CLIMATE AND ENERGY PLAN FOR ÅLESUND MUNICIPALITY 2010-2015
Programme of Initiatives and Action
Table of Contents
1 INTRODUCTION ...... 3
2 WASTE AND CONSUMPTION ...... 5
3 TRANSPORT AND LAND-USE PLANNING ...... 11
4 STATIONARY ENERGY CONSUMPTION ...... 18
5 GOALS ...... 24
6 ACTION PROGRAMME ...... 26 6.1 WASTE AND CONSUMPTION ...... 26 6.2 TRANSPORT AND LAND-USE PLANNING ...... 28 6.3 STATIONARY ENERGY CONSUMPTION ...... 31
7 SUMMARY AND FURTHER WORK ...... 34 1 Introduction
Background The background for this work is the major challenges society faces in the field of climate and energy consumption.
Ålesund prepared a climate and energy plan at an early stage. The work began in 2006 when the Committee for Culture, the Environment and Value Creation passed a resolution requesting the Municipality’s Chief Administrative Officer to prepare a climate and energy plan for Ålesund. “Climate and Energy Plan for Ålesund 2008-12” was adopted by Ålesund City Council on 13 March 2008.
In the same year the Ålesund Region Development Corporation (ÅRU) took the initiative for preparing a climate and energy plan for its member municipalities. In a meeting on 12 February 2009 Ålesund City Council passed a resolution (Business Item No. 11/09) to participate in this collaboration with nine other municipalities (Giske, Haram, Sandøy, Skodje, Ørskog, Sykkylven, Stranda, Norddal and Stordal) in north Sunnmøre County. ÅRU hired Norconsult to carry out the work on the plan itself. A number of meetings were held with representatives of administration and political management and the result was presented at a meeting in Ørskog in January 2010.
Norconsult’s report consists of two parts: A general part (Part 2) which describes the challenges and an initiative part (Part 1) for each individual municipality. The part describing the challenges relating to climate and energy forms an attachment to the Programme of Initiatives and Action. With regard to Ålesund it is natural to consider the Programme of Initiatives and Action (Part 1) to be a continuation of the 2008 Climate and Energy Plan.
The structure of the Programme of Initiatives and Action
The division into subject areas is in line with the division used in the official Norwegian statistics for greenhouse gas emissions. This means that the review is divided up into the following sources of emissions:
• Industrial emissions as defined by Statistics Norway (SSB) include gas emissions from waste disposal sites, emissions from industrial processes, natural emissions from agriculture and greenhouse gas emissions from waste treatment. In this plan, these are dealt with in connection with the terms “waste” and “consumption” because of their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.
• Mobile emissions. These are connected with transport activity on roads, in the air and at sea. For aircraft and ships, limits have been placed on how much of this traffic shall be considered to produce municipal emissions. In the case of air transport, only flight lower than 100 metres is included in the statistics. Only domestic air and seagoing transport is considered to contribute to local emissions. This category of emissions also includes building and construction machinery and a wide range of mechanical equipment.
• Stationary emissions. These are emissions from energy consumption connected with fixed installations such as residential property, industrial buildings, factories, and so on. Stationary energy consumption also includes energy supply to airports and harbours, but not energy consumption by the means of transportation itself, such as road vehicles, aircraft and ships, although electrical vehicles, for example, are in a grey area.
2 Waste and consumption
Connections between waste, consumption and greenhouse gas emissions
Greenhouse gases ascribed to industrial emissions, including emissions from waste disposal sites, industrial processes, agriculture and other sources, amounted to approximately 10 per cent of the total emissions in 2007. This means that the effects of the initiatives in the fields of waste treatment and consumption do not appear as a reduction in the Municipality’s direct emissions of greenhouse gases. This is also connected with the fact that most of the waste is treated outside the Municipality.
The manufacture and transport of all goods result in the consumption of natural resources and energy at all stages. By a reduction in consumption and increased re-use of products, one can reduce the use of resources connected with manufacture, transport, distribution and waste management connected with new products. This will vary considerably from product to product. For example, the production and distribution of 1 kg of plastic for the manufacture of bags results in approximately 8 kg of CO 2 emissions (1 kg of pure polyethylene gives 2 kg of CO 2), while 1 kg of paper for the manufacture of bags results in approximately 2 kg of CO 2, 1 kg of meat gives approximately 16 kg, 1 kg of fruit or vegetables gives approximately 1 kg and 1 kg of leather (for use in shoes) results in approximately 4 kg of CO 2 emissions. It is estimated that this results in an average of approximately 2-3 kg of CO 2 emissions per kilogram of product which can be saved by reducing consumption.
These are indirect emissions which only occur to a limited extent in Ålesund. The saving in resources achieved by means of waste reduction, re-use and recycling of materials has not been included in the available emissions statistics from SSB. Direct emissions are those which result from waste treatment such as incineration or landfills.
There is a clear connection between greenhouse gas emissions and various forms of waste treatment, as described in a recent report produced by Østfold Research for Waste Management Norway 1. These figures are a combination of direct and indirect emission reductions.
Reduced generation of waste also leads to lower emissions from the entire waste handling process – collection, transport, treatment and final disposal. It is estimated that the combined waste treatment in Norway in 2006 of 2.6 million tonnes per year resulted in emissions of approximately 353,000 tonnes of CO 2, or approximately 135 kg of CO 2 per tonne of waste on average. This is in addition to the savings in manufacturing resources resulting from waste reduction. In the Ålesund region, a larger proportion of waste is treated in connection with energy recovery than the Norwegian average. As a result, emissions in the region are approximately 41 kg of CO 2 per tonne of waste. The emissions are calculated on the basis of the report from Waste Management Norway and have been used in calculating the effects for the Municipality.
1) Waste Management Norway – rapport 1/09, Klimaregnskap for avfallshåndtering [Report No. 1/09: Emissions accounting in waste management.] Phase I: [Glass packaging, metal packaging, paper, cardboard, plastic packaging and wet organic waste.] (in Norwegian). The principal results of Waste Management Norway’s report in ranking the methods of treatment considered in relation to the net greenhouse gas emissions associated with the various types of waste and treatment systems are:
1. Recovery of materials results in the lowest greenhouse gas impact for the waste types: glass packaging, metal packaging and plastic packaging.
2. Biological treatment (biogas production) results in the lowest greenhouse gas impact in connection with the treatment of wet organic waste.
3. Improved energy efficiency results in the lowest greenhouse gas impact in the treatment of paper and cardboard.
4. Landfills result in the greatest greenhouse gas impact for all the waste types analysed, except for plastic and glass packaging.
5. Transport-related greenhouse gas emissions are generally of relatively low significance in relation to the environmental benefits resulting from recovery of materials and/or improved energy efficiency.
Figure 1. Net greenhouse gas emissions in the treatment of different types of waste analysed by Østland Research
Methods and provisions for measures connected with waste and consumption patterns
Waste minimisation Many initiatives exist which should contribute to a reduction in waste amounts, as described, for example, in Norwegian Government Report (NOU) 2002:19 2.
