Capitalisation by STEP PROJECT

CAPITALISATION PLAN IMPROVING COMMUNITIES’ SUSTAINABLE ENERGY POLICY TOOLS

Introduction........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1 Objectives of the Capitalisation Strategy......................................................................................................................................................... 1 Target Groups.......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Capitalisation Guidelines...................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Identification of similar projects in the field of energy efficiency strategies and policies at local level...................................................................... 3 Identification of available implementation and capitalisation channels in the region.............................................................................................. 17 Development of networks and synergies among local agents towards the settling of consolidated energy efficiency strategies........................... 18 Identification of the impacts generated by the practice and future initiatives......................................................................................................... 18 Capitalisation Tools............................................................................................................................................................................................. 19

Introduction EU member states have committed themselves to demanding climate and energy targets, the so call “20-20-20 targets”. To reach these targets, however, national and regional policies need to be deployed more efficiently at local authorities’ level. The STEP project follows this approach by focusing on fostering local level policies supporting energy efficiency. The partnership aims at reducing the energy consumption and CO2 emissions in the partner territories and increasing the rate of renewable energy sources used. In addition, partners promote regional energy self-efficiency and diversification. Partners exchanged policy practices via thematic seminars and study visits. To verify some of the practices in focus, three of the partner regions served as test ground for light pilot actions. Very importantly, STEP partners involve local authorities throughout the project’s implementation via regional policy exploitation actions. Thus the project serves as platform for the partner local and regional authorities to exchange with energy stakeholders and increase their capacity in the field of sustainable energy planning and implementation. STEP partners elaborate thematic policy practice guide in three topics: (1) Better implementation of sustainable energy policies at local level; (2) Development of sustainable energy management systems, (3) Financing tools for sustainable energy investments. The capitalisation plan must ensure the effective deployment and impact of the implementation plans. Throughout its definition the capitalisation plan must ensure its coherence with the policy guidelines defined in the previous tasks.

Objectives of the Capitalisation Strategy The main objective of the plan is to ensure the capitalisation of the project results, to ensure their continued operability, to raise awareness and to involve the largest number of stakeholders in the discussions, debates, actions and initiatives triggered by the project’s results and outcomes. These activities will always guarantee the cohesion with the project’s main objectives, policy oriented initiatives and related action from external projects. Therefore, and considering the project operational framework, the capitalisation plan will pursue the following objectives: • To identify and foster innovative approaches towards the implementation of energy efficiency strategies and identify the way they can enhance territorial development and promote jobs creation. • Identify the common challenges and features for the definition of energy efficiency strategies and their subsequent implementation. • Identify the added-value from the implementation of energy efficiency strategies to consider the economy-side impacts of increased efficiency in energy use.

â&#x20AC;˘ Identify the main requirements for the successful implementation of the regional strategies. Moreover, in order to ensure the effective implementation of the capitalisation plan, it is fundamental to set a clear framework and a common ground allowing all the interested partners to identify the scope of the action, both of the project and of its foreseen continuation. It is important, thus, that all the agents likely to get involved in the actions of the STEP project share the projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s scope and are familiar with the policy implementation guidelines so that they can facilitate the achievement of the capitalisation objectives. Another objective of the capitalisation plan is to set the guideline and the methodology for the exchange and transfer of information within the operational networks created around the project capitalisation activities.

Target Groups The capitalisation plan is intended to ensure the active involvement of all those agents expected to have an impact or to be, directly or indirectly, affected by the implementation of energy efficiency policies at local level. In this sense, a wide range of agents will be contacted and involved throughout the implementation process, ranging from policy makers, civil society representatives and members of the business community, among others. In order to identify this variegated number of target groups it will be helpful to promote the creation of a detailed stakeholder data base in which to classify these agents in terms of category and particular needs (an example of stakeholder identification matrix can be found in table 1). To ensure the involvement of the major number of actors it is necessary to identify the channels through which they will be approached and the necessary tools to raise awareness amongst them. These tools and channels will be identified and described in the following chapters and will need to be coherent with the communication strategies implemented throughout the implementation of the project. Region-specific channels and tools will be selected taking into account the specific requirements and conditions observed in each region. The knowledge of the local scenario and the availability of communication channels will be important to trigger the development of capitalisation actions. Moreover, these tools will be enhanced by an intensive involvement of the identified actors and will be flexible enough as to allow their regular update.

Table 1 - Stakeholder matrix

EXAMPLE

Stakeholder Category & Basic Characteristics

Ministry of ENERGY (central government, elected representatives)

Political, Industrial or Social stakeholder (and level of influence on the project -HIGH/MEDIUM/ LOW-)

POLITICAL STAKEHOLDERS (HIGH)

Interests and how Affected by STEP Project

Capacity and Motivation to Bring About Change

Possible Actions to Address Stakeholders Interests

• Raise their • Political Influence awareness through • Decision-making conferences, public • Develop ENERGY policies and power consultation, interventions • Financial resources articles and • Manage / Implement Horizontal publications, • Limited motivation Operational Programmes (co-funded by bilateral meetings to change due to the Structural Funds under NSRF) that etc. NSRF inflexibilities include measures for the development (difficulties in • Mobilize citizens of energy efficiency changing the and business content of already representatives to approved plans) influence them

