening their continued existence. When resources are overused, ecological systems can be damaged beyond recovery, which is evidenced for instance in Lake Koroneia, in numerous wetlands across Greece and in desertified areas in Thessaly. Therefore, as the consumption of resources rises – increasing the Ecological Footprint – Greece’s biocapacity decreases, and the future availability of the country’s natural resources is threatened. Greece’s high Ecological Footprint is due to the intensity of energy consumption and a set of unsustainable household consumption patterns. In order to mitigate these environmental impacts, it is advised that Greece adopt sustainable consumption practices.

4. SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION Sustainable consumption is identified as meeting needs of citizens, improving resource and energy efficiency, minimizing waste and enhancing the quality of life in the urban environment (IISD, Oslo Symposium, 1994).  Sustainable consumption -Meeting the needs of individuals within cities -Improving resource and energy efficiency -Minimizing waste -Enhancing the quality of life in the urban environment International Institute for Sustainable Development, IISD, 1994

Building upon this definition, sustainable consumption means the sustainable use of goods and services. Sustainable use of resources, while minimizing environmental impacts, also proves to reduce household expenditure, secure successful economic growth, and enhance the overall quality of the life for citizens. Overall, cities are encouraged to do more by using less – consuming less and more wisely. Efforts to reduce Greece’s Ecological Footprint aim at transforming environmentally harmful consumption practices towards sustainable ones. These actions must be aimed at encouraging broader lifestyle changes, by shifting demand towards sustainable goods and services and reducing overall consumption. This requires directing consumer behavior away from goods and services that have high environmental impacts, and providing alternative ways to meet the needs of individuals within a city without compromising the health of the natural environment.  A practice is sustainable if it respects the limits on nature’s resources; in other words, a practice is sustainable if nature is able to sustain it.

The objective is to maintain the functionality and growth within cities, while minimizing the environmental impacts from production and consumptive activities. It is the goal of countries to integrate environmental sustainability with economic growth and citizen welfare by decoupling environmental degradation from economic growth (European Commission, 2014).

5. FOOD AND DRINK Consumption of food and drink accounts for 20-30% of environmental impacts from European consumption (EEA 2010). Furthermore, the European Commission states that food and drink contribute to 17% of the EU’s GHG emissions (Roadmap, 2011). Therefore, it is no surprise that consumption of food and drink is one of the largest contributors to the Ecological Footprint of EU member countries, including Greece.

The environmental consequences of large-scale food production and consumption are responsible for the depletion of natural resources as well as a significant source of GHG emissions. Agricultural production and industrial processing of food and drink contribute the most significant environmental impacts (energy and water use; emissions from livestock; land use, etc.), whereas the consumption stages – the storage, preparation, and disposal of food – have lower direct impacts (EEA-ETC/SCP). However, patterns of food and drink consumption reveal that individual choices within households can reduce environmental impacts at all stages of production and consumption (EEA, The European Environment, 2010). Therefore, efforts at shifting individual consumptive behavior towards more sustainable food practices are an important element in achieving Greek and European sustainability goals and reducing overall environmental pressures. BEST PRACTICE to encourage sustainable food behaviors: SUSTAINABLE SUPERMARKET FOOD A step to move towards sustainable food practices is to encourage sustainable food in supermarkets. Supermarket food is linked to challenges from obesity, climate change, and food waste. Government can have a strong role in enabling a sustainable food system by supporting the distribution of sustainable and healthy food products while discouraging unsustainable and unhealthy ones. This is an effective way to implement change at the consumer level, making it easier for individuals to make better food choices. Governments can encourage retailers to sell sustainable goods. Governments are encouraged to engage with retailers who supply food products to supermarkets through the use of policies, initiatives and regulation that aim to influence the food system and supermarkets. Green, healthy and fair. Sustainable Development Commission, 2008

