IN ACTION 2022 SUSTAINABLE REGIONS - A unique collection of projects and activities implemented by the FEDARENE office and its Member Regions and ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
SUSTAINABLE REGIONS
IN ACTION 2022
A unique collection of projects and activities
implemented by the FEDARENE office and its
Member Regions and Energy Agencies.
01
TABLE OF CONTENTS WORD OF THE PRESIDENT
JULIJE DOMAC
01
T
Word of the President his year again was a challenging one
for Europe and the world. Concerning
the FEDARENE network, we were not
02 able to meet as much as we’d want to,
nor celebrate the thirty years of existence
About FEDARENE of the organisation in Brussels with all our
members and friends.
06 Yet, our Sustainable Regions in Action
publication is cause for celebration each
From Retrospection to year. It reminds us of all the great things
Prospection that we have accomplished, and there
were many again this year.
A conversation with Seamus
Hoyne and Patrick Biard on energy In 2021, our partnership with the European
efficiency priorities in 2022 Institutions was as strong as ever. The
regions and energy agencies of FEDARENE
served once again as a sounding board for
10 multiple key legislations part of the “Fit for
55” package.
Our Projects
For the first time, the European Commission proposed to include local and regional energy
including an interview of Julije agencies in the revision of the Energy Efficiency Directive, recognising their role as delivery
Domac on the Covenant of agents of this legislation.
Mayors - Europe and an editorial
by Christiane Egger on EEW4 As you will discover in the next pages, energy agencies and regions are accelerators of
the energy transition. With their knowledge of the ground and their technical and business
skills, they are renovating the EU’s building stock through innovative one-stop-shop
14 services; supporting the development of energy communities across Europe; implementing
RES-based heating and cooling; fighting energy poverty; supporting local authorities...
Working Groups Although a lot has been achieved in 2021, we are always aiming higher. Our ambition for
2022? A strengthened collaboration with and recognition from market actors in order to
transform the Renovation Wave into a Recovery Wave.
16 I wish you a pleasant read.
Members’ Projects
including editorials by Vice-
Presidents and best practices
from member organisations on: Julije Domac
energy efficiency, renewables, FEDARENE President & Managing Director
Picture: Andrea Belussi - Unsplash
financing & building renovation , of North-West Croatia Regional Energy Agency
Edition: January 2022 adaptation and energy planning,
energy communities, mobility,
FEDARENE
islands, energy poverty, data
Rue de Stassart 131
sharing and monitoring, circular
1050 Brussels - Belgium
economy, energy sufficiency.
Tel. + 32 2 646 82 10
fedarene@fedarene.org
www.fedarene.org
02 01
ABOUT FEDARENE
Our Members
F
FEDARENE has over 80 members across 23
EDARENE (the European Federation of Building capacity and Discover the complete list of our
countries, namely: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Agencies and Regions for Energy and the members and their profile on our
Environment) is the collective voice on partnerships Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
website at
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy,
the energy transition for regions and regional fedarene.org/members.
FEDARENE is facilitating the development of Malta, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Romania,
energy agencies. FEDARENE members drive
interregional partnerships and is helping regions Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands, United
the energy transition and climate action in
develop their capacity to take action. The Kingdom.
their territories through ambitious policy
development and strategic facilitation organisation also participates in EU projects
actions. developed by its members by raising the visibility
of good practices.
A thriving network rich of a Sharing Knowledge
30-year long history...
FEDARENE acts as a centre for the dissemination
FEDARENE was created on 8th June 1990 by 6 of information towards its own members, but
regional authorities – Rhône-Alpes, Provence- also towards European Institutions and other
Alpes-Côte-d’Azur, Wallonia, País Vasco, Aquitaine stakeholders of the EU sustainable energy field.
and Nord-Pas-de-Calais. These authorities The organisation is a highly visible showcase of
wanted to make the voice of the regions heard in creativity and innovation of its members’ special
the debate on energy and environment policies information tools and strives to keep them
at the European level. The Brussels office opened constantly informed about EU updates. FEDARENE is
its doors in November 1991. The six pioneers quickly also actively promoting the activity of its network
attracted followers and the network already on social media and beyond.
reached 40 members in 1995. Today, FEDARENE is
the premier European network of regional and
local organisations which facilitate or implement Shaping EU Policy
sustainable energy policies and measures at
the regional and local levels. With more than 80 FEDARENE has become a critical force with specific
members, the association represents 23 European lobbying influence by promoting the regional
countries, drawing on the advice of 800 experts dimension in debates concerning sustainable
throughout the Union. energy and energy efficiency. Particular emphasis
is placed on local demand and supply in order to
contribute to sustainable development.
Our Missions
Building capacity and partnerships by
participating in EU programmes and
sharing good practices.
Sharing Knowledge by promoting
the exchange of experience and the
development of transnational projects
Shaping EU Policy by providing a forum of
discussion for stakeholders of the energy
sector and promoting the regional
dimension in energy debates.
