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Dear UBC Friends!

It seems evident that the modern civilisation is based on energy. Being based on energy means, however, being dependent on energy supplies, prices of crude oil, natural resources etc. There is no doubt that energy matters and is one of the most sensitive issues in the contemporary world becoming the key topic in policies of many EDITOR IN CHIEF states and organisations. Moreover, energy is also a highly prioritized Paweł Żaboklicki global environmental issue as its production has a harmful impact on environment. Bearing these facts in mind, Europe is discussing * now the new strategy for Sustainable, Competitive and Secure Energy. Will the single European energy market emerge in the near future? Undoubtely, the Baltic Sea actors should take a chance EDITING & LAYOUT and create a common balanced energy market in the region. This issue of the Bulletin presents Anna Dargiewicz our member cities' experience with the energy supply security problems and environmental impact of its production. Their stories prove that there are great opportunities in the Baltic * Region as far as renewable energy is concerned. Finally, the answers on how to utilize the governmental and EU regulations on energy for the benefit of cities and consumers are also EDITORIAL BOARD presented. Risto Veivo European Union policy consequences are visible in the Baltic Sea Region not only in the Viktors Buls energy field. Since 2004 the Union of the Baltic Cities with other Baltic organisations has been Ewa Kurjata lobbying in Brussels on the new EU Cohesion Policy 2007 – 2013, 3rd objective – the European Anna Dargiewicz Territorial Cooperation. Some of its assumptions are not suitable for the Baltic cooperation Paweł Żaboklicki and should be changed - first of all the proposed 150 km limit for cross-maritime-border cooperation. The European Commission’s suggestion of cooperation within the transnational * strand indicated in its reply to our first joint statement is not satisfying – the proposed thematic areas within the transnational strand have very little to do with the tasks of the local authorities. PUBLISHER That is why in April 2006, the UBC, B7 Baltic Islands Network and BSSSC signed the nd2 Joint Union of the Baltic Cities Statement still opposing the limit of 150 km and applying for complement of thematic areas within Secretariat transnational part of the programme with those which are essential for municipal cooperation. Wały Jagiellońskie 1 To be even closer the European policy, the UBC should be officially represented in Brussels. PL-80853 Gdańsk The Stockholm Region Office offered to function as the UBC antenna that will speak on behalf POLAND of our member cities. tel. +48 58 3010917 Recent months have been also full of other international activities of the Union. UNITAR and tel. +48 58 3019123 UBC formalized their working relations signing the memorandum of understanding. This fax +48 58 3017637 agreement allows to undertake joint actions in the field of human recourses development with e-mail: [email protected] mutual benefits. The time since the VIII General Conference in Turku has been also fruitful as far www.ubc.net as our Baltic activity is concerned. The Maritime Logistics Policy Paper has been prepared and ISSN 1506-6266 sent to member cities for comments. As the Baltic Sea transport is developing so fast, a need to create a policy that would cover the entire scope of maritime logistics in the region has become * obvious. This policy concerns the development of transport and infrastructure, safety and the environment and logistics information technology in the region. I believe this document will PROOF-READING help UBC to take part in consultations regarding the European Union maritime policy. Ewa Kurjata The need for common actions is also significant when we are facing the global social problems. The UBC Board upon the initiative of the city of Umeå signed the Statement against trafficking. * Unfortunately the number of trafficked women and children is still increasing. The document commits the UBC members to undertake all possible efforts to prevent this problem. COVER PICTURE As you can see there are many challenging tasks for UBC and its members to be faced this project by year. I hope they motivate us to even more intensive actions. Stefan Windh With Baltic Sea greetings

Per Bødker Andersen President of UBC Contents I. Energy in the Baltic Sea 18 CoC about museums in Region St. Petersburg 19 Ready, steady... Go! 2 Energy matter 19 Cities on the move 4 Security of supplies 20 EVS unites youth in the 4 Action plan on energy Baltic Sea Region savings 20 News from the Commission 5 Challenges and solutions on Transportation 5 History and modernity side 21 BUSTRIP starts Peer by side Reviews in Gdynia Gdańsk heating company - modernisation 6 Coexistence with the nature in accordance with natural environment 21 Good practice of BUUF 6 The city of power partners engineering 22 SUSTAINMENT in the 7 The SolarLokal Campaign Baltic Cities in Kiel 22 Meeting and Roundtable in 7 Energy audits Lübeck 8 Saving energy at Næstved 8 180 flats with the sunny heat III. News from Member Cities 9 Ecological warmth 9 Pupils about wind power 23 Järvenpää - the new UBC 10 Renewable energy in Kotka member city 10 Eco-Programme for Mr Arvydas Garbaravicius, the Mayor of 23 Malmö and Tallinn towards Gotland Kaunas, welcomed the UBC Board sustainable transport 11 Fossil fuel free Växjö 23 Næstved is growing larger 11 Reducing dependency on oil 24 Common reed as a source of 12 Energy procurements of energy Turku Energia 24 Automotive bio-fuels in 12 A long perspective thinking Växjö 13 Energy projects in Kaunas 24 Two Baltic cities running 13 Secure Energy ahead of the Energy 14 Offshore wind energy Performance of Buildings development Directive 14 Tallinn street lighting 25 Water Forum of the Euroregion Baltic: from II. UBC Today Commission on Business Cooperation SEAGULL to SEAGULL II invites for its meeting in Turku, Finland 25 The renewal of Vaasa city 15 45th UBC Executive Board centre awarded Meeting in Kaunas 26 Gdynia celebrates its 80th 16 UBC against trafficking birthday 16 News from Gender Equality 26 LITTORAL 2006 in Gdańsk Network 27 EVS in Liepāja 16 Towards the information 27 Passport of Narva society 27 The competition crosses 17 Commission on Urban borders Planning met in Riga 28 Beyond the Statute of 17 Turku welcomes the The Finnish city of Järvenpää joined the Limitation Business Commission Union of the Baltic Cities 28 UV-disinfection stations in 18 Education through life Kronstadt