5.1 Environmental Pressures from Food Awareness about the environmental pressures caused by different types of food products is another important step in instilling behavioral change at the individual consumer level. Certain foods that we eat have higher environmental impacts, as well as significant health impacts. The effects of food production are identified in terms of the overall impact that food products have throughout their cycle (production, consumption and waste). For example, the European Commission (Roadmap, 2011) identifies animal proteins as the major contributor to the environmental impacts from food consumption due to the large amounts of resources used to produce the quantities of meat and dairy products that are consumed, as well as the large amounts of GHGs emitted during production. Ultimately, the consumption of meat and dairy contributes to 24% of overall environmental impacts, including 14% of GHG emissions, from consumption in the EU-27 (JRC/IPTS, 2008). The graph below shows that impacts from beef, butter and cheese have much higher impacts than vegetables, grains, and fruit products – in terms of their carbon emissions, and the material resources required and the amount of water used during production.

In the European Commission’s 2011 Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe, they identify the need for individuals to adopt sustainable food choices, including reducing the amount of animal proteins, specifically meat and dairy products, consumed per person. A diet with high consumption of animal products will have a high environmental impact. Moving towards more sustainable consumption, therefore, requires a reduction in the amount of animal products consumed per person. 11

Given the tremendous pressure that meat consumption has on the environment, there are many efforts aimed at reducing the amount of meat that individuals consume. One way to encourage less consumption of meat is to formalize citywide programs in support of vegetarian food. Campaigns, such as Meatless Monday in the US and Thursday Veggie Day in Belgium, encourage citizens to give up meat for just one day a week. Cities in over 29 countries have incorporated ‘meatless days’ to encourage more sustainable food behaviors. BEST PRACTICE to reduce meat consumption: THURSDAY VEGGIE DAY, Ghent, Belgium Government and citizen action has stimulated the community to take part in the campaign to go ‘meatless’ for one day a week. Street maps listing vegetarian restaurants and markets are provided to residents, along with brochures on meatless recipes and information to assist restaurants to develop vegetarian alternatives for their menus. The campaign was even adopted by city-funded schools, which now offer entirely meatless menus to their students on Thursdays. The campaign is successful because individuals recognize how easy it is to change their eating habits for just one day a week. Furthermore, awareness programs emphasizing the health and environmental, as well as economic benefits, of going meatless have encouraged people to make efforts to adopt more sustainable food behaviors. Dedicating one day a week to alternative diets provides a more accessible solution for individuals because they are not asked to completely change their eating habits.

5.2 Sustainable Diets – The Mediterranean Diet Adopting a Mediterranean diet is another way to move away from excessive meat consumption, while incorporating healthier dietary choices (FAO Med Diets). According to WHO (2009), Greece has one of the highest obesity rates of the Mediterranean countries. Therefore, efforts to encourage a Mediterranean diet aim to address growing concerns over obesity rates in Greece, while encouraging food behaviors that have lower environmental impacts. The Mediterranean Diet is recognized as one of the healthiest and most sustainable diets in the world (UNESCO and FAO). It is considered sustainable because it is less demanding in terms of energy consumption and environmental impact, due to low consumption of animal products and higher consumption of fruits, vegetables and grains – usually from local sources. The table below shows the Ecological Footprint (in square meters) of different diets. A vegetarian diet requires substantially less land area than both a Western diet, which has high portions of meat, and a mainly meat diet (FAO).

The Mediterranean Diet suggests that individuals should mostly consume in-season fruits and vegetables, as well as grains, on a daily basis, with moderate portions of fish and poultry. They allocate only a small portion of their diet suggestions to meat products. The high intake of fruits and vegetables complemented with low consumption of meat products results in a much lower environmental impact than that of the majority of Greek diets today. BEST PRACTICE to encourage a healthy/sustainable diet: GREEK BREAKFAST INITIATIVE With the goal of connecting tourism with the local experience, the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels introduced the Greek Breakfast initiative in 2010. Under this program, hotels are encouraged to purchase ingredients for their breakfast dishes from local producers. Local producers are good suppliers of vegetables, grains, yogurts and cheeses, and so on, which are the staples of the Mediterranean Diet. Not only are the recipes a product of cultural heritage across Greece, but the food itself is a product of the local environment. As European products become easier to access, it is increasingly difficult for Greek producers to find their way into the marketplace. Relying on local production enhances economic security for towns and cities that rely on tourism, while ensuring that visitors get an authentic Greek experience. This program can also be applied to schools, public offices, universities, hospitals, and so on. The goal is to institutionalize the use of local and sustainable food products. Please visit the website: http://www.greekbreakfast.gr/en/