02 03
Board of Directors
Julije DOMAC Seamus HOYNE Jean VAN PAMEL
President Secretary General Treasurer
Florin ANDRONESCU Gerhard DELL & Christiane EGGER AREC Île-de-France Maria FABIANELLI
Vice-President for Energy Efficiency Vice-Presidents for Energy Efficiency Vice-President for
Vice-Presidency for the
Energy Efficiency and
Energy Transition
Investments
Ricardo GONZALEZ MANTERO Thekla HEINEL KOSTAS KOMNINOS Vlasta KRMELJ
Vice-President for Renewable Energy Vice-President for Climate Vice-president for Smart Vice-President for Financing
Sources Protection in Municipalities and and Sustainable Islands and Investments
Regions
Christel LILJEGREN Simone LOWTHE-THOMAS Serge NOCODIE Central Finland
Vice-President for Mobility and Vice-President for Citizen Energy Vice-Presidency for Circular
Vice-President for Climate Change
Transport Communities Economy
Patrick Biard
With the support of:
Deputy Secretary General
The Brussels Office
DOMINIQUE BOURGES ELODIE BOSSIO FILIP DUMITRIU MARIANGELA LUCERI
Coordinator Project Manager Project Manager Project Officer
dominique.bourges@fedarene.org elodie.bossio@fedarene.org filip.dumitriu@fedarene.org mariangela.luceri@fedarene.org
MÉLISSA MIKLOS CLÉMENCE PRICKEN DIANA PRSANCOVA MATTHIAS WATZAK
Communication Officer Project Officer Project Officer Project Officer
melissa.miklos@fedarene.org clemence.pricken@fedarene.org diana.prsancova@fedarene.org matthias.watzak@fedarene.org
04 05
FROM RETROSPECTION TO PROSPECTION Since you are already mentioning one of the to be truly leading on energy efficiency, they
instruments announced, let’s dive right into must ensure other sectors follow their lead in
A conversation with Seamus and Patrick on some of the policy revisions announced. The the reduction of their final energy consumption,
Energy Efficiency Priorities in 2022 commission strengthened the provisions specifically the residential sector representing
fostering the exemplary role of public the greatest share of EU’s buildings energy
authorities on energy efficiency, notably consumption. To this end, Member States should
by widening the renovation obligation as support regional and local authorities and their
well as setting a new target on total final energy agencies in developing renovation
energy consumption. Do you welcome these programmes aimed at residential buildings,
modifications? What role do you see for following successful examples of one-stop-shops
regions, cities and their energy agencies in such as Superhomes in Tipperary, Opengela in
We invited our Secretary General Seamus 2021 was an extremely busy year for the upholding this leadership objective? Basque Country or Rénov’Occitanie in Occitanie.
Hoyne and Deputy Secretary General Patrick European Commission as we witnessed EU’s technical assistance programmes were
Biard for a thought-provoking exchange on the launch of the much awaited “Fit for 55” instrumental in developing these services, and
Patrick: as FEDARENE we were very much in favour
package. What hopes and fears do you as
FEDARENE’s policy priorities for 2022. It was of extending the renovation obligation to include Member States should replicate such programmes
regions and energy agencies have regarding
the opportunity to take stock of the progress the announced reforms? the public buildings owned or occupied by local at national and regional levels.
made so far and to review the legislative files and regional authorities. All local/regional energy
that will be key for EU regions and energy agencies have developed facilitation services
agencies in the upcoming months. Seamus: A colleague of mine often says about specialised on the renovation of public buildings.
us that “the people working in energy agencies
As an example, the BAPAURA regional one-stop
wake up in the morning, and worry about energy
shop was created in the AURA region within the
efficiency”. On this point, the Commission’s
framework of the H2020 program of assistance to
announcements and ambition were reassuring for
project set-up and is coordinated by ADEME. This
local/regional energy agencies who, as non-profit
regional platform coordinates 9 local one-stop
independent facilitators, have long been delivery
shops focusing on the renovation of public
agents of EU’s energy transition related directives.
buildings of small and mid-size municipalities from
We were glad to see this recognition among
the region who are the ones having most difficulties
the EED revision proposals. Energy Agencies
in renovating their building stocks. Given the
across Europe have a wealth of experiences and
expected upscaling in terms of renovations in the
expertise on transforming EU policy objectives
region, we also prepare the regional companies to
into actual projects on the ground1. Drawing from
be able to respond to the demand.
their experience, I would say the greatest worries
are seeing the legislative negotiations failing on 2 We find this regional coordination role is essential
points: ambition and enabling frameworks. as it embeds the renovation programme in a
territorial and economic development strategy.
Patrick: I couldn’t agree more. We have to realise New territories in the region are already asking
collectively that this is the “make or break” decade to join the BAPAURA initiative, which enables us
for climate mitigation, and there’s no other way to as regional coordinators to advocate for more
achieve the 2030 goals but through acceleration support from regional and national level. We
and upscaling. Regarding Seamus’ point on believe upscaling and replicating such initiatives
enabling frameworks, the new objectives and will enhance the enforcement of the new articles
policy instruments announced such as Minimum 5-6 of the EED.
Energy Performance Standards will only succeed if
accompanied by tailored funding programmes as Seamus: Integrated renovation services such as
well as technical assistance. the ones developed in Patrick’s region are what
Patrick Biard gives us hope when looking at the huge gap to
target on renovations. But as mentioned in our Seamus Hoyne
1 Open Letter: Regional and Local Energy Agencies
recommendations2, in order for public authorities
Europe’s Enablers of the Renovation Wave
2 FEDARENE’s recommendations on the EED revision
proposals
06 07
You’re highlighting an important point raised This is where territorial one-stop shops such as Patrick: In fact local/regional energy agencies To kick-off the year on a positive note, we’d
by the energy efficiency community: the BAPAURA step in and ensure the building owners in many areas of Europe are already supporting like to come back on our initial question: what
need to plan strategically the renovation of choose immediate deep renovation avoiding the public authorities to develop and implement such are your hopes for energy efficiency in 2022?
all segments of EU’s building stock. On this necessity of subsequent renovations, avoiding heating & cooling plans. Through their energy
issue, 2021 finished a bit on a cliff-hanger, with the risk of lock-in of suboptimal renovations & GHG observatories specialized on buildings Seamus: When it comes to accelerating our
the EPBD revision announcements requiring and tapping into the multiple benefits of such performance (e.g. the Ile-de-France Observatory energy transition, regions and energy agencies
Member States to establish Minimum Energy comprehensive renovation. for multi-apartment buildings), they centralize across Europe would have a long wish list to
Performance Standards (MEPS) for existing data from multiple sources and enable regions to provide in answer to this question. However, there’s
buildings. How relevant are these elements Seamus: I would just add that MEPS should not miss have a reliable picture of their building stocks, RES one wish to which, as energy agencies, we can
for you to build a bigger pipeline of retrofit to include the residential sector, and not only the potentials and identify the renovation needs and also commit to making reality: to transform EU’s
projects? worst performing buildings, where regional/local potential. Renovation Wave into a Recovery Wave. Energy
integrated renovation services such as the ones efficiency and the energy transition in general,
With this type of data as well as market analysis,
Seamus: Binding renovation calendars such we mentioned so far have been demonstrating must be seen as drivers for economic recovery
regional energy agencies are able to develop
as the ones provided by MEPS are essential to that there’s a will and a way to perform deep and competitiveness.
tailored heating fuel switch programmes and
build predictability for companies and investors renovation. On this point, certain categories such one-stop shop models. In Seamus’ own region in I recommend checking the work done in the
in the energy efficiency sector, as well as as the low-income, energy-poor or vulnerable fact the Superhomes one-stop shop performs EU/H2020 funded project EEW4 notably by our
mobilise the building owners. citizens, will require specific safeguards in the energy retrofitting including switching to RES colleagues from the Upper Austria Energy Agency.