Capitalisation Guidelines Capitalisation actions require a common guiding principle that must be applied to all the actions proposed within the framework of this plan. The different steps to be conducted are organised according to the following phases: (1) Identification and analysis of existing policies and initiatives in the field of energy efficiency policies at local level that will support the implementation of the STEP strategies. (2) Identification of the implementation and capitalisation channels available in each region in order to guarantee a visual impact of the practices. (3) Establishment and creation of networks and synergies among local agents towards the settling of consolidated energy efficiency strategies. (4) Identification of the impacts generated by the practice and future initiatives. Identification of similar projects in the field of energy efficiency strategies and policies at local level To ensure the most optimal impact of the implemented strategy and to take profit of previous efforts conducted in the same direction, it is necessary to identify those initiatives with which it will be possible to create synergies. The following tables show relevant and summarised information on projects and initiatives that might be of interest for the STEP project (some of them previously identified in the course of the project implementation).

Name of the initiative / project Deliverable(s) or output(s) that constitute the core good practice(s) of the initiative / project

COVENANT OF MAYORS In order to translate their political commitment into concrete measures and projects, Covenant signatories notably undertake to prepare a Baseline Emission Inventory and submit, within the year following their signature, a Sustainable Energy Action Plan outlining the key actions they plan to undertake. Beyond energy savings, the results of signatories’ actions are manifold: creation of skilled and stable jobs, not subject to delocalisation; healthier environment and quality of life; enhanced economic competitiveness and greater energy independence. These actions serve as examples for others to follow, notably through referring to the “Benchmarks of Excellence”, a database of best practices submitted by Covenant signatories. The Catalogue of Sustainable Energy Action Plans is another such unique source of inspiration, as it shows at a glance the ambitious objectives set by other signatories and the key measures they have identified to reach them. The Covenant of Mayors represents a commitment by towns and cities across Europe to reduce their CO2 emissions beyond the EU’s 20% by 2020 target.

Project rationale

The Covenant requires participants to draft and implement their own unique Sustainable Energy Action Plan (SEAP), which will act as blueprints for a more eco-friendly and sustainable town or city. These Action Plans must be operational within the year that the cities sign, and will be continually monitored by the European Commission to ensure they are delivering on their promises. Any city that does not carry-out this commitment will be excluded from further participation. Launched in 2008, the Covenant has gone from strength to strength and has attracted more than 500 cities to join. This rapid expansion means that no less than 80 million citizens across Europe are now part of the initiative.

Project essentials

STEP 1: Signature of the Covenant of Mayors Creation of adequate administrative structures Baseline Emission Inventory & SEAP development. STEP 2: Sustainable Energy Action Plan submission Implementation of your Sustainable Energy Action Plan Monitoring progress. STEP 3 : Regular submission of implementation reports.

Good practice features

Identification of the support mechanisms for energy efficiency policy implementation. Identification and transferability of good practices. Transformation of political commitment into key actions. Mobilisation of a wide range of local and regional actors. Multiplicity of agents and sectors involved. Establishment of cooperation mechanisms among policy agents. The Helpdesk is the primary interface between local authorities and the Covenant of Mayors Office. It responds to general enquiries about the initiative and assists signatories through the signing process.: +32 2 504 7862 Helpdesk Italy: +39 075 85 07 965

Contact persons/ institutions

Helpdesk Germany-Austria: +49 69 7171 39 27 Covenant Coordinators& Energy Agencies: +32 2 646 7316 / +39 011 19 45 66 77 Media Desk: +32 2 552 0851

Name of the project CONCERTO Deliverable(s) or output(s) that constitute the core good practice(s) of the project

CONCERTO demonstrates implemented examples of: • innovative technologies that are ready to be applied • the use of renewable energies sources for cities • energy efficiency measures • sustainable building and district development • economic assessments • affordable energy • energy transparency for citizens The CONCERTO initiative, launched by the European Commission, is a Europe wide initiative proactively addressing the challenges of creating a more sustainable future for Europe’s energy needs. Today, there are a total of 45 communities in 18 projects, each working to deliver the highest possible level of self-supply of energy. CONCERTO is part of the framework research programme supervised by the DG Energy and Transport of the European Commission. CONCERTO supports local communities, as clearly defined geographical areas or zones, in developing and demonstrating concrete strategies and actions that are both sustainable and highly energy efficient. Interactions and relevant energy flows between centralised and decentralised energy supplies and demands can be identified, measured and assessed.

Project rationale

The CONCERTO initiative has been only possible as a result of the strong commitment from the relevant, local authorities and includes technical experts, academics, and private companies from across Europe. Throughout the 18 participating CONCERTO projects the focus is primarily on demonstrating the environmental, economic and social benefits of integrating renewable energy sources (RES) together with energy efficiency (EE) techniques through a sustainable energy-management system operated on a community level. The CONCERTO initiative provides a platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences between the 45 CONCERTO demonstration communities, and other cities that are committed to introducing similar strategies. Communities participating will benefit from the shared expertise of Europe’s most advanced communities, active in the field of energy sustainability.