5.3 Food Behaviors and Food Waste In the EU, the average individual generates over 180 kg of food waste per year (EEA, 2010). Almost half of this food waste comes from households, highlighting the unsustainable ways in which individuals and families manage their food consumption. In Greece, the highest factor contributing to food wastage is disposal of cooked food and leftovers, followed by vegetables and fruits which went bad before they could be used (WWF, 2013). When the environmental impacts of food waste are added up, the results are staggering. The total greenhouse gas emissions from food waste exceed the total GHG emissions produced by 18 countries of the world’s top 20 emitters. In fact, the carbon footprint (environmental impact from CO2 emissions) of food wastage is equivalent to twice the total GHG emissions of USA road transport in 2010 (FAO, 2014).

World Resources Institute, 2012

These facts point to the growing need to consider environmental impacts at all levels of urban lifestyles – not only what we consume, but also how we consume. Therefore, actions to address consumer behavior aims at making individuals aware of the environmental impacts of their food choices, as well as providing them with the opportunity and know-how to make better, more sustainable food choices. BEST PRACTICE to reduce food waste: BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE – LATER, Tesco Supermarkets Tesco launched its Buy One, Get One Free – Later scheme in 2010. Consumers purchase a good at a discounted price (two for one), and receive their free one at a later date. The goal is to prevent people from purchasing food that goes bad before it is used, and thus reducing the amount of food that is thrown away. This is especially good for smaller households, where items go bad before their use-by date. Tesco, www.tescoplc.com

6. MOBILITY European society is strongly dependent on private car transportation. Cars remain the dominant mode of individual transportation, with over a 70% share of passenger kilometers in the EU-27 (EEA, 2010). The trend is not decreasing, as car ownership increased in the EU-27 by 35% between 1990-2007 (EC, 2009). Increased car ownership and use has tremendous negative impacts on society. High demand for car transport translates into increasing demand for resources, such as oil, raw materials, energy and land (ICLEI). All transport activities, significantly individual car use, generate emissions of GHG and particulate matter that are harmful to the environment and human health. Furthermore, city centers are areas of high traffic and congestion, especially in big metropolises with high volumes of private car users. This leads to excessive air pollution, a waste of money spent on petrol, and numerous health and quality of life impacts for citizens – not to mention an increase in unattractive sights and sounds within the city.

6.1 Environmental, Economic and Human Health Impacts Environmental Impacts Transport “gives rise to various environmental impacts including climate change, air pollution, noise pollution, resource consumption, generation of waste, and loss of biodiversity” (EEA, The European Environment, 2010). Overall, mobility accounts for 15-25% of the environmental impacts caused by consumption in the EU (JRC/IPTS, 2006).

LIFE EC4MACS, 2010

Personal mobility is “estimated to cause 20% of GHG emissions, 19% of acidifying emissions, 32% of tropospheric ozone precursors and 15% of material resource use” (EEA, The European Environment, 2010). Furthermore, total household transportation represents a significant portion of Greece’s Ecological Footprint, and private cars represent the largest contributor of the total CO2 emissions from passenger transport. This emphasizes the importance in developing policies that phase out private car transport. Decreasing use of private cars for personal mobility will greatly reduce the negative impacts of transportation on the environment. Economic Impacts Greece has the fifth highest petrol price in the world at 145p per litre. With the economic crisis, unemployment rates in Greece have lowered monthly household incomes, making the cost of petrol an extra hardship for Greek citizens. Greeks who use a car spend over 25% of their monthly income on petrol – one quarter of their monthly expenditures goes to fuel their cars for transportation. Of the ten most expensive countries for unleaded gasoline, only two countries spend a higher percentage of their income on petrol: Eritrea and Turkey. Reliance on expensive petrol is therefore another roadblock to economic security in Greece.