BCB 1/2006 1 I. Energy in the Baltic Sea Region

Energy matter

by Mr Stefan Windh, Chairman goals and targets connected to energy is emerging on the horizon, and the of the International Committee, production and consumption. Baltic Region that climatologically Oskarshamn differs from Central and Western Energy in Europe Europe, will be a focus point. nergy and matter, two sides of Oskarshamn municipality in Sweden Ethe same coin as Albert Einstein Modern civilization is based is therefore promoting the creation of expressed his thesis. There has been on access to energy. All cities and the UBC Energy Commission in order an enormous rise in energy demand surrounding communities are to establish a center of excellence for since the middle of the last century. dependent on the access to power, member cities in the Baltic region. That increase has resulted from not heat and light in one way or another. only rapid industrial development Constant fluctuations on the For more knowledge in the Baltic but also from the population growth. energy market and emerging new Sea Region Between 1850 and 1970, world technologies create a complex matrix population multiplied by 3.2 times, of long and short-term facts that In order to share and distribute and total energy use increased more have to be considered at every level knowledge about the best practices in than 12-fold. According to the recent of both public and private sector. The this area there is a need for the UBC forecast for the International Energy New Green Book from EU labelled Energy Commission. The proposed Agency, electricity demand will "A European Strategy for Sustainable, Commission will have the following increase by about 30% in Europe by Competitive and Secure Energy" will objectives as a starting point: 2020. give attention to this matter for a long • to display the wide range of time since we are transforming into a different energy projects covering It will be more than double in new energy market with no borders. a diversified mix of interesting Asia and the rest of the world. Despite A common European energy market technologies and plans concerning the importance of energy to every cities and local residential areas. aspect of our lives, many Europeans • to organize specific symposiums are not adequately armed with the and meetings and publish reports in basic energy knowledge to make order to share knowledge covering informed decisions or determine the scope of our mission among the what can be done to manage and cities included in the UBC conserve energy resources. At a • to actively take part in training, community level we have to increase education, research and development this knowledgebase and supply the of interest to the member cities necessary infrastructure for a new based on external funding from EU mix of energy sources bearing in and other sources. mind the dependence and fragility • to promote and lobby for the of the distribution grids. This has local perspective on energy policies to be combined with our concern based on regional, national and regarding the effect on our global and international interests. local economy for both private and Particularly renewable energy sources public consumers. All this has to be like hydro, wind, wave and bio-energy consistent with our environmental will be investigated from a local

photo: © OKG

2 BCB 1/2006 perspective as well as the possibilities contenders for hosting the first of increasing efficiency and reducing nuclear waste disposal facility the fumes of carbon dioxide, especially of Sweden. So Oskarshamn is within the transport sector. It is already a centre of excellence therefore vital that we can share in all these areas with extensive knowledge regarding best practices in research facilities and are the field of energy efficiency & savings. willing to share and further From the local perspective it is also enhance its expertise in this important to keep a close eye on the field. power grid and supply pipes from a perspective of security, durability and Energy from the local possible environmental impact. perspective Mr Stefan Windh and Mr Bengt Karlsson, Headmaster of NOVA, Oskarshamn, presenting the idea of new commission to the UBC Board in Kaunas Nuclear power Baltic states as well as Russia and large parts of Europe are and other related matters. The future Any discussion about clean energy attached to power grids and pipelines brings a whole lot of options with should also include nuclear power. The crossing the continent. New one is great potential combined with various lack of carbon depletion and avoidance under way from Norway and others renewable energy technologies that can form a new blend of energy sources for of million of tons of emissions (NOx, from Russia under the Baltic Sea. This our cities and communities. We need SOx and CO2) make modern nuclear infrastructure has been little debated power one of the cleaner energy sources and the knowledge is scarce. The to address these issues since we know capable of generating huge power municipality of Oskarshamn, according that our way of life will demand more output. There are some key issues to the question of nuclear waste, has got energy in the future. We better start to be resolved a long experience right now to explore our regions energy Mr Peter mix and the future infrastructure in before nuclear Wretlund, of working with energy will enjoy the Mayor of complex energy- order to facilitate both growth and public resurgence Oskarshamn, related questions environmental sustainability. makes the in Scandinavia, following related to the Oskarshamn is seeking other Germany and some statement: perspective of member cities to join us in the effort to establish the UBC Energy other countries. We are faced with democracy. A First is of course a tremendous new UBC Energy Commission. We are prepared to host finding acceptable challenge to commission has to the secretariat and to provide the manage our existing resources and solutions for generate that needed extra power report status, facts administrative backbone. We will add transportation and in the future. This must be done and bring the case our research and cooperation from while we are also protecting the our local cluster of diversified energy storage of nuclear environment and preserving natural to its members waste. Second is resources. Different techniques are for discussion. industry. This will be combined with the industry’s need applied in order to both save and In this respect the power of the UBC infrastructure extract maximum energy bound in for a supportive solid or liquid matters like oil, cooled it is important to make the new Energy Commission administration gas, uranium, wood, grain etc. The to establish the a success and a valuable resource in movement of wind, water, the heat the development of our communities. over a long period and light of the sun and the heat UBC Energy of time. The third from the ground, are all sustainable Commission as one issue is that the energy sources that can be turned forum and a power into usable form of energy. Fuel cells technology’s risks are developing as a new technology broker within the and rewards have with great promises for many EU policy making sectors. We have to follow this Further information to be thoroughly development closely since we have a structure, defending understood by responsibility for our community’s the municipal Mr Stefan Windh development. the investing perspective. The phone: + 46 49 197000 community. Oskarshamn has over UBC's emerging representation office e-mail: [email protected] 30 years of experience of production in Brussels can be a vital contact point www.ubcenergy.org of nuclear power and is one of two for policy makers interested in these