But as mentioned earlier, the MEPS as well as tailored support
‘‘
heat pumps. The Upper Austrian Energy Agency’s They demonstrated clearly that we need to work on
successful roll-out of MEPS will services. Here again regional “AdieuÖl” campaign is replacing thousands of old our narratives around the energy transition and pay
rely on enabling frameworks energy agencies may share a oil boilers across the region. These approaches more attention to its positive economic impacts in
that stimulate the energy The successful roll-out wealth of expertise from across must be accelerated and replicated across EU’s terms of jobs, industry and competitiveness4.
efficiency market .3
To this of Minimum Energy Europe. regions.
end, the facilitation activities Performance Standards Patrick: to accompany this crucial change of
provided by energy agencies will rely on enabling paradigm that Seamus is referring to, I would
through their regional one-stop What about renewable-
frameworks that add that independent market facilitation should
shops will be instrumental. They based heating and cooling,
focus on upscaling demand
stimulate the energy are you foreseeing any step-
be recognized as a powerful tool in the service
efficiency market of the energy transition. Facilitation services refer
through tailored direct advice change on this issue in light
to the proactive technical support provided by
to public authorities, companies Seamus Hoyne of the “Fit for 55” package?
independent local/regional facilitators who are
and citizens ensuring they not only providing the technical assistance, but
benefit from deep renovation. Seamus: We rejoiced in seeing
creating the demand for it by advocating the
But they also prepare regional the Commission pressing the
energy efficiency opportunities and value within
supply chains to match the demand, thus locally accelerator on this aspect as well, across the
a territory, embedding it in the broader policy
anchoring the economic benefits of the renovation energy efficiency, energy performance of buildings
agenda as well as stimulating the energy services
programme. and renewables directives in fact. And if we
market. Regional and local energy agencies are
remain in the “energy efficiency” scope, FEDARENE
some of the more common organisations in
Patrick: Let me provide an example of what welcomes that Member States would be required
Europe who play this role of facilitators, and they
Seamus is talking about. In France the “Eco Energie to encourage regional and local authorities to
are ready to drive the energy transition in their
Tertiaire” decree schedules the renovation of public prepare local heating and cooling plans. However,
regions this decade.
buildings in steps by 2030, 2040 and 2050. However, the development of such plans should be
while this decree is a definite step forward, its encouraged also for municipalities having a total 4 The missing “Why” for energy efficiency
embedded flexibility allows for many loopholes. population below 50.000, corresponding to the
Some public authorities are tempted to implement majority of Europe’s municipalities. Also, these plans
only the strictly minimal measures ensuring must be implementation oriented, going beyond
compliance with the closest deadline, while others the mapping of RES-based heating potential step, In addition to their roles within FEDARENE, Seamus is Chair of Tipperary Energy Agency, Dean of Flexible and Work
choose the most convenient baselines that allow and focus on a roadmap of concrete actions as Place Learning at the Technological University of the Shannon. Patrick Head of International Affairs at Auvergne-
for the least efforts in terms of energy savings. well as strategy to implement them. Enforcement Rhône-Alpes Energy Agency (AURA-EE). They both have over 30 years of experience in the energy sector.
and monitoring will be essential here.
3 Reaching maximum impact of the EPBD © ESV - World Sustainable
Recommendations from Regions and their Energy Energy Days 2020
Agencies
08 09
OUR PROJECTS GREEN HYSLAND
Green Hysland aims to create the first green
hydrogen ecosystem in the Balearic Islands.
FEDARENE participates in European projects and initiatives alongside its members and other European It will generate, distribute and use at least
organisations. These projects focus on capacity-building, market facilitation, policy implementation and 300 tonnes of renewable hydrogen per
replication of best practices amongst others. We are currently involved in twelve EU projects: year, thanks to solar energy on the island of
Mallorca.
OPENGELA
Website: greenhysland.eu
Opengela consists in the creation of
COVENANT OF MAYORS - EUROPE neighbourhood offices which provide advice
and support to the community through
the whole process of renovation of their
The Covenant of Mayors for Climate and
apartment buildings.
Energy - Europe brings together local and
regional authorities voluntarily committing Website: opengela.eus PROSPECT+
to implementing the EU’s climate and energy
objectives on their territory. PROSPECT+ enables capacity building in
ENERGEE-WATCH
regional and local authorities in order
Website: eumayors.eu
The overall aim of ENERGee Watch is to enable to finance and implement effective and
peer-to-peer learning for regional and efficient sustainable energy plans, including
local authorities in order to precisely define, their proper monitoring and verification and
monitor and verify their sustainable energy ensuring synergies with other local plans.
QUALDEEPC
and climate actions. Website: h2020prospect.eu
ENERGY EFFICIENCY WATCH 4 Website: energee-watch.eu The project QualDeEPC attempts to achieve a
high-quality Energy Performance Assessment
EEW4’s goal is to support policy makers in and Certification in Europe accelerating deep
EU Member States in improving the degree energy renovation.
of successful implementation of policy
Website: qualdeepc.eu
instruments for energy efficiency, and thus
REGILIENCE
contribute to reaching the target of the Energy
Efficiency Directive. REGILIENCE aims to foster the adoption and
Website: energy-efficiency-watch.org wide dissemination of regional climate
EUROPEAN CITY FACILITY
resilience pathways, following a demand-
driven approach and bearing in mind the
The European City Facility (EUCF) supports
expertise and knowledge acquired.
municipalities and their groupings in RELATED
developing Investment Concepts related to Website: fedarene.org/project/regilience
climate and energy action plans. A lump sum RELaTED provides a demonstrated concept
of €60.000 is given to successful applicants. of ultra-low temperature network solution
for new district heating systems and
Website: eucityfacility.eu the progressive conversion of currently
EPLANET
running district heating systems in order
ePLANET aims to improve the coordination to de-carbonize energy supplies in urban
between local authorities and regional environments. REMARKABLE
governments by fostering the digitalisation Website: relatedproject.eu
of energy data available in dispersed data REMARKABLE will build a Climate Leadership
sources. Programme through a people-centred
approach in order to support leaders of public
Webstite: fedarene.org/project/eplanet
authorities and communities in implementing
transformational roadmaps and innovative
solutions to achieve climate neutrality by
2050.
