www.cor.europa.eu |@EU_CoR |/european.committee.of.the.regions |/european-committee-of-the-regions Rue Belliard/Belliardstraat 101|1040 Bruxelles/Brussel |BELGIQUE/BELGIË | Tel.+32 22822211 powers. local or regional to respect fails or principle subsidiarity the EU that law infringes believes it or infringed are rights its if Union European the of Justice of Court to the appeal can It cities. and regions a ecting areas policy in Committee the to consult obliged are Council the and Parliament European the Commission, European The EU policies. about them inform to and process EU’s the in decision-making represent they communities the and authorities local and to involve regional is mission Its over 507 Europeans. million representing States, 28 all Member from representatives local and 350of regional EU’s is the assembly Regions the of Treaty, Maastricht the Committee of signing European 1994 the in the Created following Visit ourdedicated pageandaccessourpublications on ourpositions, opinions andbestpractise COP24: You count can onus November 2018November

CoR_3894/November 2018 /EN

ENVE showcasing localandregional Cities andregionsforclimate: sustainable initiatives Climate ChangeandEnergy to Katowice From Paris the Environment, Commission for Contents

Schiedam Istria Aberdeenshire Balearic Islands Burgenland

Valter Flego (HR/ALDE) Kevin Keenan (UK/PES) Francina Armengol Cor Lamers (NL/EPP) Christian Illedits (AT/PES) Vice-Chair of the ENVE Dundee City Councillor and (ES/PES) Chair of the ENVE Commission President of the Burgenland Commission and representative of Scottish President of the Balearic and Mayor of Schiedam Regional Parliament Prefect of the Istra County Municipalities to the CoR Islands

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Castilla y León Constanta Cork Coulaines Cugir

Marius Horia Tutuianu Juan Vicente Herrera Kieran McCarthy Christophe Rouillon Adrian Teban (RO/PES) Campo (ES/EPP) (IE/PES) (FR/PES) (RO/EPP) President of Constanța County President of Castille and Leon Cork City Council Mayor of Coulaines Mayor of Cugir Council

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Espoo Friuli Lisbon Lozère Lubelskie

Markku Markkula Franco Iacop (IT/PES) Jean- Paul Pourquier Sławomir Sosnowski Fernando Medina (FI/EPP) (FR/EPP) (PL/EPP) Regional Councillor and (PT/PES) CoR 1st Vice-President and President of the Friuli Venezia Member of the Lozère Councillor of the Lubelskie Mayor of Lisbon chair of the Espoo City Board Giulia Regional Council Departmental Council Region

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Malopolska Mazovia Morawica Murcia Navarre

Jacek Krupa (PL/EPP) Adam Struzik (PL/EPP) Fernando Lopez Miras Marian Adam Buras (PL/EA) Uxue Barkos (ES/IN) Councillor of the Małopolska President of the Mazovia (ES/EPP) Mayor of Morawica President of Navarre Region Region President of Murcia

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Norrbotten North Rine - Westfalia Presov Rhein-Hunsrück Rijeka

Agneta Granström Dietmar Brockes Heike Raab (DE/ES) (SE/PES) (DE/ALDE) Andrea Turcanova (SK/EPP) State Secretary, Representative Vojko Obersnel (HR/PES) Member of Norrbotten County Member of the North Rhine- Mayor of Prešov of the Land of Rhineland- Mayor of Rijeka Council Westphalia Parliament Palatinate

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Sibiu Silesia (Katowice) Thelassy Westellingwerf West Pomerania

Konstantinos Agorastos Olgierd Geblewicz Daniela Cîmpean (RO/EPP) Andrė Van de Nadort Wojciech Saługa (PL/EPP) (GR/EPP) (PL/EPP) President of the Sibiu County (NL/PES) Councillor of the Silesia Region Head of the Region President of Westpomerania Council Mayor of Weststellingwerf of Thessaly Region

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Šiauliai Kirklees

Daiva Matonienė (LT/ECR) Member of Šiauliai City Council Andrew Cooper (UK/EA) and Former Deputy Minister of Member of Kirklees Council RegionsRegions Environment gettinggetting results results 19 19 Foreword

YOU CAN COUNT ON US

Karl-Heinz LAMBERTZ Markku MARKKULA CoR President and Belgian Senator representing CoR 1st Vice-President the German-Speaking Community and Chair of the Espoo City Board