BCB 1/2006 3 Security of supplies

by Mr Dariusz Sassak area, so environmental protection was one of the most important issues. Climate conditions of the The feasibility study for modernization city of Gdansk result in of this coal-fired plant had been demand for heat in a period of 7 month prepared by GPEC together with in a year. Main district heating system is independent consultants, proving the operated by GPEC, company responsible project to be viable. GPEC took part in for transmission and distribution of heat the World Bank program Coal to Gas For the last few years GPEC has been to customers. Until today GPEC has also conversion. The project was technically transforming itself towards the service oriented operated a few local heat plants which and economically designed and then company. supply decentralized district heating approved by the consultants of the production is transmitted to the grid of systems with heat. The reason why World Bank. On account of the program local electricity operator KE ENERGA those systems have not been connected GPEC received additional funds - 50% as electricity. to the main system was the of investment costs as Development of new decentralized lay-out of the city: with the The modernization a grant from Global CHP Plants for aim of security and afforested hilly area in the comprised: installation of Environmental Facility reliability of heat and power supply central-west part of the two similar natural gas fired combined heat and power gas Found. Further 13% were is significant by GPEC strategy. city. engines, installation of two a preferential loan form Furthermore, the EU supports such One of the local heat gas & oil water boilers,heat local environmental scheme by the directive 2004/8/EC plants, which since 1975 storage system for stabilizing protection fund. New which promotes combined heat and has been fuelled with hard of power production in CHP facility was commissioned power production. Implementing coal, in 2003-2004 was mode, fully redundant control system, decommissioning in June 2004. The most of such a project corresponds with converted into combined of all parts of previous important advantages European objectives. heat & power plant based on installation of coal based are: high efficiency, low natural gas. GPEC decided heat plant. pollution, flexibility and Further information: to convert this facility into reliability. New combined Mr Dariusz Sassak a new technology because of poor heat & power plant has 10,6 MW of Head of New Projects Dept. energy efficiency, high exhaust gases thermal power and 2,0 MW of electrical GPEC pollution and necessity to retrofit old, power. It supplies heat to residential phone: +48 58 52 43 733 unreliable installation. The plant is in customers, with ordered power on the [email protected] direct vicinity to the protected forestry level of 8,3 MW. Total electrical power www.gpec.gda.pl Action plan on energy savings 1. engaging of energy by Mr Lars Højensgård water reducing techniques, coordinators Success in numbers (in 2005 changing of refrigerators 2. establishing of vs. 1988) n 1997 the Kolding Energy used for heating and freezers to A-models. “energy guidance group” City Council initiated reduced with: 27,3 % Later efforts concentrated I consisting of a member of an action plan on energy savings in owned (aim: 16,5 %) on more "heavy" actions each department. Use of electricity reduced and rented buildings. The aim was to fulfil as changing of inefficient 3. action on change with:16,9 % (aim: 13 %) the governmental aim of reducing energy lighting to efficient day of user behaviour: For Use of water reduced with: use with 15% and CO emissions with 58 % (aim: 20 %). light, actions on ventilation 2 each building an "energy 20% before the end of 2005 vs. 1988. The overall interest of the systems etc. Additionally responsible person" was Kolding City Council signed the money spent is in average web-based, user interfaced chosen (and trained) to 28 % each year. Aalborg Charter in 1994 and laid down IT-energy surveillance inform and teach colleagues in the action plan the aim of reducing program was developed on good energy behaviour. the use of electricity with 13 %, energy by technical services in cooperation with 4. raising of app. 2.7 million Euro for heating with 16,5 %, water with 20 IT-company (first in DK), building meters loan. % before the end of 2005 (measured in connected to pioneering web based Every year the energy guidance group kWh resp. M3/m2) compared to 1988. surveillance automatics. discusses the plan of energy reducing The upstart included an analysis of activities proposed by the energy energy and water use of the buildings coordinators. These include calculated (monitored since 1990). Further information: energy savings, investments and pay back Out of this study and based on Mr Lars Højensgård time. At first the plans were concentrated knowledge on possible reductions of Technical Services on a short pay back times, easy execution energy- and water use, a plan was laid Kolding Municipality and visibility. For instance changing of down including mainly: phone: +45 79 30 13 43 light bulbs into low energy light bulbs,

4 BCB 1/2006 Challenges and Solutions

by Ms Maija Rubîna the system, development of cogeneration very significant for Latvia because Riga and energy efficiency. The large scale provides 52% of the district heating he district heating work began – JSC "Rîgas siltums" with supply. T(around 80% of a mixed shareholders’ structure was The main producer of thermal energy total consumption) and a technically founded in 1996. In 1997 all consumers (70%) in the city is JSC "Latvenergo". outworn heat supply system with low were equipped with heat meters at the At the moment already 85% of thermal economic performance in the beginning lead-ins of buildings therefore allowing energy in the city is produced in a highly of 90s was widely developed in Latvia. to start having a proper system of efficient cogeneration process. The tariff Trying to adopt to market economy and settlements. Individual Supply Points is the lowest among the cities of the higher tariffs many consumers sought (ISP) of buildings were readjusted and Baltic countries. for autonomous heating and refused JSC "Rîgas siltums" undertook service A new conception of heat supply from district heating. As a result, district responsibilities for the ISP as additional development for the years 2006 - 2016 heating turned out to be in a crisis in the function. The next step was liquidation has been worked out emphasising middle of 90s and the decision had to of 185 Central Supply Points (CSP) and necessity of fuel diversification in Riga, be taken – to maintain district heating installation of modern bloktype ISPs improvement of energy efficiency in by modernization or to support its in the buildings which decreased the buildings and limitation of new boiler decentralization. consumption by 15-30%. installations in the centre of the city