Households present a significant challenge. To achieve minimisation of waste in this group, changes in behaviour, among other things, are necessary which depend on a number of factors. Many initiatives must be implemented at a national level because they must be applied to national conditions and participants. Financial initiatives are important for reducing waste generation, used either as a “stick” or a “carrot”. They can take the form of rewards for waste reduction such as reduced taxes or providing financial advantages for products or consumption patterns which produce less waste. It is also natural to “penalise” actions, products and so on which result in increased waste amounts.
Work aimed at changing attitudes is perhaps the most important tool in existence in this field. This can be aimed at the entire population or at selected groups such as children and young people. It can take the form of public campaigns or the efforts of local working groups. The work may be of national or local character.
Attitude-creating work Both locally and nationally, significant resources have been invested in engendering good habits in consumption, waste reduction and treatment of household waste in the form of information and campaigns. As regards source separation and recycling, good results have been achieved in significantly changing peoples’ habits.
General experience clearly indicates the importance of both purposeful campaigns and continuous information, motivation and attitude creation schemes.
Better treatment of household waste The ban on waste disposal introduced in 2009 is an important tool, especially for achieving better treatment of commercial waste, since very little household waste is sent to landfills today. There are national requirements regarding energy efficiency in connection with the incineration of waste which provide a good tool with regard to creating sustainable energy sources providing as much heating as possible to the city of Ålesund through its district heating system.
The existing waste materials companies are subject to strict requirements for the recycling of their respective material fractions, providing important methods and incentive also in the Ålesund region. The current requirement of the Norwegian company Plastretur is approximately 30-40 per cent material recycling with most of the remainder being incinerated for energy recovery.
Landfill The Municipality’s landfill has been closed down. The potential for making use of landfill gas has been studied, but the results indicate that it would not be practical to construct an effective
2) NOU 2002:19: ”Avfallsforebygging- en visjon om livskvalitet, forbrukerbevissthet og kretsløpstenkning [Waste prevention – a vision for quality of life, consumer awareness and life-cycle thinking] (in Norwegian). extraction plant at the landfill. Methane gas will be emitted from the landfill for several years to come, but this will decrease in time.
Improved handling of commercial waste Although the handling of commercial waste is not the responsibility of the Municipality, there is nevertheless a requirement that collection, transport and treatment comply with applicable specifications and regulations for waste treatment in Norway. In this respect, the ban on waste disposal arises as a new measure, because residual waste with organic content can no longer be disposed of at private or municipal landfills in other municipalities.
Since commercial waste is handled in a free, private market, financial initiatives will be important. Environmental fees are at present intended to encourage the treatment of waste as high in the waste pyramid as possible. It is also possible to introduce local financial incentives and punitive measures in order to achieve the desired waste treatment.
The waste treatment regulations provide the Municipality with an opportunity to ensure that waste treatment in companies and institutions takes place according to regulations and that supervision can be financed by means of fees charged to those being supervised.
Proposals for initiatives and effects
Work process The measures have been arrived at through a collaborative process with the Municipality, taking as the starting point a list of potential initiatives prioritised according to existing objectives, initiatives, waste situations and waste management plans.
Based on the initiatives which have been arrived at in this process, further assessment has been carried out and documentation has been created, as well as an assessment of the parties responsible for initiatives, costs, direct consequences and consequences in the form of calculated greenhouse gas emissions where possible.
The municipalities in the Ålesund region have entered into collaboration with regard to waste handling and treatment by way of the Ålesund Region Inter-municipal Environmental Corporation (ÅRIM). Many of the initiatives which have been arrived at in the process are therefore considered tasks for ÅRIM.
Comparison of the effects of initiatives Waste data for Ålesund Municipality have been obtained from SSB’s KOSTRA (Municipality-State-Reporting) database, to which the municipalities submit data. Table 1 shows the waste amounts in Ålesund in 2007. These data have been used as a basis for calculations. Table 2 shows the Municipality’s emissions with the existing waste management system, using energy recovery and materials recycling. Reduction in emissions as a result of the initiatives in comparison with the existing waste management system are also shown in Table 7. Projections are based on the supposition that the generation of waste per head of the population will be reduced to zero under any circumstances, but that the amount of waste increases in relation to the size of the population. Emissions from landfills without special initiatives have been included as an average of SSB’s estimate model.
Table 1: Waste amounts in Ålesund Municipality in 2007 3.
2007 [tonnes] % Total amount of waste 14853 Separated household waste 5652 38 Materials separate d for recycling 4791 32 Total sent for incineration 8990 61 Residual waste to landfill 975 7 Unknown treatment 97
Table 2: Summary of emission reductions related to waste and consumption
Year 2007 2020 2030 Population 48 607 53 331 Greenhouse gas - Emissions from waste treatment (not emissions WITHOUT included in industrial emissions in SSB’s 609 726 800 initiatives in tonnes statistics) CO 2 equivalents - Emissions from landfill 9022 5884 4236 TOTAL 9631 6611 5036 Direct and indirect - Consumption pattern – waste emissions reduction 355 391 minimisation for Ålesund WITH initiatives, in tonnes - Better private and public waste treatment 405 447 CO 2 equivalents, - Landfill, no initiatives selected according to field (see 0 0 tables below) - Better systems for commercial waste 77 85 Total direct and indirect emissions reduction for Ålesund WITH initiatives, in tonnes CO 2 equivalents 0 837 922
Net emissions following initiatives in tonnes CO 2 equivalents 9631 5773 4114 Emission reduct ion relative to emissions without initiatives in the 0 % 13 % 18 % year in question
Residual emissions 100 % 87 % 82 % Emissions reduction compared with emissions in 2007 0 % 9 % 10 % Emissions reduction compared with emissions from landfill in 1991. Waste data not available for 1991. 9 % 10 %
Emissions reduction compared with emissions in 1991 with regard to industrial emissions. Landfill only. 22 % 34 %
Existing statistics and calculations do not take into account all resources saved in connection with manufacturing when waste minimisation initiatives are effected (lower consumption, less production and less waste). The indirect reductions occur in a number of manufacturing
3 SSB: KOSTRA (Municipality-State-Reporting) database countries, making it difficult to allocate the effects. The reductions in greenhouse gas emissions shown in Table 8 apply to a combination of direct and indirect emissions. The purpose of quantifying the effects of the initiatives is to show that these initiatives have a positive global climatic effect, even though the reductions are not directly visible in the Municipality’s local greenhouse gas emissions. Only the natural reduction in methane emissions from the landfill will be seen here. 3 Transport and land-use planning
Connection between mobile emissions, the environment and the economy
There is a range of driving forces in society which contribute to road traffic developments. Among other things, these are changes in regional and local population patterns, changes in travel habits and increased access to, and use of, motor vehicles. In addition to population growth, general economic trends and increasing buying power will particularly influence increased levels of activity, mobility and consumption. This has a direct effect on the number of road vehicles. The growth in vehicle ownership in coming years depends on the development of the economy and the buying power of the population.
There is no direct connection between traffic growth and increased emission of greenhouse gases. The explanation for this is generally that the means of transport have become more energy efficient. The result is that energy consumption, particularly in road transport, has not increased in step with the increase in traffic. To some extent, this has been counteracted by the tendency since 2007 to buy heavier vehicles with larger engines. However, the taxation reform in 2007 which led to higher taxes on vehicles which produce greater CO 2 emissions, resulted in a marked drop in the average emissions from new road vehicles, from 177 g/km in 2006 to 159 g/km in 2007 4.