Website: remarkabl.eu
10 11
EDITORIAL
HIGHLIGHT ON... Better Narratives: Better Energy Transition
The Covenant of Mayors for What can we, as Energy Agencies, do?
Climate and Energy - Europe, by Christiane Egger, FEDARENE Vice-President for Energy Efficiency
from the eyes of our President
Julije Domac The ambition of sustainable energy policies often
fluctuates with changes in political leadership, such
Leaving our comfort zone
as following elections. Within the Energy Efficiency Using energy savings and climate protection as
Mr Domac is also a member of the board of
this EU Initiative for many years now, so we Watch (EEW) project, we analysed exceptions from main arguments for the energy transition has
decided to ask him 3 key questions. such developments and found that policy ambition often brought good results. However, there are
remains more stable in countries and regions many individuals and groups that do not consider
where a society-wide acceptance is reached on these sufficient for changing their behaviour or
In 2021, The Covenant of Mayors – Europe (CoM ‘why’ they want the energy transition to take place. investment patterns.
- Europe) stepped up its climate ambition
for 2050. What do these renewed ambitions These ‘whys’ – the so-called narratives – are How can we speed things up? We know that the
entail exactly? messages, embedded in a wider framework, that energy transition has many benefits both for
impact our understanding of reality. They allow us individuals and society. But do we talk about them
The Covenant of Mayors - Europe’s vision for 2050
to put topics into a context and provide meaning enough? Is our messaging clear enough about
entails all EU citizens living in decarbonised and
that resonates with people and helps achieve the positive impacts on jobs, competitiveness
resilient cities with access to affordable, secure and
introducing smart technology in all aspects of our buy-in from larger societal groups. and investments – in short, the wider economic
sustainable energy. In addition, all CoM – Europe
energy system, new ways to store and transport benefits? Equipping ourselves with a greater
signatories commit to reaching climate neutrality
energy, etc. and we need to decarbonize not just As energy agencies, we have an important role portfolio of positive arguments, facts and figures
by setting mid and long-term targets which are
the energy sector but also others like agriculture. to play in our regions in building strong, positive can be an important element in boosting the
consistent with the EU objectives and at least as
It is also important to remember that the CoM narratives for the energy transition. The extensive acceptance of the energy transition.
ambitious as national targets. These ambitious
Community is not just a network of local authorities EEW4 survey of 1,270 experts in all EU countries offers
objectives should be reached by including all
but also a vibrant community of national valuable insight for improving our messaging and In this context, I invite you to reflect on how we might
citizens in order to ensure a just and fair energy
and (sub-)regional authorities and non-profit the actor groups we work with. It clearly shows reach out to a broader range of stakeholders in our
transition for everyone. These are essential issues
organisations who are supporting local authorities the importance of jobs, competitiveness and regions, especially from business and industry. Do
for our future and the future of our children which
on a daily basis in developing these new solutions investments in the public debate. we have the data, skills, and programme framework
should be reaffirmed constantly, both in political
and achieving their targets. to work with them? Can we find champions for the
debates and public discussions at all levels.
energy transition there?
FEDARENE has been involved in the CoM – Do you think energy agencies and regions
are aware of the opportunities offered by the Together, we have shown time and again that
Europe since the start of the initiative, and has
initiative and do you see their involvement energy agencies are agile and pro-active in
seen it grow into the significant movement
grow in the near future? driving the implementation of new technologies
it is today. What will be the main challenges
and ambitious policies. Let’s also innovate by
ahead, for you as member of the political
Looking from the perspective of an energy agency broadening our narratives and partnerships!
board, but also for the Covenant Community
in general? director who has been involved in the sector
for almost 25 years now, I can say that most of
our inspiration and innovation came from the
Unprecedented opportunities
The energy transition with its decarbonization and
climate resilience agenda is in itself very ambitious exchange with other energy agencies and regions If we, as energy agencies, get this right – if
and challenging – the main challenge will be to in the EU and beyond. So, initiatives like the CoM we succeed in creating strong, multifaceted
actually implement it, as it became very obvious - Europe are definitely crucial to create more narratives for the energy transition – we can help
during the last COP in Glasgow. The CoM - Europe networking opportunities around sustainable achieve more stable ambition for energy policies
has succeeded in mobilizing a very large number energy. I am convinced that other energy agencies in our regions and countries despite future political
of local authorities all around the EU which have and regions think the same, as this is confirmed changes.
all pledged to reduce their GHG emissions and through our interaction – we tend to see each other
decarbonize their territories. However, following as one big team playing for the energy transition. Let’s dare to step out of our comfort zone, review
their activities and results through the years, The CoM - Europe is a very important framework and improve our messaging and find ways to work
many of them are lagging behind the planned and its role will most likely keep evolving and with a larger range of actor groups, so that we can
timeframe. We need to speed things up and we growing in the future. help every person find their ‘why’ for the energy
need new solutions - innovative ways to finance transition.
projects by blending private and public capital,
12 13
WORKING GROUPS ENERGY SUFFIENCY FINANCING
Energy efficiency is no longer enough to Energy agencies and regions are in a
FEDARENE has established working groups in order to encourage exchange of experience and transfer of counteract the increasing energy demand. unique position to boost sustainable energy
know-how in a series of important fields. These working groups are brought to life through the work carried Energy Sufficiency is the third pillar of the investments in Europe. This is something often
out by our members and FEDARENE Vice-Presidents. Visit them on fedarene.org/working-groups Energy Transition, with Energy Efficiency and discussed at FEDARENE - whether during public
Renewable Energy Sources. This is why we or private webinars.