Project essentials

CONCERTO is a European Commission initiative within the European Research Framework Programme (FP6 and FP7). Responding to the facts that buildings account for 40 % of total energy consumption in the Union, for 33% of CO2 emissions and that 70% of the EU’s energy consumption and a similar share of GHG emission take place in cities, with a huge untapped potential for cost-effective energy savings, it aims to demonstrate that the energy-optimisation of districts and communities as a whole is more cost-effective than optimising each building individually, if all relevant stakeholders work together and integrate different energy-technologies in a smart way. The EU initiative under of the European Commission’s Directorate General for Energy started in 2005 and has co-funded with more than 175 Million € 58 cities and communities in 22 projects in 23 countries. The CONCERTO initiative proves that if given the right planning, cities and communities can be transformed into pioneers in energy efficiency and sustainability. The results so far have been very encouraging: CONCERTO cities and communities have shown that existing buildings can cut their CO2 emissions, at acceptable costs, by up to 50%. CONCERTO does this by implementing renewable energy sources, innovative technologies and an integrated approach. The 58 CONCERTO cities and communities integrate innovative energy efficiency measures with a substantial contribution from local renewable energy sources (RES), smart grids, renewable-based cogeneration, district heating/ cooling systems and energy management systems in larger building settlements. These sets of innovative technologies and measures are optimised locally in order to take into account the specific characteristics and possibilities of the local site, climate and cultural differences or local political aspects. CONCERTO cities and communities demonstrate role-models towards zero energy communities. The experiences and technology performance data from the CONCERTO sites have been thoroughly gathered and analysed in the meta-projects CONCERTO Plus and CONCERTO Premium. The results are made available on this website; in reports and via the interactive technical monitoring database with intelligent inquiry facility. Recommendations for practitioners and policy makers based on the lessons learned in CONCERTO are particularly relevant for the Smart Cities and Communities European Innovation Partnership, which addresses the challenge of making entire cities energy-smart.

Good practice features

- - - -

Contact persons/ institutions

Dr. Petra Püchner puechner@steinbeis-europa.de Valerie Bahr bahr@steinbeis-europa.de Dissemination Charlotte Schlickeç schlicke@steinbeis-europa.de

Use of an integrated approach towards energy efficiency. Implementation of local and regional strategies based on accurate planning. Integration of technological, economic and technological instruments in local planning. Use of demonstrative role models.

Name of the project

SF – ENERGY INVEST - Collaborative Actions for Triggering Investments in Sustainable Energy Actions using Regional and Structural Funds

• Increase of awareness in the EU on the benefits of fully realising the funding potential that SCF offer for sustainable Deliverable(s) or output(s) that constitute the core good practice(s) of the project

energy investments, as well as the importance of these investments for economic development, through the mobilisation campaigns in 9 regions, in particular those linked to the Covenant of Mayors. • Providing a clear set of recommendations in using energy-related Operational Programmes under SCF, their eligibility criteria, administrative processes and decision making procedures. • Innovative financing schemes particularly addressing the pre-financing and co-financing of projects under SCF. • Creating a framework for exchange of information and experience through the 9 mobilisation campaigns, international events, panel discussion and workshops, bringing together stakeholders from all fields. • Providing practical recommendations to improve the framework conditions and practical implementation of SCF programmes in the upcoming period 2014 – 2020, targeting DG REGIO and DG ENER as well as stakeholders in member states with a focus on the Managing Authorities.

Project rationale

The Structural and Cohesion Funds (SCF) represent a huge potential for funding the implementation of sustainable energy action plans in regions and cities. However, results from the former projects dealing with the use of structural funds for sustainable energy projects have identified several barriers for using SCF to fund sustainable energy project. The SF-Energy Invest project is set-up to tackle these barriers, with the aim to increase the share of SCF money that is spent on sustainable energy within the final phase of the programming period 2007-2013. Target groups include the potential beneficiaries under energy-related Operational Programmes of SCF, in particular municipalities participating in the Covenant of Mayors. Also, the managing authorities of the Structural and Cohesion Funds play an important role, as well as other stakeholders such as banks. On the one hand the project will provide practical support in the development of SCF project proposals in pilot regions and on the other hand will increase awareness through EU mobilisation campaigns. In addition, the project will identify recommendations for the upcoming SCF programming period 2014-2020.

Project essentials

Increase of the share of SCF money that is spent on sustainable energy within the final phase of the programming period 2007-2013, as well as increase of the share of the total budget allocated to RE and EE in the SCF programming period 2014-2020.

Good practice features Contact persons/ institutions

• The project already gathered information on the suitable operational programmes in the selected countries for investing in the RES and EE fields

• The project team has reached managing authorities and projects developers to contribute to the development of recommendations.

Mr. Sliman Abu Amara NLAgency, Netherlands E-mail: amara@senternovem.nl

Name of the project ManagEnergy Deliverable(s) or output(s) that constitute the core good practice(s) of the project

Launched in 2002, the ManagEnergy initiative supports the work of actors working on energy efficiency and renewable energies at the local and regional level. ManagEnergy provides training, workshops and online events targeting energy professionals and managers of energy agencies. ManagEnergy also offers free internet broadcast facilities including more than 1000 individual video presentations, speeches and interviews on topical energy matters. Since 2005, ManagEnergy has placed an increasing emphasis on education. For example, the Kids Corner website features energy and transport pages including games, downloads, animations, videos, statistics, photos and other teaching resources aimed at 7-11 year olds, 12-16 year olds and their teachers in 23 languages.