The most recent IPCC report was chilling reading: we need now gone global. At the sub-national level innovation ­Industrialised countries need to uphold their financial to do far more if we are to avoid the catastrophic conse- and ambition continues to drive forward the global cli- commitments to support developing and more vulnerable quences of climate change. On our current trajectory, mate agenda. countries and regions. global temperatures will warm by 3°C by 2100, damaging Yet despite the role of local and regional governments be- In Europe, many regions have long been reliant on coal our biodiversity with severe weather affecting millions of ing recognised in Paris, we haven’t made nearly enough and need support to make the transition to a low-carbon people across the globe. The reality is that we are way off headway in creating a truly inclusive global climate gov- economy. The European Commission estimates that coal track in meeting the under 2°C Paris Agreement goal. ernance system. The Fijian Presidency from last year’s COP mining provides 185,000 direct jobs in 12 EU member The COP24 in Katowice needs to accelerate our efforts opened doors to enable local and regional governments, states but claims that there is potential to create 900,000 by consolidating firstly, our commitments - through the civil society and businesses to have their voices heard jobs by the end of the next decade in areas such as re- creation a robust Rule Book and climate financing; and within the UN climate process. Talanoa Dialogue must newable energy. secondly, our partnerships so we create a more inclusive not only be continued but strengthened, as it has demon- global governance that involves all levels of government, strated that by increasing inclusiveness we can ramp up Shifting to a low-carbon needs careful planning, technical civil society and businesses. ambition. This process is indispensable if the COP24 is to support and regional investment to ensure regional econ- be a success. omies are protected. In Europe, we need to strengthen At a time when national interests are taking precedence the co-creation of EU environmental policy - an area of over international obligations, we need more ambition. We need an honest, realistic and transparent climate Rule local and regional government competency. EU regional The EU has committed to cutting greenhouse gasses to Book that monitors greenhouse gas emissions, reports cli- investment – so-called cohesion policy – needs to be 80% of 1990 levels by 2050, but our Committee – the mate protection efforts and commits how much resources strengthened, not weakened, so that regions and cities EU’s assembly of 350 local and regional governments – industrialised nations will deliver to poorer countries to can mitigate, adapt and climate-proof their economies. demands that the EU shows more climate leadership, call- help them reduce their emissions and adapt to a warmer ing for a carbon-neutral Europe by 2050, the same target world. This is imperative and we need to encourage all of This year’s negotiations in Katowice are critical in laying that the IPCC report claims is needed to keep temperatures the world’s regions and cities to contribute to achieving the groundwork for a robust Rulebook to avoid temper- warming below 1.5°C. the Sustainable Development Goals, co-creating a more atures rising above 1.5°C. The slogan of the COP24 Polish equal, economically prosperous and environmentally Presidency is “Changing together”: with the right level of For local and regional leaders greening our economies, sound future by being active in the UN’s SDG Cities Lead- political courage and a herculean effort by all of us, it is cleaning our air, making our homes energy-efficient and ership Platform and other similar initiatives. feasible. It means transforming our global climate govern- ensuring a healthy sustainable supply of food makes not ance so that local and regional governments are formally only environmental sense, but also business sense. The It’s therefore high time that “Locally and Regionally Deter- given a seat at the negotiating table to bridge the gap recent New Climate Economy Report estimates that bold mined Contributions” are established to complement “Na- between the climate pledges and achievements. climate change could deliver at least US$26 trillion glob- tionally Determined Contributions” to show that we are all ally in economic benefits by 2030. responsible for taking climate action and to maintain the This brochure shows that local and regional governments motivation at the local and regional level. This will take are showing ambition delivering climate action. Time is Cities and regions have long been rolling up their sleeves: us closer to bridging the gap between the Parties’ current short, the world is watching and we need to do more, this year we celebrate 10 years since the EU’s Covenant of commitments and the reduction levels of CO emissions faster, together. You can count on us. Mayors was launched – an initiative whereby local and 2 needed to reverse global warming. regional authorities voluntarily agree to surpass the EU’s climate and energy targets. Today, over 7,500 towns and Assessing individual contributions means also help- cities have joined this bottom-up movement which has ing those regions and cities that are lagging behind.

3 SUSTAINABILITY AT FULL SAIL

Cor LAMERS (NL/EPP) Chair of the ENVE Commission and Mayor of Schiedam

Sustainability is the way forward for regions with large maritime-related businesses like companies special- tidal and geothermal energy and has installed solar industrial seaports. Highly urbanised and energy inten- ised in vessels’ design, engineering and maintenance. panels and windmills on rooftops. sive, seaport regions are home to the highest concen- Innovation and sustainability are key factors within Schiedam’s concerted and inclusive approach has tration of human enterprise. While they offer promising Schiedam’s port development strategy. led to an agreement between the city, the province, conditions for developing economic and social wealth, The city has been cooperating with a wide range of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment of the seaports, like Schiedam, are subject to intensive and stakeholders – including residents, private companies Netherlands, the Port of Rotterdam and the maritime diversified energy needs. and research institutes, to identify and prioritise the industry to become a sustainable seaport world ref- The Schiedam port is the basis of several state of the most strategic sustainability measures. Schiedam erence. art shipyards and offshore companies. It also hosts launched new modes of energy production, such as

EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES TO DRIVE CHANGE

Valter FLEGO (HR/ALDE) Vice-Chair of ENVE Commission and Prefect of the County of Istria

The Croatian county of Istria demonstrates how coor- ing. It monitors and compares energy and water bills, of a Hybrid geothermal-solar heating system in the dinated actions and communication are an essential identifying excessive consumption and measures for “Grdelin” kindergarten in Buzet, the first of its kind in basis to fight climate change and adapt to global improved performance. Coupled with education and Croatia. warming. trainings, the county has set up competent teams ca- Through the EU project EMPOWERING, Istria has now pable of planning and managing energy consumption In collaboration with the Istrian Regional Energy completed CO2 emissions’ inventories in the towns of in public buildings, including schools, hospitals and Agency (IRENA), the county has established an In- Buzet, Labin, Novigrad, Pazin, Pula, Poreč, Rovinj and schools. formation System for Energy Management (ISGE) to Vodnjan. Identifying the main sources of emissions is monitor the water and energy performance of public Istria is also proud of the results of the EU project the first step for public authorities to build integrated buildings. The system contains data for the general, ALTERENERGY to promote energy efficiency in small sustainable energy strategies. structural and energetic characteristics of each build- communities. The project included the installation

4 REDUCING EMISSIONS THROUGH CARBON BUDGETING

Kevin KEENAN (UK/PES) Dundee City Councillor and representative of Scottish Municipalities to the CoR Aberdeenshire is one of the 32 unitary local authority ic targets and reduce its carbon footprint. Operating in a politicians with a clearer link in demonstrating costs and municipal bodies in Scotland and the first one to devel- virtuous cycle, carbon budgets are progressively reduced savings being made through carbon saving initiatives. as objectives in reducing emissions are met. op and approve a carbon budget. Aberdeenshire Council is a member of the Global Cove- A carbon budget is a scheme for monitoring and reducing Projects sitting within the Carbon Budget are monitored nant of Mayors for Climate and Energy. throughout the year to ensure reduction targets are be- carbon dioxide emissions that any public or private body COSLA, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities has ing met. All new projects now need to consider carbon can use to reduce its carbon footprint. With the support of recognised Aberdeenshire’s carbon budget programme emissions alongside financial costs and savings. This in- a politically led Sustainability Committee, Aberdeenshire and achievements with the 2017 Silver COSLA Excel- novative approach has empowered services to develop allocates emissions and sets annual targets which are lence Award, in the Strong and Sustainable Communi- projects and plans. distributed across its directorates by the Strategic Leader- ties category. Aberdeenshire is a mostly rural authority ship Team. Each service receives a portion of the carbon Over time, Aberdeenshire plans to better integrate Carbon in the North East of Scotland with a population of just budget and becomes accountable for meeting its specif- Budget with Financial Budgets in order to will provide over 262,000.