have launched an Energy Sufficiency Webinar
Series in partnership with our expert member GET READY FOR 2050: How to Finance Climate
AREC Île-de-France. and Energy Plans
CLIMATE ADAPTATION CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Energy sufficiency: how to shape sustainable
behaviours
In 2021, we managed to organise three In 2020, we have launched a Circular Economy Cycle E-Sufficiency webinar #1: consumers
interesting online events dealing with Climate Webinar Series with the Regional Council and buildings
Adaptation, bringing together like-minded of Central Finland. These seminars touch Cycle E-Sufficiency webinar #2: mobility
initiatives and partners. upon the many different aspects of circular and public space
economy, from biogas production to public Cycle E-Sufficiency webinar #3: digital
Joint SECAP Final Conference - Technical procurement, waste management and sufficiency
Session recycling.
Joint SECAP Final Conference - Political
Session Introduction to Circular Economy
GET READY FOR 2050: How to successfully The Energy Dimension of Circular Economy ISLANDS & RURAL COMMUNITIES MOBILITY
plan for the Future
Circular Economy beyond Energy:
Recycling and Reducing Waste
Thanks to the start of the Green Hysland FEDARENE members are setting the example
project, 2021 was a pivotal year for FEDARENE by developing sustainable transport in their
in order to support its Island College to cities and regions. This was demonstrated
unlock islands’ potential and turn them into during several webinars in 2019 and 2020.
lighthouses of Europe’s decarbonisation. In 2021, a connexion has been established
between the concept of Energy Sufficiency
Åland Islands’ Energy Story and Sustainable Mobility, thanks to our
DATA MONITORING ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Green Hydrogen: What’s in it for islands? member Energikontor Sydost.
Cycle E-Sufficiency webinar #2: mobility and
One of the main challenges to achieve the Energy efficiency is a core issue for FEDARENE. public space
EU climate and energy targets is the lack of Our work on the topic is thus wide-ranging.
standardised energy and climate information We have selected three online events that
were organised in 2021 and address different RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
at European level. This is something FEDARENE
is able to address through its Energee aspects of efficiency:
Watch EU Project and peer-to-peer learning
Renewable energy sources play a
programme. Next-generation Energy Performance
Certificates and Deep Renovation fundamental role in enabling technology
Solar energy solutions for decarbonizing ULT and innovation leadership while providing
GET READY FOR 2050: How to Build Effective
Collaboration Processes DHC environmental, social and health benefits.
Deep Retrofit Community of Practice: Highly Just like Energy Efficiency, RES will be key to
ambitious regions and projects across achieve the Energy Transition. In the webinar
Europe
below, this was illustrated perfectly, in a
crucial sector - heating and cooling.
Solar energy solutions for decarbonizing ULT
DHC
14 15
FEDARENE’s best successes are those accomplished by its members
MEMBERS’ PROJECTS on the ground everyday. We want to shed light on these projects
which are so diverse in their actions, goals, needs and challenges.
In the following pages, you will discover some of the latest and most
impressive achievements our members have carried out within their
cities and regions across Europe.
16 17 1711
Energy Efficiency First EDITORIAL
by Florin Andronescu, FEDARENE Vice-President for Energy Efficiency
CATEGORIES
In fact, more coherency and consistency for a
comprehensive change in our lives is needed to
come so as to be in accordance with the necessary
sustainable development and environmental
protection.
We all need to understand that we cannot continue
with unscrupulous consumerism and that we must
Setting up Energy Accelerated Building Rapid Renewable Energy assume a rational use of natural resources and in
Efficiency Measures Renovation Sources Uptake particular of energy.
p. 19 p. 23 p. 27
In this context, the ”energy efficiency first”
principle must be integrated in all our activities
and our new investment projects: it must be
understood that one Euro invested today in
raising energy efficiency of our products and
services will produce in the future not only an
economical profit but it will also determine
a reduction in environmental impact and an
Energy Communities: Adaptation and Accelerating Islands’ improvement in the quality of our lives.
Citizens’ Action for Integrated Planning for Energy Transition
Cleaner Energy Climate Change It is up to us, the energy agencies and regions,
T
p. 36 p. 41 p. 49 to be close to our citizens in our territories and to
he second pandemic year has been the year promote the application of this principle together
when in Glasgow the main political decision with comprehensive actions to increase the
makers of the world are summoned to understanding and acceptance of the rational use
strengthen and intensify the global commitment of energy and resources.
for climate change mitigation, to limit the global
temperature rise to maximum 1,5 degrees until At the same time, we need to assume the role of
2100. forerunners and to determine our decision makers
starting from local / regional up to national /
If they fail to understand the urgency and European level to become more coherent and
Highway to Tackling Data Sharing and Monitoring
dimension of a global and consistent action for ambitious in energy policies and legislation; more
Eco-mobility Energy Poverty for Climate Action
decarbonisation, humanity is more than certain energy efficiency is a must, indestructibly linked
p. 55 p. 57 p. 60 to face a climate disaster in the next decades, far with more innovation and smartness, which leads
more dangerous as the current pandemic crisis. to the sustainable future of our regions.
A vast array of European actions and initiatives
were launched in the last years such as Energy
Union, Climate Pact, Green Deal, etc., all these
expressing the EU`s ambition to lead the battle for
climate change mitigation at global level.