Methods The transport and climate pyramid in Figure 1 has been developed by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration in consultation with the Norwegian Institute of Transport Economics (TØI). The pyramid shows a gradual, hierarchical approximation to a climate strategy in four areas of involvement.
The primary and most fundamental methods are connected with the reduction of transport requirements and travel distances by means of changes in area use. This will create the long- term frameworks for society’s transportation needs. Transport and land use are mutually interdependent. Development of new built-up areas may create a basis for changes in transport facilities and improvements in public transport services which will also be to the benefit of existing residential areas.
Moreover, transport facilities are designed in such a way that transport can be as environmentally friendly as possible, i.e. using public transport, bicycles and walking. However a major challenge is to achieve significant transition from private cars to public transport using only positive methods within public transport. Increased mass transportation as a result of concentration on public transport alone will originate in all groups of travellers, and not only users of private cars. Footpaths and cycle paths can be seen as part of a public transport system. Few people cycle more than five kilometres and cycling is most suitable for the youngest and fittest section of the population. Cycling is hence to a large extent an alternative to walking and public transport. Better conditions enabling pedestrians and cyclists to reach and use bus stops and stations are hence part of the overall public transport system and contribute to the attractiveness of public transport. A large number of car journeys are under 5 km and a number of these journeys could be replaced by walking and cycling. The combined volume of initiatives for pedestrian and cycle traffic in the form of reduced motor
4 The Ministry of Transport and Communications, 2009: Parliamentary report No. 16 (2008-2009): “Nasjonal transportplan 2010-2019” [National transport plan 2010-2019] (in Norwegian). traffic and emissions of greenhouse gases is modest but must be included as part of a range of initiatives.
High speed trains have a speed of up to 300 km/h and their travel times make them competitive with car, bus and air transport. It is important to carry out a thorough assessment of possibilities for high speed rail and this is a field in which the municipalities can make important contributions.
To attain the desired effect of arranging alternative means of transport it may be necessary to adjust prices and taxation. Road tolls and congestion charges may only be used if these are desired at a local level. However, the Municipality is in control of the use and regulation of public car parking and the organisation of park-and-ride schemes. Hence it is important to have a high-capacity, efficient public transport system and a matching development of road capacity.
Figure 2: Areas of initiative connected with the various levels of the “Transport and Climate Pyramid” (the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, 2008).
Finally, it will also be necessary to arrange for motor travel to take place as efficiently as possible as regards energy consumption and emissions. Reduced emissions from motor vehicles can be connected with driving patterns and engine technology. Significant savings in fuel consumption connected with road transport can be achieved through driving style, by practising “ecodriving”. This has led to reported reductions in fuel consumption of 12-17 per cent 5, 6. There are also a number of measures associated with vehicles, such as maintaining correct tyre pressure, removing roof racks and cargo boxes when not in use, using an engine block heater in winter, etc., which can reduce energy consumption and emissions by several per
5) Oslo Municipality: www.trafikketaten.oslo.kommune.no/miljo/politivedtekt_for_oslo/miljopolitikk/article118245-32518.html (article in Norwegian) 6) Ecodriving Finland, 2006: http://www.ecodriving.com/nor/ecodriving.html cent. Driving speed and the amount of driving in queues affect the volume of emissions per kilometre. The greatest effect is connected with changes in specific emissions per kilometre driven.
The EU has passed a resolution that by 2012, private cars shall not emit more than 130 grams of CO 2 per kilometre and that by means of additional measures, a further 10 gram reduction will be achieved for new cars. The EU’s long-term objective is that emissions from new vehicles shall be 95 g/km by 2020.
In Norway, the aim is to achieve the limitation of CO 2 emissions to 120 grams per kilometre for new vehicles by 2012. This shall be achieved by, among other things, adjusting the “CO 2 component” of the vehicle import duty in order to motivate consumers to buy vehicles with low emissions. In addition, increased tax has been applied to vehicles with CO 2 emissions higher than 250 g/km.
Assumptions for the calculation of effects
Future emissions from mobile sources depend to a large extent on the development of technology and the transition to a car population which emits less CO 2 per kilometre. Local authorities have limited means at their disposal for influencing this. Possibilities for local influence lie primarily in the fields of land-use and transport policy. Local authorities can nevertheless encourage national authorities to adopt methods which promote more environmentally friendly transport technology and motivate and provide conditions for using more environmentally friendly vehicles. Moreover, the municipalities can set a good example through their own vehicle fleets.
An assignment entitled Energi- og klimaplaner ÅRU [Energy and climate plans for ÅRU] (in Norwegian), contains climate plans for ten municipalities with differing land-use, population density, transport requirements, etc. The premises of the assignment were not adequate for carrying out detailed calculations of the effects of initiatives for each individual Municipality. Empirical values obtained from other plans and reports dealing with CO 2 emissions from transport were therefore used. The Eastern-Norway regional office of the Norwegian Public Roads Administration has prepared the report “Reduksjon av transportomfang og klimagassutslipp, Forslag til strategi til handlingsprogram 2010-2019” [Reduction of transport volume and greenhouse gas emissions: proposed strategy for the plan of action 2010-2019] (the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, 2008) (in Norwegian).
Trondheim Municipality has prepared an Environmental Package for transport in that city 7. This contains a number of initiatives for reducing CO 2 emissions. The expected effects of the initiatives have been calculated. It is pointed out in both reports that there is considerable uncertainty with regard to the reduction estimates. In Bergen Municipality’s Climate and Energy Plan (Norconsult 2009), the effects of various initiatives have been calculated for the period from 2006 to 2030. The effects of these initiatives are summarised in Attachment 5.
Initially the intention was to use the future traffic growth for Møre og Romsdal County according to the basic prognosis calculations of the Norwegian National Transport Plan 8 (16
7 : www.trondheim.kommune.no Trondheim kommunes miljøpakke for transport 24[1].04.08.pdf [Trondheim Municipality’s environmental package for transport] (in Norwegian). 8 Norconsult march 2009: ”Reviderte grunnprognoser for persontransport NTP 2010-2019” [Revised basic prognoses for passenger traffic NTP 2010-2019] (in Norwegian). per cent in the period 2007-2030) as a basis for the calculations. However future population projections and data relating to vehicle ownership show that the growth will be too low to apply to Ålesund Municipality. Traffic growth is explained by increased vehicle ownership in addition to population growth.
Population growth in Ålesund will, according to SSB’s figures, be 28 per cent in the period 2009-2030. Vehicle ownership in Ålesund is lower than the national average. In 2009, vehicle ownership was 511 9 vehicles per 1000 head of population, while the national average was 537 vehicles per 1000 head of population. It is assumed that Ålesund will reach the national average in 2030. The use of private vehicles, in terms of kilometres driven per year, is relatively stable, something which appears to be the case even when vehicle ownership increases.
The traffic growth in a municipality in terms of vehicle-kilometres is therefore directly related to the number of vehicles in that municipality. Some departures are found in small municipalities with considerable through traffic, but as a general rule this is a reasonable approximation. Traffic growth in Ålesund in the year 2030 will therefore be the result of population growth (persons) and vehicle ownership (vehicles per person). For Ålesund Municipality this results in 34 per cent traffic growth in 2030, compared with 2009.