BATTERY OF MEASURES TOWARDS DECARBONISATION

Francina ARMENGOL (ES/PES) President of the Balearic Islands

The Balearic Islands’ energy policy has recently been or water treatment plants is of certified renewable aims for all new vehicles after 2035 to be zero-emis- turned on its head to become a reference for other origin since 2017. This is being complemented by sion. Car-hire companies will have to incorporate a islands aiming for a total decarbonisation by 2050. the installation of solar panels on public buildings: proportion of zero-emission vehicles in their fleets from 2020. The Balearic Islands have already installed The baseline is the regional climate change and energy almost 20,000m² of solar panels on public buildings over 300 public electric vehicle charging points. transition law, which results from a two year participatory in the last two years. To foster the development of progress with business groups, workers’ unions, green or- renewables and reduce the territorial impact, all large Businesses are not left alone as from 2020, large- and ganisations and political parties to provide consensus and car parks in the Islands will have to incorporate solar mid-sized enterprises will have to calculate and report stability beyond political terms. panels. on their carbon footprint annually and carry out bind- ing emission reductions from 2025. On renewable energy, the energy used by the re- On transport, new diesel cars will be banned from the gional government’s hospitals, trains, offices, schools region’s roads from 2025. The regional government

5 GREEN GROWTH POWERED LOCALLY AND INNOVATIVELY

Christian ILLEDITS (AT/PES) President of Burgenland Regional Parliament

Located within easy reach of Vienna and on the shores dant local source of energy – wind – operated by the the public grid. Going off-grid has required the devel- of Lake Neusiedl, Neusiedl am See is the fastest-grow- regional energy supplier, Energie Burgenland. opment of sophisticated algorithms (to match supply ing municipality in Burgenland – and, as a result, its The solution – due to come on-line in late 2019 – will and demand) and a clever combination of thermal gas- and biomass-fuelled heating plant now needs use electricity from a local wind park to power a clever and electrochemical storage systems. In future, extra upgrading. As the town lies on the edge of a national arrangement of heat pumps, which in turn will ex- energy may be generated by using waste heat from park, any solution needs to be ecologically sensitive. tract heat from the air and, when demand peaks, from industrial plants. The municipality has opted to build on its strengths, a biomass boiler. Use of carbon-emitting gas will be by pursuing an innovative solution based on an abun- all but eliminated, and there will be no connection to

HOW WIND POWER HAS BLOWN COAL MINING AWAY

Juan_Vicente HERRERA CAMPO (ES/EPP) President of Castilla y León

Castilla y León has taken up the challenge to accelerate The region first established a wind farm land planning Based on public-private partnerships, the region has the energy transition in its territory of 94,000 km². In method based on technical, environmental and so- created more than 3000 jobs including 1600 in the pro- 2000, the traditionally coal mining region developed a cio-economic criteria. With the technical support of the duction chain and 750 in installations and maintenance. Regional Wind Power Plan with the following objec- regional energy agency, the key objective has been to While originally planned for the period 2000-2006, Cas- tives: achieve the widest expansion of wind power with the tilla y León’s Regional Wind Power Plan is still ongoing, smallest environmental impact. • To maximise the potential of wind energy sources with an additional 600MW in the pipeline and further while protecting natural resources and spaces So far, more than 5,600 MW of wind farms have been investments exceeding EUR 600 million by 2020. installed, accounting for 78% of the electricity demand • To boost clean energy production while improving Castilla y León’s successful achievements in energy in the region. Castilla y Léon now sums up more than electric distribution transitioning have surely become a shining reference for 23% of the national wind generation, turning the region other coal mining regions in Europe. • To favour local and regional economic growth into a renewables’ power both in Spain and in Europe.

6 ENDING A WASTEFUL APPROACH TO WASTE

Marius_Horia ŢUŢUIANU (RO/PES) President of Constanta County Council

Constanta County Council has in recent years secured But perhaps the biggest environmental project is the the construction of one sorting station, a new biolog- very significant EU funding – around EUR 50 million on-going introduction of an integrated waste-man- ical treatment facility, two waste transfer sites and – for projects to reduce carbon emissions, promote agement system, aimed at increasing waste recov- new waste repository, as well as new vehicles, con- biodiversity, and improve transport, as well as for pro- ery in Constanta County to 60% and providing a tainers and sorting equipment. jects linked to sustainable development, the preserva- high-quality affordable service to about 620,000 tion of cultural heritage and cross-border cooperation people. This involves the closure of five waste-storage with other authorities in the Black Sea region. sites that do not meet Romanian and EU regulations,

SOCIAL HOUSING, THE ENERGY-EFFICIENT WAY

Kieran MCCARTHY (IE/PES) Cork City Council

Lowering emissions from social housing is a major el- focuses on financial instruments that can be used to from a Horizon 2020 project called GrowSmarter, in ement in the city of Cork’s shift towards a low-carbon fund decarbonisation of the housing stock, and ‘In- which Stockholm, Cologne and Barcelona are acting economy. With EU funding, it is reducing the carbon tensify’, which aims to change individuals’ behaviour as ‘lighthouse cities’, implementing 12 smart-city produced by 1,000 social housing units designed and through community engagement. solutions, ranging from improving urban mobility to built over a long period of time, from the late 19th cen- increasing energy efficiency. As a ‘follower city’, Cork tury to the present day. The results are lower fuel bills Cork would like to go further, by creating a ‘passive en- will learn from their experiences and will provide a for occupants, greater comfort and, thereby, a better ergy’ district, drawing on the lessons of an unsuccess- market for solutions suitable for their specific local quality of life. The city is also taking part in two ener- ful joint submission (with Grenoble) for money from context. gy-focused Interreg programmes: ‘Empower’, which the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme. It is also learning