Promoting Circular Enhancing Energy
Economy Sufficiency
p. 62 p. 65
18 19Innovative Solutions for Public Lighting in Smart Cities Conceptual approach to Energy Efficiency in large
AGIRE - Province of Mantua, Italy hospital area in the Zlín Region
EAZK - Zlín, Czech Republic
The hospital in Uherské Hradiště is one of four Investments undertaken significantly reduced
hospitals belonging to the Zlín Region. The both heating and operational costs of the hospital
Uherské Hradiště Hospital provides outpatient and thus saved public funds spent on operations in
and inpatient care in basic and specialised health care. The installation of PV panels increased
fields at 8 workplaces of surgical specialties, the hospital’s self-sufficiency and reduced
12 workplaces of internal medicine and at 7 electricity consumption from non-renewable
workplaces of laboratory complement. The sources. Thanks to the insulation and installation
individual pavilions of the hospital were in a of air conditioning with recuperation, the internal
very poor condition from the energy point of microclimate of the building was improved.
view: high heat consumption, overheating in
summer etc. The heat and hot water sources Methodical management of energy management
© FAEN in the central boiler room were old and is provided by the Energy Agency of the Zlín©Region
FAEN
inefficient and all this led to large heat losses. since only a proper implementation of energy
© AGIRE management ensures all measures being fully
Between 2012 and 2020, Energy Agency of the Zlín operational.
Region initiated, developed, and administered a
Street lighting is a key service provided by LIFE-DIADEME System demonstrated, in the field,
set of several consequent investment projects on The Czech Republic OP Environment subsidy
public authorities at a local level. However, how Adaptive Lighting technology is a great
renewable energy sources and energy efficiency program enables the implementation of such
it represents a substantial share of energy opportunity in the direction of climate change
leading to a considerable decrease of the energy diverse projects which in addition to quantifiable
consumption of about 50% in most European mitigation.
demand in a large hospital area in Uherské Hradiště financial and energy savings and reduction
Municipalities. with the support from OP Environment 2007-2013 of greenhouse gas emissions bring another
Assuming that LIFE-DIADEME is installed in a
and OP Environment 2014-2020. Among measures significant element. A pleasant environment is
LIFE-DIADEME project experimented an innovative medium city with 100,000 inhabitants and 12,500
implemented in this period belong: created in the hospital contributing to the well-
smart system dedicated to public street lighting lighting points, with the installation of 3,750
• reconstruction of the central boiler room and being of all users, which is so important in their
in urban environment for real time adaptive DIADEME devices, if we consider the average life of
area heat distribution, including the installation treatment process.
regulation of light flow, based on the surrounding lighting fixtures, in 10 years we will have savings for
of 2 pieces of solar panels for the preparation of
brightness, traffic flows and weather conditions. 6,644 tonnes of CO2e compared with Full Light LED
hot water;
installations, or savings for 3,740 tonnes of CO2e
• complex insulation of 6 hospital pavilions;
The consortium installed 1,000 DIADEME devices compared with Pre-Programmed LED Systems.
• complex heat insulation of 2 hostels for hospital
along the Test Sites in Rome, Piacenza and Rimini.
staff;
The system collected information about traffic, A second example can show the impact of the
• 3 PV power plants on the 3 central buildings roofs
luminance, weather conditions, temperature, LIFE-DIADEME system if installed in a big city with
with combined installed power 219 kWp.
air pressure and environmental noise. Moreover, more than 200,000 lighting points as, for example,
specific devices were able to detect gas level Rome City Capital (2.9 million inhabitants). In such
Annual total heat savings for all implemented
concentration (NOX, NO, NO2, O3 and CO). a scenario, environmental savings would result in
measures combined are 44,828.59 GJ and annual
Information was used by Municipalities to promote 40,000 tonnes of CO2e, 8 tonnes of PM2.5, 48,000
CO2 reductions achieved are 2,999.44 tonnes.
eco-friendly actions on their own territories through kg equivalent of Ozone and lower acidification,
the creation of Dashboards, both for internal and estimated near 95,000 MLC H+ equivalent. In both
Total implementation costs combined were
external use, enabling innovative services for the cases, the return on investment can be calculated
€5.486 million with the contribution from the OP
community, targeting a Smart Cities scenario. in not more than 2,5 years. © EAZK
Environment in amount €1.878 million.
The main outcome of the LIFE-DIADEME system LIFE-DIADEME was awarded with the prestigious «EU
Although some difficulties and barriers were
can be summarised in a reduction of energy Sustainable Energy Award 2021» in the «Innovation»
encountered, such as public opposition to the EAZK - Zlín Energy Agency
consumptions and CO2 emissions of 40.6%, category.
waste combustion, high financial investment
compared with Pre-Programmed LED installations info@eazk.cz
demands, insufficient knowledge of designers in
and 55% compared with Full Light LED installations, AGIRE Energy Agency the field of low energy standards or some obstacles www.eazk.cz
reconciling the safety needs with the benefits of info@agirenet.it on investors´ side in the willingness to build beyond
energy-saving and the reduction of CO2 emissions
www.diademe.it the minimum standards set by legislation, all of
and maintenance costs.
them were successfully overcome.
20 21Energy Saving Smart Street Lighting Set for Thurles,
Drangan and Clonoulty Promoting Deep Renovation Buildings across the EU EDITORIAL
Tipperary Energy Agency - Tipperary, Ireland by Maria Fabianelli, FEDARENE Vice-President for Energy Efficiency and
Investments
“The green recovery renovations and on the massive scale needed?
starts at home” – said Of course, finding finance for implementing
Commissioner for renovation actions is key. The experience of
Energy Kadri Simson the Energy Agency of Liguria shows that using
introducing the innovative financing tools such as EPC (in our case,
“Renovation Wave”, the through investment programmes such as EIB-ELENA
strategy for improving and H2020 PDA) is worthy, but usually focus on
the energy efficiency replacing heating plants and light insulations, and
of buildings published almost never reach the deep renovation level. This
by the EC in the wider is mostly due to the mild climate conditions of Med
© FAEN
framework of the Green countries, which lengthen the payback time of the
Deal. investment, making it difficult for an ESCO to opt for
deeper interventions.