The effects of initiatives on which the local authorities have the greatest influence have been calculated. The table below shows what assumptions have been made in connection with the calculation of effects. The reduction is given as a percentage reduction relative to the situation in 2030 without initiatives.
Table 3: Assumptions in connection with local initiatives
Field of initiative Increase/decrease in CO 2 Comments emissions 2030 ( %)
Climate-friendly land-use - 4 % All development in existing centres or at public transport nodes Improved public transport - 2 % Improved service frequency, Regional Climate Strategy Improved pedestrian and cycle traffic - 1 % Development of inadequate networks Limitation of vehicle use -3 % Attitude campaigns Environmentally friendly vehicle use - 0.4 % Replacement of Municipality’s vehicle fleet by 2015 In addition, the effects of technological advances in the form of electrification of vehicles and the use of climate-neutral fuel have been calculated.
9 Total of passenger cars and goods vehicles
Table 4: Assumptions regarding technological advances
Technolog y field Assumption
Biofuel* From 2009 at least 2.5 per cent by volume of all fuel sold for road traffic shall consist of biofuel10. It is not known how much this may be increased, and in the predictions it is therefore assumed that the proportion will remain constant until 2030. Increased energy efficiency in road Lower emissions per kilometre from internal combustion engines. New vehicles with max. transport 120 g CO2/km from 2012 and development in the direction of the EU’s long-term goal of 95 g/km in 2020. Average in the Ålesund region in 2030: 105 g/km. Electrification of the vehicle population 15 % electrical vehicles in 2030
Hybrid vehicles Share of petrol and diesel powered vehicles replaced by hybrids with 60 % electrical power, to be phased in from 2014 and with 50 % non-electrical vehicles in 2030. Comments: * Biofuel and hydrogen can be used directly as fuel in internal combustion engines or be mixed with petrol or diesel Development of second generation biodiesel and hydrogen will take time before they are commercially available. Further development of biofuel and hydrogen depends on national and international development work.
10 Press release from the Norwegian Ministry of the Environment: http://www.regjeringen.no/nb/dep/md/pressesenter/pressemeldinger/2009/krav-om-25-prosent-biodrivstoff-i- 2009.html?id=552104 (in Norwegian). Table 5: Assumptions regarding other mobile sources (the following form the basis for the development of marine and other mobile sources)
Source Assumption
Shipping No increases in emissions from shipping: 2007 level maintained until 2030. Any increase in marine traffic is therefore assumed to be compensated by initiatives to reduce greenhouse gases.
Other mobile sources It is assumed that there will be a 20 % reduction in emissions in 2030, relative to 2007. This is assumed to be achieved by means of a range of minor initiatives, the use of electric motors, more climate-neutral fuels and increased efficiency.
Calculated effects for Ålesund Municipality As mentioned above, mobile emissions include all road, airborne and marine transport operations. Only domestic air and seagoing transport is considered to contribute to local emissions. This category of emissions also includes other mobile sources, building and construction machinery and a wide range of mechanical equipment. Road transport is responsible for 79 per cent of mobile emissions in Ålesund Municipality. Emissions from ships and fishing vessels amount to 10 per cent of mobile emissions. Other mobile sources include air transport, small craft, miscellaneous motorised devices, agricultural machinery, building and construction work, and so on, and are responsible for 11 per cent of mobile emissions. Figure 3 shows various development trends for emissions from mobile sources in Ålesund:
120000
110000
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Registrert utvikling 90000 Uten tiltak og teknologigevinster Med lokale tiltak 2,5 % biodrivstoff 80000 Mindre utslipp pr. kjøretøy Overgang til ladbare biler (El-bil) 70000 Innfasing av hybridbiler 20 % reduksjon i forhold til 2007-utslipp
60000
50000
40000 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035
Figure 3: Development trends for emissions from mobile sources in Ålesund 11 .
11 The projection “Without initiatives and technological advances” includes technological advances for other mobile sources, but not for road transport In the period 1991-2007, greenhouse gas emissions from mobile sources have increased by approximately 36 per cent. The calculations show that with the given assumptions and expected developments in the transport sector, Ålesund Municipality’s goal that greenhouse gas emissions shall be reduced by 20 per cent relative to 2007 levels will be achieved by 2018 as regards mobile emissions. The effects of any increased use of biofuels and hydrogen relative to the current level are however not taken into account, and may provide further reductions. 4 Stationary energy consumption
Connection between energy, the environment and the economy
Initiatives to improve energy efficiency are often beneficial to both the corporate and the social economy. As a result of the introduction of new technology, it will be found that in many respects yesterday’s solutions are no longer optimal. By studying these conditions in more detail, it may be possible to discover considerable potential for savings.
Improvements in the efficiency of energy use in buildings can reduce energy consumption by 10 per cent within a payback period of 2-3 years without negatively affecting comfort or similar factors: in fact quite the contrary. A 20 per cent reduction in energy consumption is often achieved within a payback period of 3-7 years. Such initiatives will also entail a reduction in the use of fossil fuels as well as electricity.
Typical examples are the introduction of heat pumps, clean-burning woodstoves, automatic control systems for heating and ventilation, increased insulation in windows and walls, changed light sources, and so on. Changing, for example, to more energy-efficient lighting results in lower energy consumption, the use of light sources containing fewer harmful materials and an improvement in light quality for the user. Owners or administrators of large buildings should establish an energy management system including energy monitoring to achieve better control over energy consumption.
Reduction of energy consumption
The expression, “ The cleanest energy is the energy we don’t use, ” says a great deal. The unused energy does not require any infrastructure, management, or other price-increasing intermediaries, either. One should therefore place great emphasis on improving the efficiency of existing energy consumption before seeking alternatives and supplementary sources.
To achieve the overall objectives it is important to direct initiatives towards the most cost- effective and environmentally beneficial solutions:
1) A reduction in the use of fossil heating fuels is therefore of high priority. In the case of large installations, phasing out should take place by improving energy efficiency, introducing alternative supplies and finally using existing oil-fired furnaces for peak load (a few days or hours each year), but preferably based on the use of bio-oil. In the case of households, the remaining paraffin-fired and oil-fired heating installations should be removed.
2) Then purposeful work should be done to bring about a general improvement in efficiency and reduction in electrical consumption. In some cases transition to district heating or local heating installations will be a good solution, but only after the potential for improving efficiency has been exploited. A relatively large part of the existing fossil energy consumption will be replaced by heat pump technology, which in turn will result in an increase in electricity consumption. This must be compensated for if growth is to be kept under control.
For the municipally owned buildings in Ålesund, the following energy efficiency potential is assumed:
50 per cent have high energy economisation potential (25 per cent reduction) 20 per cent have moderate energy economisation potential (15 per cent reduction) 30 per cent have low energy economisation potential (10 per cent reduction)
Several studies and reports show that there is generally high energy economisation potential in Norwegian commercial and residential buildings (15-25 per cent) 12 .
Alternative energy sources The most commonly used energy sources for stationary use in Norway are hydroelectricity, oil, wood and district heating. Gas, solar energy, bio-pellets, coke and coal represent a small part of the whole. Wind as a local energy source may also be appropriate on a larger scale. Solar cells, which in Norway are almost exclusively used in holiday homes, have for the time being limited scope as a result of the lack of sun in the winter. However, solar cell technology is undergoing rapid development which may result in solar collectors becoming increasingly important in Norway for heating tap water and for domestic space heating.