This is Money.co.uk

Human Health Impacts The OECD measures PM10 – ‘tiny particulate matter small enough to be inhaled into the deepest part of the lung’ – because it is known to be harmful to human health and reduce life expectancy. Fuel combustion in vehicles is a major source of PM10, and thus higher vehicle use results in higher concentrations of PM10 in the air. In Greece, PM10 levels reach 30.5 micrograms per cubic meter, making it one of the highest rates in the OECD (the average for OECD countries is 20.9 micrograms per cubic meter – OECD Better Life Index). Athens and Thessaloniki are two of the most densely populated cities in Greece, and suffer from severe air quality problems. A high percentage of residents in Metropolitan Athens and Thessaloniki are exposed to PM10 concentration levels that exceed the limit set by health organizations (myair.eu). However, areas of southern Greece, including Peloponnese, exceed the recommended daily limit of PM10, and have levels that are higher than most of European (EEA, 2010).

Source: EEA, 2010.

Green areas have PM10 levels less than or equal to the daily limit value. Red areas have PM10 levels that exceed the daily limit value.

These trends are projected to increase if cities continue to operate with business-as-usual practices. Therefore, policies must aim to manage environmental pressures and restructure Greek mobility. However, there are challenges to moving away from private cars. For many Greeks, access to public transport is limited, and cars remain the easy choice for individuals needing to move around the city. Furthermore, the most sustainable forms of transport, walking and cycling, are not given priority in plans for city development (i.e. green space, public parks, bike lanes). Therefore, this report will explore pathways for greening Greek transport.

6.2 Greening Greek Mobility In cities with cleaner transport, “public transport choices are more widely available, as well as the option of walking and cycling”. Plans to tackle transport challenges will address technological improvements (fuel efficiency and cleaner vehicles) as well as the demandoriented measures (promoting walking and cycling, and reducing the need to travel) (ICLEI). Policies must therefore aim to address the technical aspects as well as social aspects of transportation. Investment in alternatives must accompany strategies to reduce overall transport demand. There is a responsibility on government authorities to provide alternative, sustainable transport options for individuals within cities. The European Environment Agency identifies three aspects central to urban mobility policy: -avoid: reduce overall transport demand by intelligent urban and regional spatial design -shift: improve system efficiency by promoting a shift from less to more sustainable modes -improve: technological improvement of vehicles and promotion of cleaner vehicles (EEA, The European Environment, 2010)

Greece needs actions that are effective but not costly, and are easy for municipalities to implement. In ICLEI’s (International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives) 2011 report on “Strategizing sustainable urban mobility”, several policy areas were identified as being central to bringing about change in the urban mobility sector. Below are three policy areas that crucial to greening Greek transport:  Policy Area 1: Walking and cycling: This policy area includes measures that promote a mobility shift from motorized means of transport to walking and cycling In countries where cycling is very popular, the most important pro-cycling measure is the implementation of city development plans that prioritize walking and cycling. This includes infrastructure policies, such as creating pedestrian routes and bicycles paths that make it easier for people to walk or cycle in the city. Other examples include reducing maximum speeds in urban streets to 30 km/h, building bikeparking facilities, and offering cycling training to young school children (EC, 2010 / ICLEI, 2011). BEST PRACTICE to encourage cycling: CYCLOPOLIS BIKE-SHARE, Nea Smyrni, Athens, Greece The Municipality of Nea Smyrni has introduced a bike-sharing scheme to making traveling in the city “more healthy, green, cost-effective and convenient”. People can register on the website (http://neasmyrni.cyclopolis.gr) or at the bike-share stations. Once a member, simply use a credit card to pay a small fee to rent a bike, for an hour, several hours, or a day. Bike-share stations are located throughout the Municipality, and you can pick up and drop off your rented bike at different locations. Bike-sharing is an effective way to encourage sustainable modes of transport by providing travellers with alternative options. Bike-sharing is used in cities like London (Barclays Bikes) and Barcelona (Bicing).