7 FROM EXEMPLARY BUILDINGS TO BIODIVERSITY PROTECTION

Christophe ROUILLON (FR/PES) Mayor of Coulaines

Coulaines was the first town in France to sign the The building was designed to minimise heating and in innovations such as differentiated management of Covenant of Mayors, back in 2008. Since then, it has electricity use. It has a green roof, solar panels and a green areas, eco-pasture and mulching, and has intro- cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 30%. Coulaines is dual-flow ventilation system, and is south-facing. It duced natural predators. Results show that common bearing the fruits of its ambitious Sustainable Energy also includes an open area, covered with natural grass invasive species, such as Japanese knotweed, have Action Plan, a wide-ranging energy renewal strategy and including a kitchen garden and orchard, providing rapidly given way to a colourful variety of flowers. In launched in 2013 and extending over 12 years. children with a green playground. six years, Coulaines is proud to have seen at least five wild orchid species reappear, including some protect- One of Coulaines’ flagship projects is the Albert Camus The municipality is also leading the way in green ed varieties such as the pyramidal orchid. Sustainabil- Centre for Educational Excellence. The building fol- space maintenance. It has avoided pesticides and ity is never far from biodiversity protection. lows a High Environmental Quality (HEQ) approach. glyphosate use for ten years. The town has brought

MAKING A TRANSYLVANIAN TOWN HEALTHY AGAIN

Adrian TEBAN (RO/EPP) Mayor of Cugir

Cugir in Transylvania was previously a one-indus- by a staggering 80%, and, more importantly, the serve its historic architectural landmarks, and move try town with a hospital so lacking in investment municipality sees this the start of a process intended towards a circular economy, while making its own that no births had been allowed for some years. to attract more medical staff, improve public services, contribution to Europe’s efforts to meet its obligations The town is reversing that decline in services by, in and renovate all public buildings. under the Paris climate accords. part, spending European money to heat and power the hospital using geothermal energy and a modern This is part of a broader shift, the town hopes, that will energy-management system. Emissions have fallen see Cugir improve the quality of life of its citizens, pre-

8 PLUGGED INTO CONSENSUAL SUSTAINABILITY

Markku MARKKULA (FI/EPP) CoR 1st Vice-President and Chair of the Espoo City Board

Espoo is demonstrating how sustainability shines in its full solutions, including the placement of new bioplants and Espoo. The city will launch Finland’s first electric bus public potential when it implies long-term measures resulting recycling plants, utilising recovered waste heat in data tender to serve the Leppävaara area. from consensual processes that involve local authorities, rooms and a unique geothermal plant expected to produce Espoo’s innovative and participatory policies in urban plan- private companies, universities and residents. 10% of Espoo’s all-year heating needs. ning, transport and energy supply are becoming world Such consultative and inclusive approach is the one guid- Providing rapid public transport solutions is key to decrease reference. In June 2018, the city was awarded Intelligent ing Espoo’ sustainable development programme. The city’s car-use and transport related emissions. Espoo is prioritis- Community of the Year 2018 at the occasion of the Intel- aim is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 through emis- ing rail-oriented urban structures, following a model of ligent Community Forum (ICF) Summit in London. In July sion-free energy production, smart urban technologies five city centres located along railways. Connectivity with 2018, Espoo joined the new UN’s pioneering city research and leadership programme in the city universities catego- and clean mobility solutions. Helsinki is crucial for Espoo’s attractiveness. The West Metro Line, completed in 2017, connects the two cities with eight ry. The programme includes 25 cities to serve as pioneers Heat production accounts for nearly half of Espoo’s emis- new stations. A light rail line to improve inter-city connec- of sustainable development, engaging their industry, edu- sions. That is why reaching a carbon-neutral district heat- tivity between Espoo and the capital is expected to start in cational institutions and citizens to reach UN’s Sustainable ing system is a top priority. The city is developing new 2019. Fast-charging electric buses are already operating in Development Goals s by 2025.

SMART MOVE TOWARDS E-MOBILITY

Franco IACOP (IT/PES) Regional Councillor and President of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Regional Council

The region of Friuli Venezia-Giulia has recently em- To start with, the region is developing NOEMIX, a new maintenance costs for the region as these will now be barked in a promising e-mobility adventure with car sharing system of over 500 electric vehicles for borne by the private service provider. public administration’s use. The region will gradually NeMo, the New Mobility project of the North-east But that’s not all. The Friuli Venezia-Giulia is using its substitute a fully public-owned fleet model with a Italian region. Financed with EUR 900,000 from the EU experience to develop an innovative, standardized and new public-private partnership, leading to a ‘mobili- easily replicable methodology that other public author- programme Horizon 2020, NeMo will bring a signifi- ty-as-a-service’ scheme based on long-term lease and ities will be free to replicate. A good tip to start with is cant (r)e-volution into how local authorities own, use car-sharing of e-vehicles. always to engage in a participatory approach from early and manage their fleet of public vehicles. Ultimately, The NOEMIX project also foresees the deployment of a planning stages, involving the main public and private the project is to lead to EUR 14 million investments network of charging stations with the necessary infra- stakeholders, mobility service providers, the lenders’ in low-emission solutions to reduce urban transport structure to feed it with energy from renewable sources. community, procurers and final users of the mobility pollution. Such smart move comes along with a reduction of fleet service.

9 INVESTING IN GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE

Fernando MEDINA (PT/PES) Mayor of Lisbon Fernando Medina is the Mayor of Lisbon and a mem- a climate adaptation tool. GIs are green urban spaces Shadowing solutions to tackle heat waves (80,000 trees ber of the European Committee of the Regions. To purposefully designed for their ecosystem services. A planted by 2021), Nature-Based Solutions for drainage address the flash floods and the heat waves they are flagship project, the Alcântara Valley Green Corridor, (EUR 170 million investment), a network of urban facing, the city is actively engaged in the international farming public parks along with its social inclusion regenerates the city´s largest drainage basin where forums and organizations such as Covenant of May- tool… no one questions the leadership of Lisbon, win- ors for Climate and Energy, ICLEI, EUROCITIES, 100 nowadays the Wastewater Treatment Plant of Alcântara ner of the European Green Capital 2020 award, when it Resilient Cities, UWA 2030 and others. This led Lisbon is located, also called “Water Factory” on the context of comes to innovative solutions for the climate. to set ambitious targets, namely 60% CO2 reduction a circular economy. Alcântara Water Factory is currently “For the cities that look at us as a benchmark, but until 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050. the biggest green rooftop in Europe and its gardens are and more importantly, for our citizens and the future To achieve these goals, one of their main solutions is already being watered with treated wastewater (recy- of our planet we cannot fail in our plan regarding cli- an active Green Infrastructure (GI) plan, managed as cled water), a new sustainable water source. mate change.”