The European building stock is both unique and
heterogeneous, expression of the rich cultural and Recently, Italy has been experimenting ©with TEA
historic heritage of our Continent. It is also old and new financing instruments for energy such as
Public street lighting is accountable for the remaining 17,400 streetlights in the county.
inefficient, responsible for 40% of the EU’s energy the so-called “Superbonus”. This tool allows
35% of Tipperary County Council’s energy This would further assist us with achieving our
consumption and 36% of emissions from energy. At private citizens, social housing and non-profit
consumption. Upgrading an old streetlight target CO2 reduction in Tipperary.”
the same time, energy poverty remains a challenge organizations to carry out renovations even when
to a standard LED can reduce energy costs
for nearly 34 million of Europeans, who are unable they do not have the funds thanks to a discount
by up to 50%. Currently, 28% of Tipperary’s "Cathaoirleach" of Tipperary County Council,
to afford keeping their home adequately warm. (on the invoice) from the suppliers of the goods or
total public street lighting is LED. Going a Cllr. Marie Murphy said “This pilot scheme,
Despite this, energy renovation is still a rarity (only services, or even request the transfer of the credit
step further and installing Smart Lighting in cooperation with our European partners,
1% of buildings every year), so effective action is corresponding to the deduction.
can result in even more energy savings and shows what can be achieved when we work
crucial to bridge the gap between the current
reduce CO2 emissions. Tipperary County together for the good of our communities.
situation and Europe’s climate ambitions. A further opportunity could consist in an increased
Council is piloting smart lighting systems It has never been so important to reduce
integration between energy efficiency and
in Thurles, Drangan and Clonoulty. A smart energy consumption as it is now in the context
The need to promote the retrofitting of the EU renewables for building renovation, especially in
lighting system uses technology such as of climate change. Tipperary County Council
building stock appears even more urgent in view those buildings where it is impossible to act on
motion detectors to monitor movement and can be a leader and show the way in this
of the recent pandemic, which has highlighted the the envelope, and resorting whenever possible to
adjusts the lighting accordingly. important endeavour.”
importance of buildings as well as their fragilities. innovative forms of collective self-consumption.
Never before has the “home” been so much the
600 Smart LED lights are being installed across Siona Daly, Assistant CEO of Tipperary Energy
focal point of our daily lives, not just the place What is certain is that IRE Liguria will keep exploring
the 3 pilot sites. Tipperary County Council has Agency said “We expect to see annual energy
where we eat and sleep but also the place where and implementing financing solutions to increase
been working with Tipperary Energy Agency savings of approximately 150,000 kWh, which
we study and work. Never before public buildings the deep renovation of buildings, together with
on this smart LED lighting pilot initiative which is the equivalent electricity required to power
(hospitals and schools) and private buildings our colleagues from energy agencies and regions
will be one of the largest installations of smart nineteen homes in a year. Furthermore, if this
(commercial and residential) have been under across Europe. One of them, which is highlighted in
lights of any county council in Ireland. SSE SMART-SPACE lighting project proves to be a
such severe strain, having to adapt to multiple the next pages through several best practices, is
Airtricity Utility Solutions were awarded the success in Tipperary, it could impact national
challenges and changes. technical assistance or one-stop-shops.
contract following the tender process and policy and decision making on public lighting
they have commenced the installation of the which could be invaluable as the National
‘‘
Building renovation can play a driving role for the
Smart Lights. Public Lighting Retrofit Project starts to gain
sustainable recovery of the next decade, with
traction.” Operationalising renovation strategies
positive impacts at the environmental, social and
Liam Brett, Tipperary County Council, Roads
economic levels. However, energy renovation is
remains an important challenge that
Senior Engineer, said “The lighting will be Regions and Energy Agencies are
Tipperary Energy Agency still struggling to spread, hindered by multiple
monitored closely after installation and eager to solve.
barriers related to complexity, costs and slowness.
if the evidence proves to be reliable then info@tippenergy.ie How can we promote interventions to improve Jean Van Pamel - FEDARENE Treasurer
an informed decision can be made by the
the energy efficiency of buildings, especially deep
council to invest in further smart lighting for tippenergy.ie
22 23Supporting Liguria Municipalities in renovating Governance in the Strategy for Energy Building
their building stock Renovation in Asturias
IRE Liguria - Liguria, Italy FAEN - Asturias, Spain
As part of the “Pays Ecogetiques” project, funding, and the lack of qualified personnel with
IRE has given its technical support to sufficient qualifications and experience to carry
Municipalities that are situated in the Province out the actions required.
of Imperia in Liguria. The project was financed
by the European cross-border cooperation The meetings that were held in the Municipalities
programme between Italy and France proved to be particularly effective and helped
Interreg Alcotra 2014-2020. motivate those involved to take up the process of
requalification of the buildings on their territory.
Three of the Municipalities that were supported
by IRE are now in the process of carrying out a
© FAEN © FAEN
diagnosis of their energy consumption. This will help
them pinpoint the interventions required and the
actions that are necessary to prepare the request © FAEN
for funding available at a national level, under
the so-called “Conto Termico”. With this scheme,
the incentives are handed out for increasing Managed by the Regional Government of Strategy, it is imperative to define two instruments:
energy efficiency with particular emphasis on Asturias, Asturias Energy Agency (FAEN) roundtables and working groups, and the Regional
© IRE Liguria energy produced from renewable sources with is organizing the implementation of a Consultation Office. These are formed and
financial incentives being given primarily to Public Regional Strategy for the Energy Renovation organized in a coordinated manner according to
The objective of “Pays Ecogetiques” was to improve Administrations. The fundamental requirements of Buildings, which involves stakeholders the topics to be analysed. The roundtables serve
the energy efficiency of buildings in the 168 Public for access to funding are both the presentation from both the public and private sector. The as a forum for the participation of the main public
Administrations that were part of the “PITER of the technical/administrative documentation energy building renovation is an opportunity and private agents related to the Strategy, with
Pays Sages” project. As part of the project, the as well as compliance with the deadlines. Another for the Asturias region and must be seen a fixed structure to work together in its definition
Municipalities were guided throughout the entire Municipality is currently defining an Energy under a broad vision, where there is room and implementation, while the working groups are
process of energy renovation starting from the Service contract to manage and promote energy for planning, management and financing also collaborative fora but participants may vary
choice of buildings to the application for funding efficiency of all their public buildings. opportunities. All of them are interrelated and depending on the topics at hand. The participants’
and the actual realisation of the interventions of define different action areas to achieve the actions focus on very specific content defined by
energy efficiency. IRE is guiding the Municipalities throughout the regional objectives set. the working group, mainly based on financing and
entire process and is offering its expertise to communication.