 Policy Area 2: Demand management: Demand management policy measures will aim to create an environment that is conducive to sustainable mobility, as well as to decrease the need to travel. These will be government-wide measures that transform the nature of transportation in the city. Some examples include congestion charges; parking charges; car-sharing/carpooling. These measures either create incentives or disincentives that encourage sustainable mobility. Carpooling, for example, provides incentives such as financial savings, easier time finding parking, and less travelling time, and promotes a common goal amongst participants. BEST PRACTICE to encourage carpooling: UNIVERISTY HOSPITAL, Odense, Demark With over 8,000 employees who need to get to work on a daily basis, Odense University Hospital established a carpooling program to reduce the amount of private transport vehicles used by their staff. A ride share database was created so that employees could easily communicate with each other. Members have reserved parking spaces, and a common interest to share with co-workers. This can be easily implemented by companies of any size, either by largest scale programs such as the Odense University Hospital, or by simply suggesting carpool ideas with employees. ICLEI, 2011

Congestion charging policies are an effective way to reduce the amount of private cars in city centers. While cities like Athens do have charges for driving in the city center (license plate regulations), these policies often go unenforced. While congestion charging is an effective way to limit congestion in cities, adding charges to mobility may not be easy to implement given the financial hardships that Greek citizens are facing. Therefore, it is important to focus on positive policies – policies that reward sustainable modes of transport. For example, in the case of congestion charging, exceptions could be made for environmentally friendly vehicles. This can be done through the implementation of regulations and taxation policies that favor low emissions vehicles: cheaper parking fees, reduced toll charges, etc. for electric cars, plug-in hybrids and cars with generally low emission levels. Furthermore, it is necessary to complement congestion charges and taxes with sustainable options for travellers. Sustainable transport options should be made available to all travellers so that they do not have to rely on cars. BEST PRACTICE to reduce congestion: CENTRAL LONDON CONGESTION CHARGE, UK Congestion Charging was introduced in central London in February 2003, with the purpose of reducing congestion and raising investment funds for the city transport system. The immediate effects included a significant reduction in the number of passenger cars travelling in the city center, which has resulted in improved air quality and reduced GHG emissions. ICLEI, 2011

 Policy Area 3: Lifestyle and behavioral change: This policy area includes the promotion of sustainable transport habits and the raising of awareness. They can be community or government driven, and aim to change the way that people travel. The belief is that a car free city will benefit from a reduction in noise, pollution, congestion, and unattractive, crowded streets, as well as creating a more efficient mobility network. Furthermore, the planet will benefit from a decrease in pressures from automobile use. Here are some examples: BEST PRACTICE to reduce private car transport: WORLD CAR FREE DAY World Car Free Day encourages people around the world to give up their cars for one-day, drawing attention to alternative modes of transport while enabling communities to unite around a common issue. This effort aims at creating permanent change and ending our reliance on cars, hoping that Car Free Day will inspire people to use their cars less throughout the year. Having one-day dedicated to being car free allows people to prepare and plan for alternative modes of travel, encouraging people to think differently about how they can get around in their cities. It also forces government authorities to consider what is available to their citizens in terms of alternative transport, drawing attention to possible ways to make the city friendlier and safer for citizens who choose to not use their cars. Refer to World Carfree Network for examples of carefree activities: http://www.worldcarfree.net