Project rationale

ManagEnergy is a technical support initiative of the Intelligent Energy - Europe (IEE) programme of the European Commission which aims to assist actors from the public sector and their advisers working on energy efficiency and renewable energy at the local and regional level.

Project essentials

ManagEnergy organises workshops and meetings for local and regional energy actors, where those responsible for drafting sustainable energy action plans, or for implementing and financing such plans, can learn from experienced professionals. These are organised on a regional basis to meet the most important needs of participants and to take into account specific energy related and cultural issues, as well as local languages. Presentations, publications and resources are available to download after events.

Good practice features

• Important tool for promoting interregional collaboration and cooperation. • Identification of financing opportunities for the development of energy efficient policies at local and regional level. • Significant data base of stakeholders related to the definition of regional and local energy strategies. • Valuable tool for best practices exchange and transferability.

Contact persons/ institutions

http://www.managenergy.net/contact_requests/new

Name of the project CO2FREE - Cooperating 2 Foster Renewables and Energy Efficiency

Deliverable(s) or output(s) that constitute the core good practice(s) of the project

CO2FREE (Cooperating 2 Foster Renewables and Energy Efficiency) tries to address the problem of climate change. Aware of this CO2FREE partnership is translating good practices into regional Action Plans (APs) implemented under the Operational Programmes (OPs) of the EU Structural Funds (Objective 1 & 2 OPs) in each region; to get political commitment that regional APs will be implemented; to involve regional and local actors in the AP preparation and to disseminate project information at local, regional, national and EU level. The 10 Good Practices shared within the project are: (1) North Karelia Bioenergy Programme, (2) Green ICT in Västernorrland, (3) San Sebastián’s Best Energy project, (4) Donegal’s Wood-burning systems installation in public buildings, Non-Food use of crops and Wind Turbine training programmes, (5) Carinthia’s “Lebensland Kärnten” sustainable transport project, (6) Avila’s Intelligent Energy Europe project “Probio”.

Project rationale

CO2FREE stems from the need identified by the partner regions to address the problem of climate change and the dependency on fossil fuels, and to seek ICT-based solutions for energy challenges and new approaches to make transport more sustainable; the partners have decided to tackle these issues through the exchange of good practices and their transfer into their Regional Operational Programmes. The partnership has emerged from the ERNACT network, which has an established track record in developing and implementing Knowledge Economy solutions in a regional context, and 5 of the CO2FREE partners (ERNACT EEIG, Donegal, Derry, ALAV and ARDI) had successfully implemented a previous Capitalisation project -PIKE-. The remaining 5 partners (San Sebastian, North Karelia, Carinthia, West Romania and Avila) all have important good practices to share in the energy efficiency and sustainable transport themes and have previously worked with some of the ERNACT and/or CO2FREE partners.

Project essentials

Sub-objectives are: To translate the best practices mastered by the CO2FREE partnership into regional Action Plans (APs) to be implemented under the Operational Programmes (OPs) of the EU SF (Objective 1 and 2 OPs) in each region 2. To have political commitment those regional APs will be actually implemented, both from the regional stakeholders and the Managing Authorities of the OP. 3. To involve regional and local stakeholders in the preparation of regional APs 4. To disseminate information about the project, its objectives, the approach, results and lessons learned to a large audience at local, regional, national and EU level. Each participating region will develop an AP to transfer the GPs into their mainstream SF programmes. Main activities will consist of Selection of the GPs (GP Transfer Pack, GP Transfer Workshop); Adaptation of GPs (Study visits, GP transfer roadmaps, Thematic seminars) and Commitment to implement the GPs (Local meetings with MA, presentations to regional OP Monitoring Committees, AP development and regional AP launches).

Good practice features

Provide the regional and local authorities specific instruments to address the challenge of energy efficiency and sustainable transport, by jointly developing Action Plans in close cooperation with regional stakeholders, to be implemented by making use of mainstream Obj. 1 and 2 Structural Funds (SF) available in each participating region

Contact persons/ institutions

European Regions Network for the Application of Communications Technology, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal +353749168212 caitriona.strain@ernact.eu

Name of the project

Regions4GreenGrowth (R4GG) - Regional policy instruments and approaches for improving access to finance and speeding up investments in sustainable energy.

Deliverable(s) or output(s) that constitute the core good practice(s) of the project

Regions4GreenGrowth is an initiative of EU regions who have defined high sustainable energy ambitions and now encounter this obstacle. The overall objective of the project is to equip these regions with regional policy instruments, mechanisms and approaches to improve access to finance for and speed up investments in sustainable energy projects (e.g. renewable energy generation capacity, energy efficiency measures) in their territories.

Project rationale

Project activities include the collection and documenting of effective policy instruments in this field from partners and other actors. During Peer Reviews the partners will tackle the specific challenges of each partner region and present them with tailor made packages of policies and instruments to speed up sustainable energy investments. And a specific method for creating a public-private cooperation structure for investments in sustainable energy, developed by Flevoland, will be passed on to the partners in a Master Classes series and implemented in 3 partner regions. Project achievements will be documented in a Guide on methods and implemented Good Practice and widely disseminated.