The 10 years conception of At the moment 6541 ISPs where the feasible limitations of NO2 are the Riga City Council (1997) (81%) are modernized exceeded already now. Riga is developing envisaged to keep district or newly installed. Heating its own Energy Agency as well. heating as the main way of mains (38%) are renovated heat supply and considerable or overhauled. Liquidation work in modernization of the CSPs and four-pipe Further information: of heat supply system. distribution network Dr.sc.ing. Maija Rubîna Fundamental ideas of the allowed to decrease Chairperson, Advisory Board of European Energetic Charter thermal loss by up to Energy Supply Experts form the framework of the Riga Biogas Cogeneration 14,58% in the 2004/2005 phone +371 6403004 concept: modernization of Station heating season. This is e-mail: [email protected] History and Modernity side by side

by Mr Vytautas Valutis of the used crude oil decreases every management of heating economy, and year, and the pollution of environment the growing awareness of customers, that ne of the oldest with "the greenhouse gas" carbon and a centralized heating is the cheapest and OLithuanian energy sulphur dioxide, is falling ecologically most reliable, companies SC Klaipeda Energy is the down significantly. give fruit. largest producer and supplier of centralized In 2005, over 3 mln EUR was The prognoses are very heat in Western Lithuania. Constructed in invested into modernization advantageous to Klaipeda 1929, it was the first coal heated power of the company from its - cargo turnover in the port plant of the city. It still stands on a hundred own means. During the of Klaipeda increases, new years old oak poles. coming five years 15,5 mln. foreign companies come to In two decades after 1960, the city EUR worth investment is Klaipeda Free Economic Zone grew rapidly and reached the population planned for modernization – the demand for energy will of 200.000. With the growth of the city, of heating economy. Part of be growing. And this is the energy demand was also increasing. the means for investment best news for the leaders and A rational and economical utilization projects will come from the The chimney of SC clients of SC Klaipeda Energy. of nature and energy resources, with EU Structural Funds. At Klaipeda Energy For the formula of success is strict compliance of environmental the moment the implementation of the simple – the more clients – the cheaper requirements, is one of the most project "Renewal of heating networks heat for you. significant objectives of the company. introducing modern technologies in In 2006 SC Klaipeda Energy became Klaipeda city" was initiated. Using the the first Lithuanian heat producer to be company’s own financial sources and the Further information awarded management quality certificate means of Structural Funds, SC Klaipeda Mr Vytautas Valutis ISO 9001 and environment protection Energy will reconstruct 9,6 km of old Director General SC Klaipeda Energy management certificate ISO 4001. heating pipelines in 2006 -2007. Having phone: +370 46410859 The main fuel to produce centralized completed this project, the company e-mail: [email protected] heat is natural gas (about 95%), the will save expenses on fuel, electricity, www.klenergija.lt reserve fuel is crude oil. The amount water, liquidation of accidents. Rational