BEST PRACTICE to promote sustainable mobility behaviors: RIDE TO WORK DAY, Australia In Australia, the National government has joined cities in the effort to increase bicycle ridership across the country. The city of Melbourne initiated an annual Ride To Work Day program to encourage people to commute by bicycle. The program promoted the health and cost benefits of cycling, as well as the environmental impacts – reducing carbon emissions from cars. Ride To Work Day was adopted as a national event in 2007. Since then, thousands of people and their workplaces have participated in program, and Australia records increases in bike ridership since the onset of the program. Australian National Cycling Strategy

‘FOOD FOR THOUGHT’: EUROPEAN MOBILITY WEEK (EMW) Some examples of EMW 2013 campaigns, initiatives, and activities provide insight into good practices that are being implemented by cities across Europe. -investing in municipal electric vehicles -competition between neighboring municipalities to see who has increased bus/public transport ridership -re-design of parking lots in favor of bicycle infrastructure -promote cycling by organizing bike rallies for children and families -education program for elementary schools promoting safe and sustainable transport -bike sharing scheme -eco-driving courses

7. ENERGY EFFICIENCY The most pressing impacts from energy consumption are emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere from energy-intensive activities. Greenhouse gases (GHGs) “can be emitted through transport, land clearance, and the production and consumption of food, fuels, manufactured goods, materials, wood, roads, buildings, and services” (GFN). For example, GHGs can be emitted from the fuel burned to produce goods for the final consumer, from the electricity used to heat a building, or the fuel combustion from driving a car. Carbon dioxide (CO2) accounts for the largest share of overall greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon emissions are also the largest contributor to the overall Ecological Footprint of Greece. The overall impact from carbon emissions is understood as the carbon Footprint. The carbon Footprint measures the amount of bioproductive land necessary to capture and sequester the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuel combustion.

WWF Global, Living Planet Report, 2012

7.1 Reducing Greece’s Carbon Footprint The European Union has set energy reduction objectives for member countries with the goal to move towards low-carbon economies. The EU calls for a reduction in its CO2 emissions to 20% below 1990 levels by 2020 (European Commission). Therefore, all EU-28 countries are required to use their energy more efficiently. EU Climate and Energy Targets: A 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 20% of the EU’s energy to come from renewable source by 2020 A 20% cut in energy consumption through energy efficiency by 2020

Experience from IEA (International Energy Agency) member countries, of which Greece is a part since 1976, has shown that “enhancing energy efficiency can help improve energy security in a cost-effective way. This, in turn, can help mitigate climate change and deliver economic benefits”. Furthermore, “energy efficiency can offer practical solutions to budget-constrained cities to meet their energy needs without sacrificing their development priorities. This is because energy efficient activities are generally cost-effective; that is, higher upfront investment for a more efficient system is offset by lower recurring energy costs” (ESMAP). Why try to become energy efficient? -Save money -Provide economic benefits to their residents -Reduce future energy cost risks -Comply with and improve upon clean air standards -Provide a more livable environment

For public authorities, the objective is to move their city towards clean, affordable, and green energy, establishing their city as a prominent and viable space for future growth. Preparing and implementing an energy action plan requires establishing target goals, and contrasting progress against the ‘business as usual’ forecast. This involves setting targets for energy reduction, and strategies to reaching those targets. In Greece, many Municipalities have entered into the Covenant of Mayors, with a commitment to reach or go beyond the EU policy objectives of reducing CO2 emissions by 20% by 2020. So far, 61 Municipalities have Sustainable Energy Action Plans. BEST PRACTICE: BUILDING ENERGY PERFORMANCE, Municipality of Doxato, Greece By 2015, the Municipality of Doxato is expected improve the energy performance of its buildings and its facilities. The project includes wall and ceiling insulations, installation of a central cooling unit and replacement of window frames and double glazing. There are also publicity actions to encourage households and business to participate. They estimate 10.8 MWh/a of energy savings, and a 2.91 t CO2/a reduction in CO2 emissions. Covenant of Mayors, www.covenantofmayors.eu