In our climate the following alternative energy sources are most relevant:
• Heat pump • District heating or local heating based on renewable energy • Bioenergy in refined form, such as sawdust, pellets, briquettes, etc. • Wind • Biogas • Electricity generation using bioenergy-based heating in combination with district heating • Solar heating
The degree of recycling of waste has been increased significantly as a result of the establishment of the district heating station at the Tafjord combined heat and power station. The district heating network in Ålesund also uses heat pumps. In small communities, the use of local heating based on bioenergy or heat pumps will be most appropriate. By means of a regional operation (for example via ÅRIM), it will be possible to assess the use of sewage sludge for the production of biogas.
Methods
Following the oil crisis in the 1970s, significant resources were invested in developing methods for limiting the use of energy and making society less dependent on fossil energy sources. In recent years additional focus has been put on the reduction of CO 2 emissions in particular. As a result of this, various countries and regions have accumulated considerable experience in various initiatives which have been implemented.
It is entirely possible to phase out all CO 2 emissions connected with stationary facilities using the existing technology. Moreover a set of systems is now available which are known to have the desired effect. These can be used to steer developments in the desired direction. A number of these methods will in themselves not increase the combined energy costs for the consumer, but will require financial stimuli in the form of simplified loan facilities. There will also be a
12 ) Among others: NOU 1998:11 Energi- og kraftbalansen mot 2020 [The energy and power balance approaching 2020] and NOU 2006:18 Et klimavennlig Norge [Climate-friendly Norway] (both in Norwegian). need for support and subsidies in order to increase the pace of, and direct, activities. Heating oil may, for example, be replaced with bio-oil extracted from waste such as fish offal, thereby avoiding exploiting agricultural land.
Regulatory methods, changes in law, taxation, etc. At an early stage, Denmark began to apply special energy taxes to household electricity consumption. By means of a significant increase (almost doubling) of the energy cost, it has been possible in time to achieve a considerable reduction in consumption. In addition a redistribution has been effected towards more district heating, bioenergy, heat pump and other renewable energy such as solar and wind, the latter particularly in households connected with agriculture.
The EU has in recent years implemented a range of initiatives (directives) in various areas of involvement, including a scheme for marking products, with associated bans and phasing out of the most inefficient technologies, stricter building codes, energy certification of buildings, and so on.
Norway introduced a “new energy act” at an early stage, in connection with the deregulation of the market for the sale of electrical energy. This has resulted in free price formation without the underpricing of energy which occurred in some municipalities before the introduction of the legislation.
At present, the most important driving forces for more energy-efficient development in Norway are principally connected with the introduction of the EU’s directives regarding energy labelling of buildings (Energy Certificates), new building codes (TEK 07) and stricter minimum requirements for various energy-using products (EuPs). The Norwegian consumer tax on electricity has little effect on energy consumption, since it has a limited level, and certain industry sectors are also exempt. The energy labelling scheme will come into effect on 1 January 2010. This means, among other things, that all commercial buildings larger than 1000 m 2 must have an energy certificate within two years. The Municipality can also actively use this certification in its work on energy management and energy economisation initiatives.
Support and subsidies As regards support for energy efficiency initiatives, Norway is in the forefront in both European and international contexts. As a result of the establishment in the 1980s of the Enøk (energy economisation) fund in Oslo, which now stands at close to NOK 600 million, and the formation of the Energy Foundation administrated by Enova SF in 2001 (with a current capital base of almost NOK 20 billion), there are now a very comprehensive tools available both in Oslo and the rest of the country. In the housing, building and construction field, Enova has in recent years entered into agreements regarding savings of the order of 400-450 GWh/year (NOK 150-200 million per year taking into account the subsidy scheme for residential property).
In Denmark and Sweden, special support programmes (Elsparefonden and Klimp, respectively) for the phasing out of electrical panel heaters have produced good results. In Germany, significant subsidisation has resulted in the establishment of the world’s most comprehensive wind energy park as well as a solar cell park, with a guaranteed price for energy supplied to the grid from these energy generators.
A number of private and municipal operators currently make use of Enova SF’s services with regard to public support for energy efficiency initiatives. To obtain support from Enova, parties must as a rule submit their own applications regarding savings or re-allocation potential of at least 0.5 GWh. It is also still possible to apply to the Norwegian subsidy scheme for residential property. Details of applicable support programmes can be found on www.enova.no.
Climate and energy foundations The primary responsibility of a local Climate Foundation will be to offer a set of facilities to the market, including support for investments in high-priority initiatives (in addition to the State’s incentives), support for the assessment of initiatives, and knowledge building. A foundation of this type may have a motivating role with regard to achieving the objectives of the climate and energy plan. This applies, among other things, to public relations activities, the initiation of changes in local administration and the continuous reporting of results.
Skills, knowledge and attitude-creating work Over the years a number of countries and communities have invested considerable resources in building up good consumer habits by means of public relations, education and campaigns. Especially in the field of source separation of waste, good results have been achieved (for example in Germany) in bringing about significant changes in people’s real habits. Many nations now have comprehensive knowledge-building programmes in the field of energy efficiency directed towards kindergartens, schools and universities. In Norway, the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy offered courses and basic training in efficient energy use. Also, in the 1970s and 1980s, the Norwegian State Housing Bank (Husbanken) achieved very good results through an urban renewal programme, which also included skills development activities. In recent years Husbanken has employed some resources towards developing low- energy and passive houses, though this funding has been discontinued recently and there is a danger that the resulting skills will be lost. A number of educational institutions have nevertheless shown growing interest in the field of study and some universities offer special courses directed towards energy use, though of only limited scope.
The Rainmakers is a government-sponsored scheme to carry on attitude-creating work directed towards children and young people in the age range from 9 to 12 years. In “The Rainmakers at School”, Enova collaborates with, among others, the Norwegian Directorate for Education and Training in providing energy-related education in schools. In Ålesund, a resource centre known as “Det Grønne Hjørnet” (The Green Corner) was established in 2008, the intention being to support work focusing on the environment and to be a resource which kindergartens, schools and the general population can use to find out more about environmental, energy and health issues.
It is also possible, for example, to study the “oljefri.no” scheme (web site only in Norwegian) for phasing out oil-fired household heating installations. The project is owned by Friends of the Earth Norway in Hordaland County and is in close collaboration with various local market operators and the Municipality.
Other tools Apart from the three most commonly used tools, there is a range of others which are either general to the industry or more small-scale schemes. These include work on Norwegian national standards, ecolabels, contract templates, purchasing systems, and so on. In certain countries, for example, requirements for life-cycle analyses (LCAs) have been established through legislation, while in other countries they are part of voluntary schemes. It is also evident that requirements for emissions accounting are a new tool, for example in connection with construction costs and public procurement. Moreover, work is being carried out on demonstration projects, research, environmental management, tax practices and so on, tools which can have a very localised foundation and considerable impact at a local level. Ålesund Municipality may also impose requirements that all municipal units shall be have Eco- Lighthouse certification.
Initiatives and effects The various tools will be more or less relevant to the Municipality in relation to, for example, state responsibility. Some initiatives could be actively used locally, and others not.