BCB 1/2006 5 Coexistence with the Nature city’s and region’s ecological balance. Consequently, the company enjoys a by Ms Joanna Socha Consistently implemented by MTPC’s quantity surplus of carbon dioxide he issue of energy, long-term pro-ecologic activity policy emission right granted to it. A natural Tits generation in has brought measurable benefits. consequence of the above-mentioned harmony with natural environment Dozens of local boiler stations giving projects is obtaining by MTPC an is a matter of concern to Koszalin off smoke to city’s atmosphere have integrated permit for environmental municipal authorities. The most pollution. The important and at the same time, Ecological production of thermal power by Municipal Thermal Power Company company has allows the local authorities to promote Koszalin as the “Green City”. the most efficient company in obtained it at the city involved in thermal the beginning of disappeared. Their function was taken power employment and processing, as this year as first in Koszalin and one over by central heating stations with well as a good example of harmonious of the first companies in the region. chimneys giving off smoke at over 120 coexistence with the environment, is It was awarded concurrently with the m level. Purified and de-dusted flue the Municipal Thermal Power Company Quality Management (ISO 9001) and gas is being dispersed at a vast area (MTPC) in Koszalin. Environmental Protection (ISO 14001) not causing any noticeable negative The strategic investment decisions certificates. The achievements of the effects. Full and strict control of coal being taken up in the company MTPC in the field of ecology confirm burning process allows the company to are constantly accompanied by the that company’s activity serves well operate without being compelled to pay awareness of their influence on the the air and water protection. This is a penalties for pollutant emission. result of deliberate long-term action The main MTPC’s product – the heat, is that had been formulated and entered being delivered to the customers through in company’s mission: "Friendly and a network of pre-insulated pipelines. ecological heat at the place and time as Heat production and distribution is expected by customers". centrally controlled with application of a unique telemetric system that allows for Further information: immediate reaction to any irregularities Ms Joanna Socha and standard deviations. Application of City Development and Foreign modern technologies cuts losses and Relations Department this results in lower coal consumption, phone: +48 94 3488797 The heat is being delivered through a network therefore, cuts down emission of [email protected] of pre-insulated pipelines hazardous gases to the atmosphere. The City of Power Engineering The Balti Power Plant is one of the flaky stone. Oil shale contains significant by Mr Sergei Muiznieks largest oil-shale burning power stations amount of non-combustible material, n Estonia, first power in the world. The station was built in i.e. ash. Absolutely dry oil shale can be Iplants of general purpose, 1959-1965. It is currently included into lit with a match. That is the reason why as well as first industrial power plants were the common power system of the Baltic oil shale is referred to as "burning rock" built at the end of the 19th century, and in States. The Balti Power Plant is the only in Estonian. the beginning of the 20th century. Until centralised source of thermal energy The joint-stock company AS Narva the October Communist Revolution in and heating for the city of Narva. It Elektrijaamad (Narva Power Plants) was 1917, development of power engineering also provides numerous industrial founded in 1999 on the basis of Balti and in the Narva had been associated with such enterprises with technological steam. Eesti Power Plants, both owned by “Eesti industrial enterprises as the Kreenholm The Eesti Power Plant is the largest oil Energia” – 100 per cent state-owned Manufactory, the Narva Flax Mill, and the shale-fuelled power plant in the world. company, engaged in power production, Narva Clothing Factory. These enterprises Local low-thermal-value oil shale is transmission, distribution and sales as used power acquired from the waterfalls being used. Construction of the Eesti well as other power-related services. of the Narva River. At that time, gaslight Power Plant began in July 1963. The These two power plants were merged was used for illumination. Electric boiler units installed at Eesti Power to increase the cost efficiency. energy was first used in 1898-1900, Plant are purposely designed for oil shale mostly for lighting purposes. Utilisation burning. The location of a power plant of electric energy has became more is also conditioned by environmental Further information: common since 1912. Electricity was first conditions and availability of the Mr Sergei Muiznieks provided to inhabitants of Narva in 1918. required amount of water. Foreign Relations Advisor Construction of local supply networks Oil shale is one of the most important phone. +372 35 99060; 372 56152122 began in 1920, on the basis of industrial mineral products found in Estonia. By e-mail: [email protected] power plants. outside appearance it resembles brownish, www.powerplant.ee

6 BCB 1/2006 The SolarLokal campaign in Kiel linked to the national grid and equipped contractually guaranteed payments which by Mr Jens Rasmussen with electricity meters to measure the will remain constant for a period of 20 iel has signed up amount they feed in. Together they have a years, to a value which currently stands at Kto the federal capacity of more than 780 51.8 euro cents per kWh information campaign SolarLokal kilowatts peak (kWp). for the first 30 kWp and has become the most northerly In Kiel the average of installed capacity. municipality which joined the publicity annual production In the case of larger campaign for environmentally friendly of environmentally roof installations the solar power. SolarLokal is sponsored by friendly solar electricity payments are reduced the registered German Association for amounts to 815 kWh per for that part of the Environmental Assistance (Deutsche kWp. People wishing to total capacity which The solar power system in Kiel Umwelthilfe e.V.) and the public operate a solar power exceeds 30 kWp. Via company SolarWorld AG. station themselves need a south-facing the "Solar Power Generation" programme By taking part in SolarLokal, the roof surface. of the Reconstruction Loan Corporation city is continuing its long-standing In accordance with concessional rates (KfW), there are also loans available to commitment to the protection of the agreed between Stadtwerke Kiel AG private individuals at advantageous rates climate. The inhabitants of Kiel are to and Kiel, the Stadtwerke company is of interest for the installation of solar be more acutely aware of the ecological offering a payment to cover costs of all power systems, so that systems can be and economic advantages of solar electricity fed into the grid from systems operated economically and thus not only electricity. Solar power installations are within the municipal boundaries of up serve to protect the environment, but also not only a profitable investment from a to 5kWp: anyone operating such system bring financial benefits. personal financial perspective, but they will receive a fixed-rate, one-off subsidy also protect the climate and offer new upon completion of the installation. Further information: and sustainable areas of activity for the In addition, any electricity fed into the Mr Jens Rasmussen local trade. national grid will be paid for in accordance Umweltschutzamt In the area of electricity generation with the provisions of the German laws phone: +49 431 901 3737 covered by the Stadtwerke Kiel AG, governing the production of renewable e-mail: [email protected] there are currently more than 200 energies (EEG.). Operators of roof www.solarlokal.de established photo-voltaic installations installations, for instance, will receive Energy audits were taken in refurbishing a low- as a result of the tenants’ right to buy by Mr Hans van de Sanden income inner-city block (Block 36) of their dwelling makes that each building pre-war council houses: insulation of has its condominium. All owners have TBS Housing Association outside walls, replacement of double to agree on the scope and financing of Sin Szczecin, Poland windows with single windows, of high refurbishment activities. completed a demonstration project insulation double glazing U value 1.1 Monitoring showed impressive savings for energy-efficient refurbishment. W/K*m2, roof insulation as part of on energy and harmful emissions. CO2 Co-financed by the EC, the project, as measures to convert previous unused emissions dropped by 44,4% (378,6 t/ part of a larger pan-European Regen- attic space into dwellings, replacement year), while gross heat consumption link Project, linking energy-efficient of coal stoves with new heating systems: decreased by 47,2%. Environmental regeneration schemes, was developed connection to district heating system or progress comes not only from energy and implemented by local housing installation of individual gas heating saving itself but also even more from the associations in Amsterdam, boilers, installation of solar change of heat source. All earlier coal Dublin, Goteborg, London, A survey made among collectors for domestic hot stoves were eliminated in this project. Madrid, Paris and 80 tenants interviewed water supply. Rather simple technologies in the project Szczecin. showed a high satisfaction The selection of measures are easily repeatable. The staff has built up At the start of this project with the project results: 85% was based on energy audits extensive experience in discussing these the energy audits were a of occupants claimed they were pleased with the flats, made for each building. Some complicated matters with residents and new phenomenon in 75% felt that their standard qualified for low-interest in the condominium meetings. Poland in 2002-2003. The and comfort of living had “termomodernisation” loans. investment was financed by improved, 73,3% were Income from sale of empty Further information: tenants, owner-occupiers aware of project’s being attics – for creating new flats environment-friendly. Mr Hans van de Sanden and STBS (the housing – was directly reinvested Mayor of Szczecin’s Plenipotentiary on association). Both the in the project. The most City Regeneration Scheme city and the European Commission complicated aspect of the project was phone: +4891 4245 059 contributed financially. the decision making process in the [email protected] In Szczecin the following measures condominiums. Splintered ownership