Project essentials

The Regions4GreenGrowth project aims to boost investments in sustainable energy by exchanging experiences between the 15 partners. During the first semester of the project all activities related to management, communication and the content were started up. The partners collected and described 18 good practices. The project works with the so called peer review methodology. During a peer review, a host region is visited by a team of experts from other regions to assess the regional situation on a specific topic. After the study visit, the peer team delivers an advice to the region. This semester, the peer review methodology was adapted to the topic of the project; how to stimulate investments in sustainable energy. During the first peer review workshop in Rome the methodology was explained and discussed with the partners and the first 3 peer reviews (Valencia, V채sternorrland and Noord-Brabant) were prepared in groups.

Good practice features

n/a

Contact persons/ institutions

Province of Flevoland, Lelystad +31320265474 bob.pels@flevoland.nl

Name of the project GREEN PARTNERSHIPS – Local Partnerships for Greener Cities and Regions Deliverable(s) or output(s) that constitute the core good practice(s) of the project

The project is addressing the contribution of local communities to the achievement of the objective for EU’s decarbonisation. The EU targets for ensuring security of efficient energy supply are transferred to the national and local level. In municipalities, the local public authorities are responsible for setting up their frameworks for efficient energy management by taking into account local potentials for sustainable development. Project’s aim is to support local administrations to overcome existing obstacles and effectively implement the set measures on the way to energy efficient cities and regions. Sustainable solutions will be implemented by creating local partnerships between owners, suppliers and final users of these initiatives. The project is addressing the priority axis 2, the objective 2.2 of the MED programme, addressing the specific objective of the targeted call aimed at promoting innovative renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions for smart Mediterranean cities. The main objective of the project is to strengthen the implementation of local public policies and strategies related to energy efficiency for sustainable local and regional development of the MED cities and local communities by:

• developing a joint innovative approach including the development, promotion and testing of operational recommendations for overcoming the existing difficulties faced by local public authorities and

• enhancing cooperation of stakeholders in implementing energy efficiency measures by creating local partnerships. Project rationale

The specific objectives of the project are: a. to identify optimal solutions to overcome existing obstacles and find ways for more efficiently implementing the existing measures defined by energy efficiency strategies in local communities on the basis of analysis of existing solutions (including definition of quality requirements, energy management schemes, administrative barriers), which will result in energy savings up to 40 % in public facilities. b. to improve knowledge and competences for better energy management in local public administrations (cities and municipalities) concerning standards, quality requirements and technical aspects, and establish mechanisms for transfer of knowledge and experience within local communities, between participating partners and beyond. c. to mobilize and consult final users and increase cooperation with stakeholders by establishing local partnerships, forming a new integrative approach to energy efficiency in local communities, ensuring wide support and consensus for the implementation of local energy strategies as well as adequate and efficient use of available technologies.

Local communities are key actors in addressing and implementing the goals for increased Energy Efficiency (EE) and promotion of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) which are contributing to achieving the 20/20/20 targets set by the EU. MED cities and regions have prepared their local energy strategies and action plans, but they are facing several obstacles hindering their efficient implementation. Obstacles include process and technological knowledge: lack of capacities regarding technical knowledge and standards for selecting the leading technological options and defining stricter public procurements rules, administrative and legislative barriers, lack of innovative financing options and lack of cooperation with stakeholders which would support decision-making and implementation of selected measures. Green Partnerships will connect cities and regions from 11 MED countries that will overcome the listed obstacles by establishing a common transnational approach with focus on creating local partnerships which will contribute to more efficient implementation of innovative EE and RES solutions leading to sustainable local and regional development. Local partnerships will connect stakeholders affected by a certain EE measure, from the owner to suppliers, potential investors, employees and final users. They will share their proposals and actively take part in their implementation. Project essentials

Thus long-term basis will be formed for innovative solutions based on local potentials and improved behaviour patterns leading to EE. The approach will be tested at the local level and described in the Step-by-Step Guide for efficient implementation of local energy strategies by forming local partnerships. By connecting public organizations, Local Action Groups will be formed and their capacity for setting the targets and increasing cooperation with stakeholders will be supported through several workshops and training materials. The Local Action Groups will thus be empowered to operate in line with the new approach. The project activities will result in improved public policy related to EE in participating cities and regions, new investments and energy savings of up to 40 % in public facilities, increased capacity of public organizations and longterm cooperation of local partnerships for energy efficient solutions. Sustainability and transferability will be assured with financing of the investment proposals at the local level, with transfer of the operational recommendations in the Step-by-Step Guide to other MED and EU local communities, including signatories of the Covenant of Mayors, and with further functioning of the established networks for knowledge transfer at the transnational, regional and local level.