MAKING WASTE A BOON FOR FARMING FISH

Jean-Paul POURQUIER (FR/EPP) Member of the Lozère Departmental Council

The fish-farming school in La Canourgue, in Lozère sis between plants, fish and bacteria in a mini natural ductive commercial functions – fish farming, mar- Country in southern France, is the site of an experi- ecosystem where the waste of one element becomes ket gardening, and the composting of organic-rich mental project that, we believe, will prove ideally food for another. sludge. This is a pro-active approach that is ahead adapted to agriculture in urban and peri-urban ar- of regulations and trends, and the training process is eas, reducing water extraction, limiting waste, and This is aquaponics (a contraction of ‘aquaculture’ and also revolutionary, as students are directly involved in increasing the food independence of families and ‘hydroponics’) in action, an innovative technology of refining and improving the process. communities. The project strives to achieve a symbio- virtuous cultivation that will serve a range of pro-

10 ON A ROAD TO SUSTAINABILITY

Sławomir SOSNOWSKI (PL/EPP) Councillor of Lubelskie Region

The city of Zamość has made sustainable transport begin operating. A better quality of life, lower carbon school is being revamped to take its heat from geo- a priority in recent years and since 2016 it has been emissions, swifter and smoother traffics, and a more thermal sources, with the installation of a heat pump revamping its road system, modernising its IT sys- competitive economy are among the benefits expect- and vertical heat exchanger. For its energy, the school tem, and buying low-emission buses. As a result, it ed for the city. The majority of the funding is coming will also look upwards, to the sun. The same is true for a new sports hall. As well as lowering emissions and has added cycle paths, increased pedestrianisation, from the EU. and created 6,000 parking places for cars as part of increasing efficiency, renewable energy is expected to a Park-and-Ride system. There will be a charging The EU is also providing most of the funding for a reduce maintenance costs significantly. site for electric vehicles, more bike stands and sheds, project focused on greener, more efficient energy for and – from March 2019 – a fleet of clean buses will public buildings in the community of Glusk. The local

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

Jacek KRUPA (PL/EPP) Councillor of Małopolska Region

The Małopolska Air Quality Plan (MAQP) determines 60 Eco-Managers, specifically trained in air protection The Centre also manages the regional database to tasks for local governments to eliminate obsolete solid and energy management, have been employed in the monitor the progress in the elimination of air pollution fuel boilers and modernize household heating sys- 55 municipal authorities to take specific actions at the in municipalities. tems. The Małopolska in a Healthy Atmosphere project local level, promoting the engagement of these opin- The project also includes international modelling be- is a response to the needs of local governments and ion leaders and establishing direct contact with local tween the Małopolska Region, Silesian Region, the the barriers identified during the implementation of communities. They also conduct educational activities Czech Republic and Slovakia as well as the organisation the current MAQP. Increasing public awareness is one among residents, explaining the sources and impacts of effective experience sharing and knowledge transfer of the key elements of the project. It focusses on en- of air pollution and the different air protection meas- platforms. This EUR 16.8 million project is funded at gaging various opinion leaders who can pass on their ures they can take. These eco-managers, as well as the 60% by the EU LIFE Program and has already provided knowledge to local communities, encouraging them regional and municipal decision makers, are trained advice and assistance for 306,184 residents. to take air quality improvement measures. and continuously supported by an Excellence Centre.

11 BUILDING A SYSTEM OF RENEWABLE ENERGY - SOLAR PANELS IN HEALTH CARE FACILITIES

Adam STRUZIK (PL/EPP) President of the Mazovia Region

Since 2014, the Mazovia region has been imple- Hospitals that have decided to install solar collectors in a decrease of polluting emission. This represents menting the 4-year-long project named “Building a can count primarily on significant savings. The first 780 t CO2 /year as well as a significant reduction of system of renewable energy - solar panels in health results confirmed that up to 20 to 30% of the funds so released NOX, SO₂ and PM₁₀. In May 2018, the project far spent annually on heating hot water will be saved was awarded in the Top Municipal Investments Award care facilities”. This project consisted of the installation in hospitals’ budgets. This money can now be spent in the field of environmentally-friendly anti-smog of more than 5000 m² of solar panels in 12 hospitals on other activities, such as the purchase of modern projects in Poland. for domestic water heating, representing an installed medical equipment. The total value of the project is over EUR 9,3 million capacity of 2,3 GWh/year. In addition nine of these The installation should reduce the annual gas con- and the Mazovia region was helped by a contribution hospitals took this opportunity to modernise their sumption of the hospitals by more than 115,000 m³ from the Swiss-Polish Cooperation Program amount- heating installations as well. and the coal consumption by over 280 tons, resulting ing to almost 85% of the project.