BCB 1/2006 7 Saving energy at Næstved by Mr Soeren Revsbaek the nearby electric power station, also energy registration system. using heat from burning of household Last, but not least, it should be n the good old days, before waste. The plant is built and run by the mentioned that there is a new Ithe oil-crises of the 1970´s, municipalities in development area not many people in Denmark cared about the local area. Almost every school and kindergarten (60 at Næstved that energy. Energy was cheap. In recent times, buildings in Næstved) has a central energy Saving energy registration system that is online with the will be reserved however, consumption of energy, and is quite another Technical Department of the municipality. If any exclusively for more importantly, rise of energy prises matter. As the abnormal use of energy is shown, the problem building of "zero- is very much in focus. largest quantities will be dealt with instantly. energy" houses. Næstved is handling the question of energy are used These are houses, of energy in two ways: 1. Production in private households, the municipality where you do not have the heating turned of energy, mainly heating and can only advise people how to use energy on, as long as the outside temperature is electricity. 2. Saving energy in the in an economic way. This is done i.e. by above 0 degrees centigrade. In these public administration, i.e. houses and showing how to reduce use of electricity, houses the yearly consumption of energy institutions. heating and water. Good advice is sent by is approx. 3.000 kWh, which is only a Regarding production of energy, all mail to every household, and of course third of the normal consumption. This is household-waste is incinerated at the made public through newspapers. achieved by using passive solar heating "Fasan" plant at Næstved. A total of When it comes to buildings owned and insulation. 105.000 tonnes waste is collected and and operated by the municipality itself, Further information: burned every year. In this way waste every year a budget and an account is Mr Soeren Revsbaek is transformed into heating for approx. made, not only regarding the financial Deputy Mayor and City Councillor 11.000 houses in the town of Næstved. figures, but also the consumption of phone: +45 55 445076 Apart from producing heating a total of calories and electricity. Almost every e-mail: [email protected] 250.000 MWh electricity is produced at school and kindergarted has a central 180 flats with the Sunny heat to balance seasonal fluctuations of the by Ms Renate Bremer of traditional masonry with an increased amount of insulation. Several materials solar radiation, the housing area has lternative, were assembled of long-lasting and low- an ingenious system of heat retention. Alow-priced maintenance building materials. The It consists of a special heat storing unit energy will determine the future, even green roof terraces keep the dust emission and a subterranean storage, which are in branches like construction of new low, implying a better climate for the built up outside. In addition, this system buildings. In 1998, the Hanseatic City whole building and its environment. An has a natural groundwater conductor. of Rostock already prohibited the use aeration system intensifies the exchange With the use of solar energy it becomes of solid or liquid combustibles for of air with speed of 50 m3/ h. possible to cover more than 60% of the heating flats. What could become more At once the external design of the whole annual need of heat. The rest will obvious for sunny housing area be covered by a conventional heating Mecklenburg-Vor catches one’s system with an ultra-modern heat-rating Pommern than attention and technique. the production of maybe that is This principle leads also to reduced heat in order to why they call it emission and less environmental provide the service "Helios" – like pollution. The project was supported water? Undoubtedly, the sun-god. by the German Federal Ministry the use of the Suncollector of Research and Mecklenburg-Vor power of the sun. units on the Pommern. The construction costs per “WIRO-Wohnen top of houses m2 of living area were about 869 EUR in Rostock” Ltd. form the roofs of and for the solar system of 138 EUR realised the dream all 11 buildings t o per m2. of the city creating one unit. And Helios: eye-catching architecture and a new buildings in with a shading innovative solutions Further information: 2000. The annual calculation of WIRO Wohnen in Rostock GmbH need of heat is supplied up to the half 38 degrees, the optimal shape was found Ms Renate Bremer, Press Department by solar or geothermal energy. 108 flats for them. Below the 982 m2 roof area, phone: +49-381-4567 2365 with a living area of 53 to 93m2 were a system of tubes meanders through Mr Ingolf Wenzel, Head of the built in the form of apartment buildings. the ground. The tubes contain a heat Technical Department The three-floor houses were constructed carrier medium transported under glass phone: +49-381-4567 2205 in north and south direction and consist and warmed up by the sun. In order