Good practice features

• Important dissemination efforts and mobilisation of local actors. • Raising awareness among local representatives. • Creation of social networks. • Capacity building activities. • Holistic approach towards energy solutions. Veronika Valentar veronika.valentar@kmetijski-zavod.si

Contact persons/ institutions

Project manager KGZS – Zavod Maribor Vinarska 14 2000 Maribor, Slovenia Tel: +386 (0)2 228 49 16

Name of the project SERPENTE Deliverable(s) or output(s) that constitute the core good practice(s) of the project

SERPENTE’s overall objective is to improve energy efficiency in different typologies of publicly owned or managed buildings through improved public policies. In this way SERPENTE contributes to the objectives of Lisbon, Gothenburg and Europe 2020 Strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. It fits into the context of the priorities of Energy 2020 - A strategy for competitive, sustainable and secure energy, which refers to the stock of public buildings and to the necessity to exploit all available opportunities, including those offered by EU Regional policy to improve energy efficiency and autonomy of buildings.

Project rationale

10% of possible energy savings to be made by 2020 could result from application of existing legislation in the transport, heat production and building sectors. Energy consumption in buildings represents around 40% of total final energy use in Europe. The European Union is in a situation whereby reduction of harmful emissions and efficient use of resources are key to ensuring long term sustainable development. In addition to current questions about energy security and nuclear energy, the EU must consider how to invest in initiatives that mitigate against climate change. SERPENTE focuses on this question, as defined by the overall INTERREG IVC objective on Environment and Risk Prevention and to the sub priority on energy and sustainable transport. Problems in energy saving vary between historical buildings, outdated, non-ecologically friendly buildings built from the 2nd world war till the 70’s, modern buildings expected to be built with sustainable technologies built from the 1990’s onwards. According to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, energy performance of existing buildings must be improved through major renovations according to minimum national requirements and installation of high-efficiency alternatives.

• To promote theoretical understanding and practical application of energy efficiency initiatives, both directly in public buildings and as a multiplier effect to end users;

• To promote responsible energy consumption among public building users (public administration employees,

Project essentials

Good practice features

residents in social houses, public facilities users, students), through regional level information and participation actions; • To foster proactive involvement of local stakeholders in public policy, through involvement in Regional Focus groups and interregional exchange; • To promote energy and economic savings at public authority level, thus assuring a multiplier effect to the private sector, through intense dissemination of project results and of information of potential savings and added value; • To identify good practices related to energy efficiency in public buildings and USE them to define implementation strategies at local/regional level, through in-depth exchange among 10 European regions; • To design and implement pilot actions, which test good practices (GP) with a view to integrating and improving implementation strategies, through integrated application of selected aspects of GPs in a selected number of publicly owned/managed building covering the 5 selected building typologies (dealt with in sub-groups); • To develop and disseminate a common manual to be shared with local authorities to enhance energy performance of publicly owned/managed buildings, which includes 1 theoretical (based on Context Analysis and Exchange) and 1 implementation chapter (based on practical pilot actions results). • Integrative approach of a specific energy efficiency measure at local level • Involvement of multiple actors in the definition of policy solutions • Multiplier effect of the initiative • Deep exchange of practices and initiatives

Contact persons/ institutions

ARAEN – Abruzzo Regional Energy Agency Region Antonio Sorgi – Director Iris Flacco – Coordinator ErcoleCauti – Effect Project Manager Email: pm.effect@fira.it

Name of the project EnergyCities – The European Association of Local Authorities in Energy Transition Deliverable(s) or output(s) that constitute the core good practice(s) of the project

Project rationale

Energy Cities is the European Association of local authorities in energy transition From 2013 to 2015, Energy Cities is under the Presidency of the City of Heidelberg (DE)with a Board of Directors of 11 European cities. The association created in 1990 represents now more than 1,000 towns and cities in 30 countries. Energy Cities’ premises are located in Brussels (BE) and Besançon (FR).

• To strengthen your role and skills in the field of sustainable energy. • To represent your interests and influence the policies and proposals made by European Union institutions in the fields of energy, environmental protection and urban policy.

• To develop and promote your initiatives through exchange of experiences, the transfer of know-how and the implementation of joint projects.

Project essentials

In 2012, Energy Cities initiated a process aimed at making and debating proposals for accelerating the energy transition of European cities and towns. These proposals are based on innovative approaches, new ideas and groundbreaking practices. They provide practical answers and link today’s action to the long-term vision of a low energy city with a high quality of life for all.

Good practice features

n/a

Contact persons/ institutions

Project

Name of the project MED-DESIRE Deliverable(s) or output(s) that constitute the core good practice(s) of the project

• Benchmarking of national/regional policies and programmes focused on solar energy and energy efficiency. • Analysis of current certification procedures for solar energy technologies in MPC and EU regions. • Elaboration of recommendations and action plans for improving legislative and regulatory frameworks. • Capacity building initiatives for solar energy technicians and professionals to ensure the quality of components and installations. • Training sessions for policy-makers in charge of solar energy regulation. • Elaboration of innovative financial and market stimulus instruments.

Project rationale

Solar technology markets have experienced a steady growth in the last decade on the northern shore of the Mediterranean basin while the situation is still at a premature stage in Southern Partner Countries. Notwithstanding the shared political commitment and a common recognition of the huge solar potential of the Mediterranean region, some barriers to solar energy deployment and diffusion persist. These include amongst others weak institutional frameworks, lack of competence of energy practitioners, need of dedicated financial instruments, inadequate perception on the benefits of solar energy investments, subsidized prices of electricity produced by fossil fuel plants and technical issues (such as the quality of equipments and installations). MED-DESIRE main priority is to achieve tangible results on these challenges, removing barriers related to the legal, regulatory, economic and organizational framework of distributed solar energy technologies.