Result-orientated initiatives in the Municipality’s own operations A separate overall plan of action will be set up for municipal operations and municipal enterprises. The plan will entail assigning responsibility to the individual departments and operations. If the relevant initiatives fail to demonstrate sufficient profitability, thereby requiring increased liquid assets, proposals regarding this shall be submitted by the operation in question. The operations shall also make use of state incentives and subsidy schemes. It is important that an energy management system be set up, including energy monitoring, to achieve better control over energy consumption in the Municipality’s own buildings and installations.
Public relations activities directed towards households, commerce and industry The Municipality will be able to encourage more environmentally friendly energy use by means of organised public relations activity directed towards households, commercial premises and industry. The principal aim must be to reduce the remaining use of fossil fuels by way of a transition to renewable energy sources, and to stimulate a reduction in energy consumption in general. The Municipality may actively use its Internet pages or advertise in the local press to publish good examples or set up links to, for example, the state subsidy scheme. The Municipality may also enter into specific agreements with commercial bodies or the public in order to promote environmentally friendly energy systems. Energy saving is motivated by both financial considerations and environmental ethics.
In the attached lists of initiatives, specific initiatives have been established for each individual operation. The list is not to be considered exhaustive. The plan of action will not demand additional financing, except for a few exceptions where there will be a need for increased funding. Many initiatives will have an effect with respect to with energy savings or energy redistribution in kWh, but not in the form of reduced greenhouse gas emissions. This is because electricity use does not result in emissions in SSB’s statistics for greenhouse gas emissions as used in this plan. A reduction in electricity use will therefore not lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. In other contexts it will be possible to attribute various figures for CO 2 emissions per kWh. etc., depending on how the energy is produced (hydro- electricity, coal-fired generation, gas-fired generation, etc.). Every kilowatt-hour of electricity made available could be used, for example, for the operation of heat pumps or the operation of various types of vehicle in the future.
Table 6: Overall effect of the selected initiative package
Total en ergy effect Total CO 2 reduction [tonnes Period [MWh] CO 2 equiv.]
Initiatives in the Municipality’s own 14 692 0 2010 -2015 operations.
Public relations activities directed 8 445 12 954 2010 -2015 towards households, commerce and industry
The overall effect of the selected initiative package is shown in the table above. As shown in the description of the energy and emissions figures in Part 1, greenhouse gas emissions from stationary energy consumption in the Municipality is principally associated with the remaining paraffin, oil and gas consumption in households, commercial buildings and industry. It has been decided to use public relations activities to eliminate this consumption, thereby limiting its effect to approximately 12,954 tonnes of CO 2 equivalents per year. The energy efficiency potential of the initiative package, approximately 14.7 GWh (38 %) exceeds the Municipality’s objective for reductions in municipal buildings (10 % or 3.9 GWh) and includes the effects of initiatives in road lighting and water supply and sewage treatment.
5 Goals
The Climate and Energy Plan for Ålesund 2011-2015 is a continuation of the Municipality’s first climate and energy plan (2008-2012). The vision and objectives of the plan are linked to the general municipal plan for Ålesund “Ålesund 2020”, which was adopted by Ålesund City Council on 21 February 2008 (Business Item 24/08). According to the municipal plan: “Climate and energy consumption are among the biggest and most serious challenges confronting the world today. If we are to succeed in turning development in a positive direction, action is called for at a local level”. In Ålesund, emissions of greenhouse gases are approximately 3 tonnes per head of population annually (taking into account air transport, the emissions are approximately 1 tonne per year higher per head of population). Although this is a low level on both a national and an international scale, the Municipality faces major challenges connected with energy and climate issues.
Overall objectives
In accordance with the overall objectives of the municipal plan, the goal is that emissions of greenhouse gases in Ålesund shall be kept at a sustainable level.
In 2008, Ålesund City Council resolved (Business Item 136/08) to sign the Covenant of Mayors. As a result of this resolution, the Municipality is under an obligation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20 per cent by 2020. A number of EU countries have resolved to raise this level of ambition.
Goals
Several of the specific goals of Ålesund’s first climate and energy plan adopted in 2008 have been followed up or are about to be achieved. The greatest challenges are in the transport sector (mobile energy consumption): approximately 70 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in Ålesund are connected with transport.
• Emissions of greenhouse gases in Ålesund shall be reduced by at least 30 per cent by 2030 (compared with the level in 2003).
• Electricity consumption in Ålesund shall be stabilised at 2008 level.
• By 2020, district heating use in Ålesund shall be increased to at least 25 per cent of the total electricity consumption at 2010 level.
These are ambitious but realistic goals which depend on the outlined initiatives being implemented. In the transport sector, where the greatest challenges lie, a great deal of progress is being made in international research and development, and by 2020 the vehicle population is expected to have entirely different energy consumption from the existing one.
Even if the problems with emissions from vehicles are solved, it is important for the Municipality to focus on private car use and land use. In this connection, the development of effective and forward-looking public transport services will be extremely important. This applies both locally (bus services) and nationally (development of long-distance and high- speed rail services). 6 Action programme
6.1 WASTE AND CONSUMPTION
Initiative Description Consequence Respons Schedule ibility 1. Consumption – waste minimisation
1.1 Information/motivation Changed consumption VAR and Sustainable campaign, financial habits, lower ÅRIM 2011-2015 consumption incentives to lower consumption and waste waste generation generation. Stop waste growth. 20 % reduction in the long term
1.2 Improved purchasing More sustainable Purchasi 2011 -2015 Increased focus requirements with purchasing and lower ng/ÅRIM on climate and higher environmental waste generation. 20 % VAR environment in and climate ranking and reduction in the long public emphasis, relative to term in the procurement financial and other Municipality’s waste considerations. Training of purchasing staff
1.3 Information/motivation Reduced consumption ÅRIM/ 2011 -2012 Facilitate campaign. Repair and and less waste sent for VAR increased sale through treatment. recycling collaboration with companies and organisations for occupationally challenged workers
1.4 Reduce postal Reduced c onsumption Political 2011 -2012 Less use of advertising. Reduce and resource use and manage postal postal distribution of less waste sent for ment/ÅRI communications other paper documents treatment. M and advertising 30 % reduction in amount sent by post
1.5 More home composting Less waste transport VAR/ Increased home of wet organic waste and treatment, lower ÅRIM 2011 composting with extra focus on emissions
Initiative Description Consequence Respons Schedule ibility systems for housing co - operatives, etc. Information/motivation campaign, financial incentives, training and support
2. Better private and public waste treatment
2.1 Provide good systems More waste sent to ÅRIM 2011 Better facilities for sorting at home – material recycling for sorting at Information and instead of incineration home availability of suitable sorting equipment, information campaign
2.2 Conduct info rmation Higher degree of re -use ÅRIM/ 2011 -2012 Better campaigns in business and recycling. VAR information about sectors about existing recycling return arrangements – schemes inspections at companies’ collection points, sales points, etc.