8 BCB 1/2006 Ecological Warmth Many countries use water, wind and is becoming more and more significant. It by Ms Agata Załuska biomass energy. The latter is often applied results from legal changes, amendments he growing interest in for industrial purposes. Waste material in energy types classification and EU Tecological renewable from plants is used in paper production, support for this kind of planting. On the sources of energy can be observed wood processing and food industries. other hand it is caused by the increasing in Elbląg. More and more people are In Poland water energy is expensive number of consumers who want to taking up cultivation of owing to the influence heat their houses and companies with willow and poplar. The of huge hydroelectric ecological and cheap fuel. demand for heating using power stations on water The subject has become popular among biomass is increasing in relations and ecology in huge plants, e.g. Elektrociepłownia the local market. Despite Polish lowland rivers. Elbląg (power plant) which has been huge supply of coal, the Also wind power may doing a research for the last few years. use of renewable energy be too expensive for Their engagement in biomass energy is is preferred nowadays. It investors and consumers. inscribed in the sustainable development results from ecological Considering the above, of the company, integrated with the factors, especially one should assume that social needs of its development. The threats connected with the effects in these fields company’s executives believe that the the climate changes. That of energy production will favourable economic conditions for this is why energy plants are not be comparable with type of production will open soon. becoming spread not only these in Norway or in in Elbląg surroundings Denmark . Much more but also in the whole far-reaching for us may Further information: Warmia and Mazury This is still not very common view be energy from biomass Ms Agata Załuska in the Polish landskape Region. Farmers claim combustion. So far Strategy and Development the cultivation is profitable as the number biomass has included forest, agriculture Department of consumers in Elbląg is constantly and industrial waste. Now biomass phone: +48 55 239 34 44 growing. produced also from special plant species e-mail: [email protected] Pupils about Wind power by Mr Bo Lundquist Bergkvara Wind Power Exhibition. printing office. The pupils will also pay a - We have invited our schoolmates to visit by the graphic arts designer, who will upils of Bergkvara listen to the lecturers - a pupil says. - They do the layout work on their book. PSchool in the county have told us about - With our project we of Kalmar are writing a different types of want to increase other schoolbook about wind power. Project energy, how wind children’s knowledge "S-Vindel med Barnkraft" is collaboration forms, research and curiosity. The aim with the Regional Council in Kalmar around birds and of the book is also County for pupils, 10 to 12 years old, at wind power, plants to inform, develop Bergkvara School. The 18 pupils have and life around the thoughts and create followed the development of the offshore wind farm in the awareness about a wind power expansion at Utgrunden, Baltic Sea, history of better and durable situated a few kilometers from the school wind power, how to community. At the by Kalmarsund, a part of the Baltic Sea. create fantasy filled same time we want - By the project, which lasts through teaching material The pupils and their teachers honoured as to give the pupils the Caretakers of the Air 2006 by the Regional school year 2005-06, we have been given and how they do County for their project on wind power opportunity to learn the opportunity to develop a training when researching how to work in project guide on wind power for children of ages different areas. forms and to fulfill their responsibilities 6-9, say the two teachers responsible at The pupils have carried out study in the group. the school, Carina Gyllerfelt and Kristina visits in order to be able to understand Fransén. - This we have done through the coherence they are going to write fact finding, writing material, creating texts about. Thus they increase their Further information: paintings, photography and uncovering understanding on how wind power Mr Göran S Eriksson interesting information. Everything to works. They have visited the research Coordinator WindPower be able to offer a book that is fantasy station Utblicken and the wind farm phone +46 70 264 24 64 filled and contains informative facts on Utgrunden in Kalmarsund, a wind power goran.s.eriksson@kalmar. wind power. unite on land, a service station for wind regionforbund.se To collect information for the book the power in Bergkvara harbor, a transformer www.kalmar.regionforbund.se children have arranged two seminars at station for the electricity grid and a

BCB 1/2006 9 Renewable energy in Kotka power production (CHP) by renewable burns wood fuels as bark, saw dust, by Mr Pekka Sihvonen and recycled energy sources and natural wood chips, wood residues and recycled he town of Kotka in gas. The turnover of the company was wood. In addition to these milled peat TFinland has done 21 MEUR in 2005. Sale of and REF1 are burned. Kotka district heat was 365 GWh, Energy is also planning to remarkable investment on wellfare of Combustion gases town population and companies by process steam 140 GWh and are decontaminated assemble a new modern rearranging its energy business activities electricity 152 GWh in 2005. at first by electric municipal waste incineration in 2003. Kotka sold the electricity In 2003 Kotka Energy built a filter and then by flue plant in order to produce activities and now Kotka Energy Ltd, Biofuel Power Plant of 65 MW gas scrubber. Ash, industrial steam, electricity in Hovinsaari, Kotka. The total particles and dust are and district heat in CHP- which is 100 % owned by the town, removed by electric concentrates on combined heat and investment cost of the plant filter (resolution process. The environmental was 25 MEUR. Because the 99,82 %, particles). permission has been admitted plant is situated nearby the Gaseous impurities by the public authority for downtown, special attention are removed by flue this project. Construction will was paid to the procession gas scrubber. start in 2006 and the plant will of combustion gases which be in operation in 2008. are decontaminated at first by electric filter and then by flue gas scrubber. Ash, particles and dust are removed by electric filter (resolution 99,82 %, Further information: particles). Gaseous impurities are Mr Pekka Sihvonen removed by flue gas scrubber so that Vice president, Kotkan Energia Oy the total resolution for entire plant phone: +358 44 7099 500 The Biofuel Power Plant in Kotka is 99,94 %. The Biofuel Boiler Plant [email protected] Eco - Programme for Gotland resources shall decrease to a level reduction of the energy consumption in by Mr Bertil Klintbom compatible with long term climate municipal buildings app. by 20%. The new n 14 October 1996 the stability. Fossil fuels shall be replaced Visby central library has been designed OMunicipal Council of with renewable energy." to use solar energy and sea-water based Gotland passed the Eco-programme for - "Gotlandic renewable energy shall be cooling and has achieved a reduction Gotland. Accordingly, the municipality’s developed until it suffices for all the of energy use of 50% compared to local goal is that the island should become necessary functions of society." standard. Also, on other municipal a Zero-Emission Zone. Also ‘Gotland - "Buildings shall be designed in such buildings and sports facilities the solar is to become a ecologically sustainable a way that the need for energy panels (PV and thermal) have been society within the course of a generation’. supply for heat and light be installed. Furthermore, the windpower The programme includes conditions minimised. The Gotlandic renewable covers now nearly 20% of electricity for achieving these overall aims. As energy shall suffice for all household demand on Gotland. In addition to that, far as energy is concerned, the aim is needs." RME fuel is available across the island to implement a programme by 2025 - "Equipment shall be selected so as to and new cars in the municipal fleets can whereby energy will be produced from minimise the need for energy supply run on biodiesel or ethanol. renewable sources on Gotland to match for technical purposes." There are still some remaining 100% of the islands energy consumption. To achieve the goals, the biomass fuelled barriers to overcome, e.g. public We also intend to reduce our annual needs district heating has been extended. resistance from summer house owners, to 3800 GWh through energy efficiency The island’s most energy demanding a weak electricity grid on suitable measures, while industry has windpower locations or lack of during the same made large awareness of the regional benefits of time increasing the energy savings. local RES production within certain islands population A widespread sectors. and improving our energy efficiency living standard. programme has Among the aims been carried Further information: of the programme out also in the Mr Bertil Klintbom there are: municipality’s Head of Buildings and Infrastructure - "Gotlandic building stock. phone: + 46 498 269287 dependence upon In Visby this e-mail: [email protected] The Library in Visby uses the solar energy and sea www.gotland.se/cto fossil carbon -water based cooling has lead to the