Project essentials

To facilitate the take up of distributed solar energy and energy efficiency in the target regions, by achieving an effective cross-border cooperation and by raising public awareness on the related benefits for the environment and for sustainable local development.

Good practice features

• Strengthened capacity of public administrations and regional institutions. • Higher and more diffused competences of local technicians and professionals, facilitating the removal of the main technical barriers for distributed solar technology. • Innovative tailored financial mechanisms and market stimulation instruments designed to support the widespread diffusion of solar energy technologies. • Strengthened participatory approaches and increased awareness among public and private local stakeholders. • A wide consensus achieved amongst public and private key stakeholders on the central role of renewable energies for sustainable development and environmental protection. • A cooperation framework established among providers of energy technologies and services in EU Mediterranean Countries and Mediterranean Partner Countries (MPC) to foster the development of a sustainable common energy market.

Contact persons/ institutions

Francesco Clarizio Officer, Puglia Region f.clarizio@regione.puglia.it +39 080.540.5971

Name of the project Pro for Biomed

Deliverable(s) or output(s) that constitute the core good practice(s) of the project

Project rationale

• Assessment of the forest biomass available for energy production in a social, economic and environmental sustainable way in MED regions. • Transfer and adoption of know-how on sustainable forest management including forest biomass production chains and its use as an energy source. • Improvement of the rural areas governance, development of clusters and agreements between public and private actors in 10 MED regions and the implementation of polices for the development of renewable energies. • Development of a model of public support to sustainable forest management and biomass production. • Identification of financing mechanisms for public and private investments. • Increase of incomes for forest owners through the biomass production chain reducing risks and improving the conservation status. • Creation of new economic opportunities. At the last decade the use of biomass as an energy source for heat and electricity production has been growing on industrial field, and decreasing at the level of the domestic uses. The Directive 2009/28/EC sets the goal of 31,0% for the share of renewables in final gross energy consumption, implying an increase of 11,3% over the value recorded in the base year 2005, which was 19,8%. At present, more than 40% of the electricity produced in region is based on the use of RES and around 20% of the final energy consumption is achieved with the use of renewable energy. The project will focus on the current weak points that prevent forestry biomass to be relevant for a sustainable development of territories, developing technical issues, supporting tools and policies, involving all stakeholders and creating structures that support the cooperation between public and private actors. On the other hand, it will develop pilot experiences on 13 topics, trying to reinforce the cooperation among stakeholders and serving as demonstration and transfer tools of know-how on technical and management issues.

Project essentials

To promote renewable energies in Mediterranean regions by developing an integrated strategy for the use of the forest biomass as a renewable energy source, recovering the forest biomass potential, developing the fundamental technical and legal aspects and promoting the use of forestry biomass for energy through the involvement of the key stakeholders in a forestry biomass production chain that takes into account sustainability and compatibility with other uses in Mediterranean forests and provides new economic opportunities in rural areas.

Good practice features

• Strengthened capacity of public administrations and regional institutions. • Strengthen the involvement of key stakeholders in the Biomass Energy Development. • Innovative tailored financial mechanisms and market stimulation instruments designed to support the widespread diffusion of Biomass energy technologies. • Strengthened participatory approaches and increased awareness among public and private local stakeholders. • A cooperation framework established among providers of energy technologies and services in EU Mediterranean Countries and Mediterranean Partner Countries (MPC) to foster the development of a sustainable common energy market.

Contact persons/ institutions

General Directorate of the Environment (DGMA) of the Region of Murcia Roque Pérez Palazón palazon.roque@carm.es

Identification of available implementation and capitalisation channels in the region The capitalisation plan must guarantee that the implemented strategy does have the expected impact so as to improve the present conditions and influence further policy initiatives and decisions. To achieve this objective it is important to ensure the involvement of a wide range of stakeholders and the effective dissemination of the implementation results. To guarantee the success of the process it is important to identify the most valuable channels to disseminate the information, both to the final implementers as well as to those affected by their implementation (civil society in general). A combination of traditional and more specific channels will be used to guarantee the capitalisation of the practice implementation: Website Description: The aim of the project’s website is to be the main source of information able to ensure the project largest visibility. In this sense, the project website will continue to represent a fundamental element for the communication and dissemination of the project future developments. Moreover, the website and related social media profiles of the implementing authority will play a fundamental role in providing information on the newly implemented practices and their impact. Capitalisation: The project website, together with the communication channels of the implementing authority, will be used to inform affected agents (civil society, political institutions, etc) of the practice impact and will serve as a valuable tool for the engagement of external actors in the definition and update of the strategy. How: • Provide information on the implementation process and its impact on the different sectors of society. • Increase the visibility of the actions. • Facilitate the benchmarking of innovative policies and practices that might support the implementation strategy. • Allow for the direct participation of external agents. Local Dissemination Point Description: In order to more suitably capitalise the project’s activities and outputs, the implementing authority in charge of the best practice will be responsible for the effective communication and dissemination of its activities and achievements. Capitalisation: To do this, the abovementioned public authority will disseminate, communicate and inform about the activities and impact of the practice to all its relevant contacts and making use of its regular activities. How: • Fostering the involvement of local agents in the definition of the implementation process. • Organisation of information events, round tables and workshops to introduce the implemented strategy. • Trigger institutional support by making use of its network of contacts. • Establish interdepartmental dialogue to integrate the different views in the implementation process. • Formal meetings with regional policy makers.