FIGHTING FOR CLEAN AIR

Marian_Adam BURAS (PL/EA) Mayor of Morawica

Morawica has taken education about environmental Smog”, “Fighting for Clean Air” – show some of the publicly accessible platform. Our citizens are using the issues seriously for the past ten years. Each year since areas we have focused on. air-quality map to help decide how to spend their free time. We also want to remove threats to health from 2006, for example, during the Children’s Day festival, To clean the air, we began, in 2016, to offer subsidies within people’s homes: we now have a programme to we have given residents vouchers for tree seedlings to replace old coal stoves with gas or oil boilers. To remove and neutralise asbestos. in return for collecting waste; and the titles of other gauge improvements in air quality, we now have two competitions last year – “Trash Inspirations”, “Not for sensors that collect and interpret data in real time on a

12 ELENA FUENSANTA PROJECT

Fernando LÓPEZ MIRAS (ES/EPP) President of the Murcia As the Coordinator of the Covenant of Mayors within jects. It can include feasibility and market studies, programme has been focused on street lighting, solar the Murcia Region since 2013, the Regional Develop- programme structuring, energy audits and tendering thermal collector for swimming pools, photovoltaïc ment Agency of Murcia Region (INFO) has supported procedure preparation. To that end, a technical team roof-top plants, sewage pumping stations and energy its 45 local municipalities resulting in all of them sign- truly committed to the project’s success is working full rehabilitation of public buildings. ing up as Covenant of Mayors Signatories. time for the regional and local authorities. “We have come to the conclusion that it is nowadays INFO has recently developed the ELENA Fuensanta From the kickstart of the project in 2014 until now, key to have room for energy efficiency and sustaina- Project, funded by ELENA facility. This joint EIB-Euro- EUR 33 million were invested in renewable sources bility issues if we want to work for a more competitive pean Commission initiative covers up to 90% of the and energy efficiency and the project has accredited Region. Therefore, we are willing to keep on this track technical support cost needed to prepare the invest- a leverage factor of 39,5 which largely overpasses and extend this knowledge and initiatives not only ment programme for implementation and financing the minimum threshold marked by EIB of EUR 20 among municipalities through CoM actions but also of energy efficiency and/or renewable energy pro- mobilised for every one euro of grant. The investment among companies, SMEs, housing sector, etc.”

TOWARDS AN INTEGRATED, COHERENT AND INCLUSIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION POLICY

Uxue BARKOS (ES/NI) President of Navarre

Navarre is about to equip itself with a new Strategy regional, interregional and cross-border cooperation. change issues or improving the technical capacities against Climate Change. To this end, it has produced The objective is to define how to develop a joint vision and the knowledge of the stakeholders. a roadmap aiming for the mitigation of CO emissions 2 for each work area in a participatory manner, involv- This project will be conducted following five key prin- and the adaptation of vulnerable sectors. In the con- ing the government, citizens, companies, etc. ciples: Participation of the interest groups involved, text of the adaptation measures, Navarra is going to Inter-sectorisation, breaking all the barriers across all implement a pioneering Climate Change Adaptation Specific measures have been identified in strategic the economic sectors, Sustainability in the long term, LIFE Integrated Project with a total budget of EUR areas for action: Monitoring, Water, Forestry, Agricul- increasing the capacities of our region and achieving 15.5 million (EU co-funding of 60%). ture, Health, Infrastructure and Territorial Planning. In results on a continuing basis, Subsidiarity, trying to This project will be developed involving the most rel- addition to these, horizontal actions have been iden- make decision making a process close to the citizens evant stakeholder in the region through a multi-agent tified to build capacity and to raise awareness, such and Networking with the 28 countries in the European platform (AGORA KLINA) created in April 2018 for as creating specific job profiles to address climate Union to achieve a multiplier effect of the project.

13 MARKBYGDEN 1101 - LARGEST WIND FARM IN EUROPE

Agneta GRANSTRÖM (SE/PES) Norrbottens County Council

Northern Sweden is continuing to take responsibility wind turbines and to become the biggest wind farm in Court of Appeal gave the go-ahead for the third and for Europe’s transition to green electricity by expand- Europe. With an expected production of 8-12 TW/h, it final phase of Markbygden in June 2018. will almost reach 7% of Sweden’s electricity production ing wind power. The Markbygden area is perfect for As well as being an essential part of Sweden’s energy and could become one of Europe’s biggest industrial harvesting wind energy: very sparsely populated, with transition, the project has also become a key compo- investments. good wind conditions and relatively few conflicting nent in the new industry in northern Sweden. The interests. In 2008, the company Svevind AB applied As part of the process, five local reference groups were construction process has created a great deal of work for for a permit to construct and operate a huge wind set up in the Markbygden area to represent local inter- local and regional businesses and the project will still farm in Markbygden. The application covers an area ests. The company drew up and sent an environmental provide a large number of long-term jobs after the end of approximately 450 km² (more than twice the city impact assessment (EIA) to the EIA Committee at Nor- of the constructions. of Stockholm), with the potential to hold up to 1101 rbotten County Council. The Land and Environmental

REDUCING EMISSIONS IN THE ENERGY-INTENSIVE INDUSTRY

Dietmar BROCKES (DE/ALDE) Member of the North Rhine-Westphalia Parliament Dietmar Brockes is a member of the parliament of the state coal could be substituted by hydrogen, which would re- tion, initiate and develop new research projects, foster of North Rhine-Westphalia as well as a member of the duce CO2 emissions tremendously. cross-sectoral cooperation, work on economic and tech- Committee of the Region. Home to a disproportionally high nical strategies for preserving the competitiveness of the The new initiative “IN4climate.NRW” fosters research and share of energy-intensive industry, this region emitted about industry location North Rhine-Westphalia while taking 1/3 of Germany´s overall greenhouse gas emissions. Having innovation for CO2-emission reduction in the energy-in- into consideration the regulatory and political frameworks already reached their 25% GHG emission reduction goals for tensive industry. Participating partners of the initiative are needed for this transition. the state government, industry and scientific research in- 2020, they aim an 80% reduction for 2050. Initiated in September 2018 and planned to last 4 years, IN- stitutes. In the course of time, also civil society, associations To reach such an ambitious target, GHG-neutral produc- 4climate.NRW is initially financed by the state government and start-ups will be integrated into the process. tion and the fabrication of climate-friendly products are of North Rhine-Westphalia. IN4climate.NRW shall generate required. An example would be steel production: process Experts from these stakeholders are brought together to subsidies from the EU and the German Federal State in sub- gasses can be converted into chemical products or coking jointly identify promising fields of research and innova- stantial quantity to mobilise innovative industry projects.