An important contributor to energy consumption is wasted energy. Therefore, to improve the energy efficiency of cities, households and businesses can make sure that electronics and appliances, including computers, are shut down when not in use. This can also be done by making sure that lights are turned off, and by using energy efficient lighting in buildings and throughout the city. BEST PRACTICE: EFFICIENT CITY LIGHTING, Municipality of Poseidonias, Greece The municipality has purchased photovoltaic street lights and replaced conventional lamps with energyefficient ones. The annual savings amount to 500,000 kWh and Euro45,000. The Municipalities of Oia, Amarousion, Holargos, Kallithea and Psikiko have taken similar steps. EU Green Public Procurement (GPP) Policy, EC-ITCILO, 2010

7. GREEN SPACE – Enhancing the Quality of the Urban Environment The previous sections outlined environmental impacts from resource and energy consumption, and provided examples of policies and practices that decision makers can implement to generate a green economy. In addition to consuming sustainably, the overall quality of the city environment is enhanced when people have access to public green spaces. There are large values and benefits to parks and green spaces within the urban environment. Green spaces promote healthy activities, environmental awareness, and community engagement. It is important that decision makers policy goals aimed at ‘greening’ the city. Green areas are important: -provide contact with nature, promote recovery from stress, and are beneficial for mental health -improve air quality and help reduce heat stress -encourage people to be physically active Freiburg (Best Practice Catalogue)

In Greece, 25% of people feel they lack access to green spaces or recreational areas, much more than the 12% average for OECD countries (OECD Better Life Index). Furthermore, there are many abandoned free spaces that could be used, especially in Athens. In order to upgrade the green space of a town or city, the local authorities must be committed to including park and green space provisions in public policy strategies and programs. Urban green spaces can be anything from parks and community gardens to playgrounds and sports fields. BEST PRACTICE to create green space: COMMUNITY GARDENS, Paris, France An empty, and unattractive plot of land in a residential part of Paris was transformed into a locally run community garden – Jardin Nomade (Nomadic Garden). An initiative was developed by local residents to develop the garden on the site that had been abandoned for almost ten years. Once the initiative was approved, local residents and families, as well as a professional gardener, worked together to get the garden up and running. It now serves as a meeting and event space for many different activities. Residents help to manage the garden and cultivate the vegetables, and local schools use the garden as a space for environmental education activities for the children.

Overall, the transformation of an empty plot into a community garden provides a safe place for young school children to interact and learn about sustainable practices, and encourages community members to be involved in outdoor activities. It is important to make sure that the gardens serve the goal of overall sustainability within urban environments. Therefore local authorities can encourage environmentally friendly gardening by providing information, publishing newsletters and brochures, etc.

8. CONCLUSION The policies and practices outlined in this report can encourage citizens to: • • • •

Purchase sustainable goods and services Use goods more effciently Reduce their energy consumption Live healthier and more sustainable lifestyles

Moreover, they can provide Greece with social, economic, ecological – and even political – stability that it needs to recover from its current stagnation. Government authorities are encouraged to consider the ideas in this report, and to use them in ways that are effective and appropriate for their particular locality. Transitioning towards a green economy requires commitment and attention to the long-term vision, so we encourage decision makers to keep the information and suggestions of this report in mind as they work to create more sustainable urban environments.

REFERENCES:

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Contact:

Makinzie Clark California, USA makinzieclark@gmail.com

Makinzie has a masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Environment and Sustainable Development from University College London, and an undergraduate degree in Sociology and Environmental Systems and Society from University of California Los Angeles. She has worked with leading environmental organizations, including Audubon California, Global Footprint Network, and most recently with WWF Greece. Her experience with environmental projects includes work in the United States, Europe, and South America. She is currently working for the Sacramento Sustainability Forum 2.0 in Sacramento, California, and as a freelance consultant aiming to create and preserve social, economic and environmental value.