2.3 Consider collection of Materials recycling ÅRIM/ 2011 Simplified plastic and metal which VAR recycling is not packaging. fractions Expanded sorting and inspection
2.4 Organise and More waste sent to ÅRIM/ 2011 -2012 Better waste encourage a materials recycling VAR treatment in all standardised, advanced municipal and and sustainable waste public operations system for all public operations. Information, instruction and motivation. Co- ordination. Supplement necessary equipment for municipal operations
Initiative Description Consequence Respons Schedule ibility 2.5 Denser, expanded and More waste sent to ÅRIM/ 2011 -2012 Improved standardised recycling materials recycling VAR recycling station station system – more system stations with uniform service and design
2.6 Assess possibilities for Use of bio gas, for ÅRIM/ 2011 Biogas plants setting up biogas plants example in buses VAR for wet organic waste.
3. Better systems for commercial waste
3.1 Facilitate materials Less energy and oil ÅRIM/ 2011 -2012 Better recycling recycling by waste consumption in VAR of commercial treatment companies manufacturing new plastic and landfill owners plastic and reduction of instead of dumping and plastic for incineration incineration. (fossil fuel). 30 % more Collaboration in the commercial plastic sent region – must have high to material recycling collection fee for plastic at landfills
3.2 Stimulate and More waste sent to ÅRIM/ 2011 -2012 Better source encourage maximum materials recycling VAR separation in source separation and and/or incineration – businesses treatment at highest lower residual possible level. emissions Information/motivation campaigns
3.3 Enforcement and More sent for recycling, ÅR IM/ 2011 -2012 Better recycling monitoring of better treatment of small VAR in the building requirements for waste residual emissions. trade plans in building and construction industry.
6.2 TRANSPORT AND LAND-USE PLANNING
Initiative Description Consequence Responsibility Schedul e
Initiative Description Consequence Responsibility Schedul e 4. Land-use
4.1 Development of public Reduce d transport Planning and 2011 - Denser public transport nodes to improve needs. construction 2020 transport nodes accessibility to users More public transport. 4.2 Climate considerations and Encourages site Planning and 2011 - Climatic energy consumption managers to follow construction 2020 adaptation of emphasised in establishing up climate-friendly construction new residential areas and intentions in urban sites business parks. Skills development enhancement for planning and construction application handlers.
4.3 Allocate sufficient areas in Better facilities for Planning and 2011 - Facilitate development plans pedestrians and construction 2020 pedestrians and cyclists, increased cyclists numbers
5. Improve public transport
5.1 Work towards a national pilot Better public Political staff/ 2011 - Public transport project in collaboration with transport service Chief 2012 external expertise to stimulate Administrative a forward-looking public Officer transport service.
5.2 Evaluate improvements to Greater regularity, Planning and 2011 - Accessibility, provide better accessibility for shorter travel times construction/ 2015 bus shelters, public transport, bus shelters and better comfort VAP comfort, etc. with lighting, cleaning, etc.
5.3 Continuous assessment of Improves VAP 2011 - Improvement in public transport service with competitiveness of 2015 public transport regard to improved frequency, public transport service capacity, fares, information and schedules
5.4 Assess possibilities for setting Create alternative Political staff 2011 Rail up long-distance and high- means of transport to speed railways air travel, motoring, etc.
Initiative Description Consequence Responsibility Schedul e
6. Improve pedestrian and cycle traffic
6.1 Establish connected cycle Increased use of VAP/ 2011 - Implement the paths for rapid and efficient bicycles Planning and 2015 cycling plan for travel construction Ålesund
6.2 Loan scheme for bicycles in Increase in short Chief 2011 - Establish urban Ålesund and Moa cycle journeys. Administrative 2015 bike-share Officer/ scheme VAP
6.3 Require bicycle parking in Better facilities for Planning and 2011 - Bicycle parking connection with new building cyclists construction 2015 requirements schemes
6.4 Create good facilities for Increase in cycle Ch ief 2011 - Improved increased bicycle use in journeys Administrative 2012 accessibility for working hours. Officer/ bicycles in VAP working hours
7. Limit motor vehicle use
7.1 Information about Reduced motor Chief 201 1- Motivation environmentally friendly vehicle use Administrative 2015 campaigns means of transport and public Officer/ transport PR staff 7.2 Mobility advice to change Less private motoring Chief 2011 - Information – travel habits both of municipal Administrative 2015 Mobility advice and private employees Officer/ PR staff 7.3 Provide compen sation to own Reduced motor Chief 2011 - Compensation employees using public vehicle use Administrative 2012 for using public transport, in same way as Officer transport parking permits for private cars
8.
Initiative Description Consequence Responsibility Schedul e Environmentally friendly vehicle use
8.1 Provide training in Reduced emissions, Chief 2011 - Information and “ecodriving” to own financial savings Administrative 2012 training in fuel- employees and operations Officer/ saving driving PR staff
8.2 Purcha se and use Reduced emissions Chief 2011 - Low-emission hybrid/rechargeable vehicles More efficient use of Administrative 2015 vehicles and in municipal operations resources Officer/ improved Purchasing efficiency of transport in municipal operations
8.3 Establish and subsidise new Increases VAP 2011 - Establish charging stations for electric accessibility of 2012 charging vehicles. Use Transnova’s charging and stations subsidy scheme facilitates increased use of rechargeable vehicles
8.4 Establish a municipal vehicle Reduced use of Chief 2011 - Municipal pool (in accordance with private cars, financial Administrative 2012 vehicle pool resolution) savings Officer
6.3 STATIONARY ENERGY CONSUMPTION
Initiative Description Consequence Responsib Schedul ility e 9. Initiatives in the Municipality’s own operations 9.1 Establish energy management in Reduced energy ÅKE 2011 - Energy all municipal buildings. Energy consumption. 2012 management in monitoring system (EMS) to Financial savings municipal assess energy consumption buildings when following up initiatives
9.2 Insulation and replacement of Reduced energy ÅKE/ 2011 - Insulation of old windows in municipal consumption. Financial City Hall 2015
Initiative Description Consequence Responsib Schedul ility e existing buildings savings in time municipal buildings
9.3 Energy -efficient lighting and Reduced energy ÅKE/ 2011 - Optimisation of better control consumption. City Hall 2015 lighting Financial savings in installations time 9.4 Environmental certification of Reduced energy Political 2011 - Environmental municipal buildings consumption, efficient manageme 2012 certification purchasing and waste nt/ treatment routines. Chief Increased awareness Administra tive Officer
9.5 Optimise operation of pumps, Reduced energy ÅKE/VAR 2011 - Operation of ventilation and UV treatment consumption. 2012 water supply and installations sewage installations 9.6 Optimise road lighting by means Reduced energy Political 2011 - Road lighting of better control/dimming and consumption/ staff/ 2015 new light sources (LED) financial savings VAP
9.7 Improved efficiency of IT Reduced energy IT 2011 - IT operations operations, PCs, computer consumption 2015 servers, copying machines, etc.