14 GREEN SAVINGS, WELL PROCURED

Andrea TURČANOVÁ (SK/EPP) Mayor of Prešov

In 2015, an inventory of Prešov identified two princi- ticularly kindergartens), improved and expanded cy- impact of our projects and smart solutions will become pal sources of emissions over the previous ten years: cle-paths, and bought eco-friendly municipal vehicles. clear in 2018-2020 – but it is clear that they will help residential buildings (50.3%) and transport (23.3%). significantly in our efforts to meet the obligations we We have targeted both sources, by aiming to reduce Public lighting now emits 67% less, and the process has signed up to when we joined the Covenant of Mayors emissions from public infrastructure and by support- proved to be a good exercise in public procurement: we for Climate and Energy. ing non-motorised transport. With the support of EU have won a first prize for green public procurement in structural funds, we have modernised public lighting, Slovakia and fourth prize in the equivalent EU award in improved the energy efficiency of public buildings (par- 2016. We are entering an important period – the full

A REFERENCE REGION FOR CLIMATE PROTECTION AND INNOVATIVE ENERGY

Heike RAAB (DE/PES) State Secretary, Representative of the Land of Rhineland-Palatinate

Ms. Heike Raab is representing Rhein-Hunsrück at on municipal and private roofs, the introduction of early as 2018, the district is to reach a zero-emissions the ENVE Commission of the CoR. Rhein-Hunsrück is electromobility and a multitude of different measures balance in the sectors of heat, mobility, electricity and a district of 100,000 inhabitants which aims to be- as well as campaigns to promote energy saving and waste. energy efficiency. come a reference region for climate protection and This is only possible thanks to the active community innovative energy concepts. Thanks to forward-look- Electricity production from renewable energies in involvement and the intensive cooperation between ing decisions, a wide variety of projects have been 2017 is already 3 times superior to the electricity de- district and local governments. In particular, the activ- implemented, such as local district heating networks mand. The implementation of the climate protection ities of the community of Schnorbach are leading the using local biomass, the implementation of wind concept is at the same time the largest economic change, inspiring the funding guidelines now being turbines on municipal areas, the use of photovoltaic development concept in the history of the district. As applied in more than 40 locations of the district.

15 BETTER TRANSPORT. CLEANER AIR

Vojko OBERSNEL (HR/PES) Mayor of Rijeka

Rijeka joined the Covenant of Mayors in 2009, before Improving transport seemed – literally – like an up- rapid-filling station in Croatia. The project has reduced Croatia had even joined the European Union. It is now hill struggle: Rijeka’s hilly landscape limits the ways to carbon emissions by 1,600 tonnes a year, and the won a place on the world map of Eco-Friendly cities. develop environmentally friendly transport. The city savings should increase with additional buses and the Over the years, the quality of daily life for Rijeka’s citizens opted to use compressed natural gas (CNG), bought 40 construction of another filling station. has improved in two very significant ways: transport is CNG buses (among other CNG vehicles for the city) and better and the air is cleaner. built a CNG filling station. This was the first so-called

AVOIDING WASTED EFFORTS

Daniela CÎMPEAN (RO/EPP) President of the Sibiu County Council

According to European commitments, Romania has in Romania failed to complete their implementation clable and biodegradable waste, along with more than to significantly increase its recycling rates and re- due to public procurements blockages. Two years into 25,000 composting units. Two composting plants have duce the quantities of untreated landfilled waste by the implementation of selective waste collection, Sibiu now a total capacity of 22,000 t/year and the sorting 2020, with a target of recycling 50% of its municipal now manages to recycle over 60% with five separate station of Șura Mica has a capacity of 20,000 t/year. In waste. In this context, Sibiu County implemented an collection streams for plastic, paper, cardboard, metals addition, five landfills that weren’t compliant with the Integrated Waste Management System (IWMS) as a and biodegradable wastes. regulations were closed. part of a EUR 20 million EU-funded project. The IWMS In order to reach this landmark, the IWMS project project in Sibiu County has been successfully carried required the acquisition of more than 18,000 cubic out, while many similar waste management projects meters of containers and bins for the collection of recy-

16 THE SUCCESSFUL TRANSFORMATION OF KATOWICE AND THE SILESIAN REGION

Wojciech SAŁUGA (PL/EPP) Councillor of the Silesia Region

Restructuring the mining sector is one if the biggest chal- provement of investment processes and flexible tools that To show the world a positive transformation of a mining lenges the Silesian region is facing. The region’s goal is the facilitate the implementation of new projects. city, but most importantly, prove the benefits of trans- gradual replacement of traditional sectors of the economy forming an economic and energy model, Katowice will Katowice is an example of a revitalised old mine. With proudly host the United Nations Climate Change Confer- with more innovative ones. Long-term modernization and the support of the European Regional Development Fund, the rise of the region’s competitiveness requires strong ence (COP24) from 3rd to 14th December 2018. COP24 16.6 hectares are now home to the Katowice Culture Zone is to put the Paris agreement into motion and succeed in cooperation between the EU, central, regional and local which includes a modern art center, a culture center and retaining global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-in- governments along with and effective social dialogue that an international conference and exhibition center. dustrial levels. allows businesses and citizens to adapt to changes. The Katowice old-mine is also the site hosting the Silesian Amongst the challenges coal regions face are public aids, Museum and the headquarters of the Polish National Ra- regulation of ownership rights of post-mining areas, im- dio Symphony Orchestra.