Policy papers Description: Common policy papers will be prepared and distributed following the implementation process and offering updated information and guidance for the in the guidelines and in reference with the implementation practices. The formulation of policy papers will ensure a starting point for the development of the legislative framework that might be required. Capitalisation: Policy papers will be distributed among those policy makers and social agents directly, and indirectly, related to the implementation of energy efficiency actions. These policy papers will be both intended to secure the political commitment and the institutional support of related authorities. How: • Publication of strategy priorities and policy implementation process. • Distribution of the policy papers among responsible public authorities. Capacity Building Description: In order to ensure the proper deployment of the practice it is important to ensure the willingness and the capacity of civil society agents to take a hands-on approach. The training and information seminars will allow cutting down cultural and normative barriers that can delay the implementation of energy efficient solutions. Capitalisation: Organisation of capacity building activities providing the technical knowledge and capacities to the market agents to effectively implement the practice. How: • Organisation of capacity building actions. • Meetings and informational sessions with market and civil society agents. • Distribution of informational material to the sector representatives. Development of networks and synergies among local agents towards the settling of consolidated energy efficiency strategies The main objective of the networking activities is to analyse and replicate the impact of policy strategies in other regions and to update existing strategies with valuable external inputs. The actions conceived to generate such interactions will include formal and informal activities such as conferences, seminars, workshops, or regular meeting between policy representatives. Thematic networking activities will also be promoted among different sectors agents to better identify and cope with their specific needs. These thematic activities will be designed to improve the exchange of information and knowledge across national and international boundaries. Identification of the impacts generated by the practice and future initiatives Part of the capitalisation strategy responsibilities is to identify the impact that it has generated and how it has contributed to the effective implementation of the practices. Setting initial goals for the capitalisation process will be fundamental for the regular monitoring of the

capitalisation plan. In the table below are listed the main objectives of the capitalisation plan:

Expected impacts

Output

Indicator

Monitoring and identification of dissemination actions on the implemented practice / strategy;

List of identified dissemination action

Number of actions identified

Number of policy briefs and policy papers in areas related with the implemented strategy

List of policy briefs and papers

Number of policy briefs and papers

Development and implementation of capacity building actions

List of capacity building actions

Number of capacity building initiatives

Promotion of synergies between projects through the implementation of common activities;

Implementation of common activities

Number of common activities implemented

Dissemination of the results achieved and maintenance of networks for the capitalisation of the results after the project conclusion

Set of activities realized that are not Number of new activities developed included in the full application form

Capitalisation Tools The outputs, directly or indirectly, generated by the project will be used by the partners as capitalisation tools. In this sense, it is intended that every project deliverable (based on its specific nature) will trigger the development of capitalisation activities. A description of how this will be achieved is provided below: Networking conferences Description: The aim of the networking conferences is to communicate the project objectives and results of the project. Related to capitalisation activities, there are planned two different conferences. Capitalisation: Both conferences will be an opportunity for discussion and exchange of results obtained from similar projects, and at the same time, it represents a starting point for the design of future initiatives. The expected result is the identification of best practices, dissemination of results and creation of new synergies for future projects. The Conference on solar energy topic allows the creation of a shared space to discuss the experiences and results of each project in order to identify best practices and to create synergies between projects and stakeholders involved.

How: • Participation in sector-related conferences and events. • Meetings with representatives of external projects related to the field of activity of the project. Guidelines Description: Implementation of the capitalisation guidelines forthe development of integrated strategies for energy efficiency by local authorities following the suggestions of the project partners and representatives of the public organisms implementing the abovementioned strategies. This guideline, based on the best practices identified in the project will deal with all the organisational, technical and legal issues influencing the implementation of such strategies. Capitalisation: The guideline for the implementation of best practices and their integration within the local strategies for energy efficiency. These practices will be consolidated within the target regions and must be the result of a tailor made effort of adaptation of the practices to the specific characteristics of each region. How: • Meetings with representatives of the policy-responsible institutions in charge of the practices and strategy implementation. • Meetings with representatives of the economic and social groups that will be affected by the implementation of the practices. • Identification with the previous agents of the peculiarities and characteristics of each region with the purpose of ensuring the practices transferability and impact. Monitoring Recommendations Description: Following the recommendations set in the guidelines and the implementation of the practices, a monitoring process could be undertaken by the responsible agents so as to ensure the applicability and the impact of the practices in each location. The monitoring process would be intended to create a more informed implementation of the strategies and a better adaptation to the local conditions. This process would be responsible for evaluating the impact generated by the implemented practice in relation to the efforts invested.

STEP PROJECT. INTERREG IVC