9.8 Place requirements on energy Reduced energy Chief 2011 - Purchasing efficiency when purchasing consumption Administra 2012 white goods and electrical tive equipment Officer/ Purchasin g 9.9 Set up pilot projects in the field Reduced energy Political 2011 - Pilot projects of energy consumption, such as consumption staff/ 2015 construction of passive Planning buildings, major energy and initiatives in the town centre, Constructi etc. on
10. Local community
10.1 Collaboration with Tafjord Kraft Environmentally Political 2011 - District heating regarding expansion of district friendly energy staff/ 2015
Initiative Description Consequence Responsib Schedul ility e network heating network. consumption Planning Arrange for new building and projects connected to district Constructi heating network on
10.2 Enter into voluntary agreements Energy savings Political 2011 - Energy efficiency with businesses, home-owners staff/ 2015 – voluntary etc. regarding energy efficiency Planning agreements initiatives and Constructi on 10.3 The Municipality should involve Reduced energy Chief 2011 - Courses and itself in courses, information consumption/attitude Administra 2012 information and training in energy creation tive Officer economisation for businesses, - PR house-owners, etc. 10.4 Assess possibilities of making a Reduced energy Planning 2011 - Zoning certain proportion of low-energy consumption/ and 2012 regulations buildings mandatory in new Environmentally Constructi housing estates friendly energy on consumption
7 Summary and further work
Between 1991 and 2007 the total annual greenhouse gas emissions in Ålesund increased from 117,302 tonnes to 140,709 tonnes of CO 2 equivalents (see Part 1: Status Report). Emissions from industrial processes and stationary energy consumption showed a small reduction in this period, while emissions from mobile sources, principally road transport, increased sharply. The greatest challenge is therefore to reduce emissions from mobile sources.
The figure in Part 1 shows the historical development of greenhouse gas emissions and a projection for the development without the implementation of initiatives. Projections of the emissions shown in Part 1 are based directly on local energy studies 13 . The figures have been adjusted in Part 2. Without the implementation of initiatives an increase is expected in emissions from mobile sources as a result of population growth, increased income levels and increased energy use. The total stationary energy consumption will probably rise in step with the population growth (approximately 1-2 per cent per year). It is assumed that there will be an increase of 1 per cent per year in greenhouse gas emissions from fossil heating fuel in commercial buildings and residential property. As regards landfills, a reduction in emissions is expected as a result of already implemented initiatives and reduced methane emissions from closed-down landfills.
The total emissions level is expected to be around 147,554 tonnes of CO 2 equivalents in 2014 if initiatives are not implemented and without reductions resulting from technological developments. This is 4.9 per cent higher than emissions in 2007 and almost 26 higher than emissions in 1991.
Results of initiative packages – attainment of goals
Erreur ! Source du renvoi introuvable. shows the development in greenhouse gas emissions in Ålesund. Reference trends and initiatives in the periods to 2014, 2020 and 2030 based on the initiative packages are presented according to subject.
It is technologically possible to replace the existing fossil fuel-fired stationary energy sources with renewable energy sources (or convert them). There is also potential for energy efficiency improvement in the existing buildings which can compensate for the increase in consumption resulting from the population growth and the increase in electricity consumption in heat pumps. In order to achieve this, the Municipality has phased out oil-fired heating in its own buildings, and will contribute by improving energy efficiency in its buildings and installations. In addition, the Municipality will contribute to work aimed at changing attitudes in private individuals and businesses. Other methods, such as changes in the law, taxes, support and subsidies, must be used to achieve further reduction and the possible phasing out of the use of fossil fuels in stationary applications.
Additional initiatives with regard to waste and consumption could result in further reduction in emissions between now and 2030. The greatest effects are connected with initiatives for controlling landfill gas, a general increase in materials recycling and re-use, especially increased plastic recycling, and biogas plants using wet organic household waste. It should be
13 Tafjord Kraftnett: Lokal energiutredning 2007 Ålesund commune [Local energy study 2007, Ålesund Municipality] (in Norwegian) realised that the reductions in emissions resulting from these initiatives apply to a combination of direct and indirect emissions which will not appear in SSB’s existing greenhouse gas emission statistics.
As regards total emissions from mobile sources the goal is a 29 % reduction in emissions in 2030, relative to the 1991level. However, it must be emphasised that this will call for widespread implementation of initiatives and somewhat optimistic assumptions with regard to technology and climate-neutral fuels. The major gains depend on the attainment of national and international objectives with regard to reduced emissions from motor vehicles. This entails widespread transition to climate-neutral vehicles such as electrical and hybrid vehicles. The calculations show that with the given assumptions and the expected developments in the transport sector, Ålesund municipality’s goal that greenhouse gas emissions shall be reduced by 20 per cent relative to 2007 levels will be achieved by 2018 as regards mobile emissions. The effects of any increased use of biofuels and hydrogen relative to the current level are however not taken into account, and may provide further reductions.
Table 7 Expected development in greenhouse gas emissions in the Municipality [tonnes CO2 equivalents]
Reference, without initiatives and 2014 2020 2030 efficiency improvements
Mobile emissions 97 842 103 730 113 542 Stationary emissions 37 183 38 746 41 567 Industrial emissions 12 529 11 311 9 717
Total emissions 147 554 153 787 164 826
Effect of initiative package Mobile emissions 16 252 35 914 65 865 Stationary emissions 10 363 12 954 12 954 Industrial emissions 0 0 0
Total emission reduction 26 615 48 868 78 819
Emissions following initiatives and efficiency improvements Mobile emissions 81 590 67 816 47 677 Stationary emissions 26 820 25 792 28 613 Industrial emissions 12 529 11 311 9 717
Total emissions 120 939 104 919 86 007
Goal 20 % of 2007 emissions in 2015 112 567
Ålesund Municipality’s goals with regard to energy consumption in its own buildings (10 per cent saving) can be achieved by means of the chosen initiative package (potentially up to 38 per cent).
When the overall effect of the initiative packages is considered, it is evident that it is possible to achieve a reduction of 14 per cent of the 2007 emissions in 2014 and 25 per cent in 2020. Interpolation indicates that the goal of 20 per cent reduction will not be entirely achievable in 2015, but by 2018. Additional direct and indirect effects of initiatives relating to consumption and waste will be achieved, which will not be reflected in SSB’s statistics.
The way ahead
Clear allocation of responsibility and follow-up Energy and greenhouse gas emissions are a subject which crosses sector boundaries, involving many different parties and with objectives which to some extent conflict with the interests of other areas of society. For this plan of action to be effective, it is important that the businesses and organisations involved take responsibility and assume ownership of the various initiatives and that climatic impacts be a central theme for activities and initiatives at all levels. Some of the proposed initiatives whose energy and climate-related effects are greatest will require long-term planning. Plans must be followed up. Therefore an annual audit of the plan of action is proposed, in which the status of emissions and the initiative packages is assessed. It should be ensured that follow-up work and the necessary audits become firmly established with those responsible for the initiatives.
No real statistics exist for municipal emissions of greenhouse gases. The figures published by SSB are calculations based on a range of data sources, some municipal and some of regional and national nature which are broken down into municipal figures. The result is that some local conditions and changes specific to individual municipalities are not detected.
Implementation requires resources The direct budget costs of climate initiatives are highly variable. Moreover it is not correct to assign all the costs of an initiative to “climate policy” when the reason for that initiative is also linked to other needs. This applies to a large extent in the field of land-use and transport policy in which climatic considerations are combined with requirements for better local community conditions and efficient transportation. Even though goals may coincide and the costs cannot be associated with climatic considerations alone, an ambitious climate policy must be followed up with budgetary freedom and by providing administrative resources to enable the implementation and monitoring of initiatives. The use of national subsidy schemes such as Enova and Transnova will provide important resources for the implementation of local initiatives.