SOMETHING CALLED BIODIVERSITY

Konstantinos AGORASTOS (GR/EPP) Head of the Region of Thessaly

The “Restoration of Lake Karla” is considered to To this day, nine specific projects have been complet- One of the most important benefits of the project is be the largest environmental project in the Balkans, ed, parts of which were the construction of reservoirs, the improvement of the microclimate of the area, implemented by the Region of Thessaly, and concerns ditches and tubular networks, of many pumping sta- which impacts the economic activities of local res- to the creation of a wide wetland area of 3800 hec- tions, the construction of islands exclusively for bird idents. Due to climate change, the region has faced tares. It is co-funded by the European Regional Devel- protection, hydro drillings and more. In the frame- more frequent intense rainfalls and floods. The flood opment Fund and by the Greek State. work of the excavations carried out, a large number of protection works helped to reduce the impact on the archaeological finds have been revealed, which were region (crops, infrastructure etc.) and consequently The main objectives of this project were the effective studied, evaluated and highlighted by competent in the financial burden of the residents as well as the flood protection of the wider area along with the scientists. Region of Thessaly. Finally, the aquifer enrichment gradual improvement of the quality and quantity of resulted in fewer ground rifts and better crop yields. the exploitable surface water and the gradual rise of Results are already there: 181 species of birds have the underground aquifer of the coastal areas. returned in lake Karla along with 13 new fish species.

17 MAKING THE BEST OF THE CLIMATE, RAIN OR SHINE

André VAN DE NADORT (NL/PES) Mayor of Weststellingwerf

Friesland is a watery province in a very water-conscious creased the amount of water drained, and we have sep- nicipality of Weststellingwerf, and we made sure that country, the Netherlands, and rainfalls are becoming arated water drainage from the sewerage system. We residents can invest in this locally produced energy from heavier. But where to channel the extra water was not have widened the river bank, dug new ditches, created just EUR 250. At an annual return of 6% a year, it is a the only concern that I and my fellow counsellors in a storage pond, and planted reeds to clean the water. good investment for our residents, and, for the council, Weststellingwerf had; we wanted cleaner water and to Our meadows are full of flowers, and we have laid new this is part of our sustainable policy. re-develop former agricultural land. We have improved walking paths to enjoy this nature reserve. how water is collected (by installing water-permeable paving, lowering curbs, and making our roads concave We are also making use of the sun. We have helped the so that water runs towards the centre), we have in- construction of solar farms in two villages in the mu-

LOW-EMISSION BUSES AND NEW VALUE FROM AN OLD SITE

Olgierd GEBLEWICZ (PL/EPP) President of Westpomerania Region

Schoolchildren painting on public property is not seen passengers at any given moment. Three-quarters of the old landfill site into a solar farm covering two hectares everywhere as something positive, but that was how funding came from the EU. and capable of generating 1MW/h. The municipality’s spending on electricity has plunged by 80-90%, and its the town of Kolobrzeg chose to celebrate the arrival of a The EU also provided one-third of the funding for an- beachside promenade has been re-fashioned and re-lit. brand-new fleet of low-emission buses. The eight bus- other project with an even more dramatic impact. In es – painted to the pupils’ designs – now service 680 2015, the village of Ustronie Morskie transformed an

18 SHOWCASING LOCAL AND REGIONAL SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES

Daiva MATONIENĖ (LT/ECR) Member of Šiauliai City Council and Former Deputy Minister of Environment

The Lithuanian government has been actively committed Sustainable Investment in City Areas) to improve the dwellings’ renovation. With this new model, municipali- to investing in the renovation of public buildings in order energy efficiency of buildings and contribute to job cre- ties are able to identify the least energy efficient multi-flat to improve energy performance and contribute to EU’s ob- ation locally. Following the renovation of the buildings, buildings, appoint a legal entity dealing with the loan and jectives of reducing energy consumption by 20% by 2020. the municipality saved between 40-50% on energy con- provide technical supervision of the construction works. Buildings are responsible for 40% of energy consumption sumption which translated into a reduction of 10% of its In addition, an agency owned by the Ministry for the En- and 36% of CO₂ emissions in Europe. total energy bill. vironment provides technical support and housing infor- mation, and supports the design of investment projects. Šiauliai City Council recognised the importance of such In 2013, the Lithuanian government launched a new investments and benefited from innovative financing renovation model aimed at removing financial and ad- schemes such as JESSICA (Joint European Support for ministrative barriers, and decreasing the burden for the

LEADING THE UK WITH RENEWABLE ENERGY

Andrew COOPER (UK/EA) Member of Kirklees Council

This is one of many initiatives this century. In 2000, I the most successful insulation scheme in the country renewable and low-carbon energy development of initiated the council’s Renewable Energy Fund, which by the Department for Energy and Climate Change, up to 50 megawatts installed capacity; and the gov- has seen Kirklees become the leading authority in the after offering the first universally free insulation ernment intends to amend legislation so that all ap- deployment of microgeneration technologies; over scheme and (by 2011) insulating over 50,000 Kirklees plications for green energy development are handled 5% of the UK’s solar capacity is now located in the homes through the scheme. Steps like these will help by local planning authorities. borough. In 2008, Kirklees successfully secured fund- to make sure that the UK has a secure energy supply, ing for its Kirklees RE-Charge scheme, which provides reduces greenhouse-gas emissions, and stimulates householders with renewable technology for their investment in new businesses. homes with no upfront costs or monthly payments. Local planners have an important role in introducing This scheme won the British Renewable Energy renewable- and low-carbon energy infrastructure. Awards in 2010. Kirklees was also ranked as having English local planning authorities are responsible for www.cor.europa.eu |@EU_CoR |/european.committee.of.the.regions |/european-committee-of-the-regions Rue Belliard/Belliardstraat 101|1040 Bruxelles/Brussel |BELGIQUE/BELGIË | Tel.+32 22822211 powers. local or regional to respect fails or principle subsidiarity the EU that law infringes believes it or infringed are rights its if Union European the of Justice of Court to the appeal can It cities. and regions a ecting areas policy in Committee the to consult obliged are Council the and Parliament European the Commission, European The EU policies. about them inform to and process EU’s the in decision-making represent they communities the and authorities local and to involve regional is mission Its over 507 Europeans. million representing States, 28 all Member from representatives local and 350of regional EU’s is the assembly Regions the of Treaty, Maastricht the Committee of signing European 1994 the in the Created following Visit ourdedicated pageandaccessourpublications on ourpositions, opinions andbestpractise COP24: You count can onus November 2018November

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ENVE showcasing localandregional Cities andregionsforclimate: sustainable initiatives Climate ChangeandEnergy to Katowice From Paris the Environment, Commission for