As part of the actions carried out by IRE, there were verify the interventions that are being proposed, Public agents are responsible for the design,
a series of meetings that were organised with the to present the funding applications on behalf of development and execution of the Strategy for the As intended, this strategy and the associated
intent of increasing awareness and training the 42 the Public Administrations as well as supervising housing, energy and commercial sectors. The local governance were successful. Initially, Asturias
Municipalities in the Province of Imperia that saw the Energy Service contract from a technical- administration and other key public institutions received just over €7.6 million from the
the participation of both local politicians (mayors) administrative perspective. in the fields of construction and energy are also central government to enable a line of aid for
as well as technicians and consultants. engaged in the implementation of the Strategy. rehabilitation. As a result of the joint work and the
With regards to the private sector, companies with high demand received, the region managed to
Five of these Municipalities who expressed an IRE Liguria technicians and professionals are involved in the obtain an additional €40 million to be used for the
interest in increasing the energy efficiency of energy rehabilitation process. In addition, there development of new projects.
their public buildings, took part in a pilot project energia@ireliguria.it are professional associations and organizations
that involved technical assistance offered by with broad experience in reducing demand and
ireliguria.it
qualified personnel of IRE which helped them face improving energy consumption systems. The FAEN - Asturias Energy Agency
the difficulties during the renovation process. The participation of energy trading companies and
info@faen.es
main obstacles we were faced with included the energy service companies is also essential.
retrieval of energy consumption data, drawing faen.es
up the necessary technical/administrative For an effective public-private collaboration and
documentation that is required to apply for an adequate governance and operability of the
24 25EDITORIAL
Conference about Sustainable Homes and Buildings Facilitating and Supporting Renewable Energy Sources
becomes increasingly Popular by Ricardo Gonzalez Mantero, FEDARENE Vice-President for Renewable
Energikontoret i Mälardalen - Mälardalen, Sweden Energy Sources
We all in FEDARENE agree in the essential role
of energy agencies and regions in facilitating
It started five years ago – The Mälardalen “We are lucky to have industry and energy experts and supporting renewable energy sources.
Energy Agency arranged a small conference from all over Sweden participate and share their Local and regional energy agencies remain
on the topic of how to make buildings, such best practices and good examples”, says Helena Ek, an important force in the adoption of some
as homes, stores and warehouses, more event manager at The Mälardalen Energy Agency. of the most ambitious regional renewable
energy efficient. Energitinget has since energy policies and programmes in Europe.
then seen a steadily increasing number
of visitors. In October of 2021, the fifth Big contributor to Sweden’s greenhouse gas Reaching the 2030 climate goals requires a policy
consecutive conference was live streamed emissions step change recognizing the drivers and failures
from a recording studio to accommodate of the previous approaches. In line with the new
restrictions put in place due to the pandemic. According to Boverket, the Swedish National Board 55% emissions reduction target by 2030 and with
It received more than 500 views. of Housing, Building and Planning, a fifth of the the support of continuously decreasing costs of
emissions in Sweden can, one way or another, renewable energy technologies, there is now a
The target audience of the energy conference be traced back to houses and buildings, and the golden opportunity to accelerate the uptake of
is primarily industry professionals – the emissions are increasing, when they should be renewables at all levels of governance.
builders, buyers, and owners of various types of decreasing. However, there are many actions and
buildings, as well as politicians and municipality technologies already on the market that can help This is where the energy agencies enter the
employees tasked with community planning and turn this development around. discussion with their vast knowledge on and first-
procurement. But Energitinget is open for anyone hand experience of their region. The best way to
with an interest in energy efficiency and has in “There is unrealised potential in a lot of buildings, verify this statement is with a real example: how
the past also attracted, for example, members of and installing solar panels, various climate EREN and Castilla y León have facilitated and
private housing cooperatives. adaptations and introducing energy management supported the installation of 6.300 MW of wind
are just some examples that can increase their power in this 94.226 km2 region.
project. During this period, the establishment and
sustainability. It is important to spread that kind
maintenance of a relationship of trust between the
of knowledge and minimise the climate impact The regional Decree regulating windfarm
regional environmental and energy administration
of construction as well as of buildings already in installations in Castilla y León has been in force
officials is something unusual but very necessary.
place”, says Mathias Söderholm, project leader at since 1997, with no modifications during these 25
To this end, Castilla y León Wind Energy Promoters
The Mälardalen Energy Agency. years. The Regional Wind Plan, developed by EREN
Association serves as a means of maintaining an
with ALTENER support in 1999-2000, established a
ongoing dialogue with the wind developers and
land classification according to its potential for
industry.
About Energitinget hosting windfarms, considering the environmental
and cultural constraints. This tool gives an indication
As this example shows, benefiting from the
The energy conference focuses on a new topic of what to expect from the environmental impact
experience of energy agencies, a successful and
© ICarlssonmässing Production every year. Examples from previous years are “The assessment of each windfarm and is involved
stable regulation over time and a clear planning
smart home” and “Sustainable buildings”. In 2021, in the connection of windfarms to the electricity
from an environmental and territorial point of view
Energitinget focused on the subject of “Sustainable grid, planning the adaptation to the capacity of
has produced successful results. Energy agencies
renovations”. The conference is financed in part by different nodes in the grid, and trying to reduce
play a big role in supporting local and regional
The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) the number of lines to a minimum, thus reducing
authorities, using their knowledge of the local value
and Eskilstuna Municipality. environmental impact as much as possible.
chains and building their capacity to develop
and finance projects, but much more technical
At this stage, the ongoing dialogue with the
Mälardalen Energy Agency assistance is needed to fill in the knowledge gap.
Operator of the Spanish Electricity System to
With their initiatives, I am sure that most of these
lina.gellermark@energikontor.se plan the necessary investments enabling the
good practices are replicable in all regions of
energikontor.se future windfarms to be connected to the grid, the
I© Hanna Maxstad Europe, in order to achieve an orderly development
adjustment of the windfarm authorizations to the
of renewable energy sources, and obtaining
grid capacities, and put in place requirements to
the greatest possible economic activity and
provide security of power supply recommended
employment from it.
by the System Operator is a crucial part of this
26 27You can also read