10 BCB 1/2006 Fossil Fuel Free Växjö is about one quarter of EU15’s average from the city all aspects of forestry and by Mr T Lennart emissions. the use of bio-energy - can be studied Gårdmark Starting in 1980 from an estimated on small and large scales". n 1996 the Växjö City Council value of 6.0 - 6.5 tonnes of fossil CO2 However, in spite of all the success Iconcluded that the climate per capita per year, the 2004 value was in the heating and power areas much problem is the most important global 3,46 tonnes. Positive results of all small remains to be done in the transport environmental issue, which, however, has and big efforts in this area soon triggered area. Växjö has managed to slightly to be solved on the local level. Therefore a multitude of international technical lower the emissions from transports by the council unanimously decided that visits in Växjö, once-per week on average. introducing all sorts of environmentally Växjö should become a Fossil Fuel The city invited Växjö Energy Ltd, Växjö friendly vehicles and mixing 5 % Ethanol Free City with the intermediate goal of University, the Regional Energy Office in all petrol sold – well knowing that decreasing per capita emissions of Fossil and several manufacturers to participate Ethanol is a short time solution.

CO2 down to 2.3 tonnes per year, which in the presentations and soon the In 1996 the municipality, Växjö Energy co-operation was Ltd and Växjö University initiated formalised in a cluster a number of bio-DME (Di-Methyl- with the brand name Ether) projects. The results of the Växjö BioEnergy Småland efforts are not only the heating sector – Expo Växjö. based 90 % on biomass or total energy "Many of our visitors consumption based 50 % on renewable already have the energy sources, but also creation of new Know-How, but we jobs and export business. have the Show-How. Further information: We believe that seeing Mr T Lennart Gårdmark is believing". Therefore Head of International Office a very important step City of Växjö in a new project is phone: +46 705 746 772 a technical visit in Fossil carbon dioxide emissions per capita in Växjö (kg CO ) [email protected] 2 Växjö. Within an hour Reducing dependency on Oil Karlskrona has now about thirty vehicles and public organisations. The idea is to by Mr Sven-Olof Petersson that run on ethanol, E85, and it intends optimise investment by having several nergy issues are going to increase the number of clean vehicles actors jointly carrying out a project to Eto be increasingly in the municipal fleet. A large percentage change their energy consumption. The significant for the environment in the of them will probably run on ethanol but goals are to reduce dependency on oil future, as well as the economy and other types of clean vehicles are being and efficiently utilise various forms of labour market. Karlskrona and other studied as well. This effort means that the state subsidies for energy transition and Swedish municipalities give advices to municipality is already working actively to reduce the greenhouse effect. the consumers how to change the way The Karlskrona's authorities will of using energy, especially for heating. continue to provide energy advice The options include replacing heating to consumers. The municipality also with fuel oil or electricity to heat pumps sees opportunities for more effective or boilers fired with biofuels, such as participation in the regional partnerships chips or pellets made of forest-based raw with other municipalities and regions materials. in efforts related to energy and the Karlskrona possesses already an greenhouse effect. Karlskrona sees this extensive district heating network in its initiative as a proactive investment in central areas. The district heating system Karskrona has invested in reducing dependency developing the municipality, improving is based on raw materials harvested on oil for transport by introducing ethanol. the environment and reducing from the forest and is currently being to improve the environment and reduce dependency on oil. expanded. The municipality is also carbon dioxide emissions. Further information: discussing a combined heat and power Karlskrona is now taking another step Mr Sven-Olof Petersson plant for which wood chips would be in the energy effort and establishing a Agenda 21 Coordinator the main fuel. special position to coordinate efforts Municipality of Karlskrona The municipality has also invested concerning energy issues between the phone: +46 455 30 33 52 in reducing dependency on oil for municipality and other actors. The latter [email protected] transports by introducing ethanol. may be consumers as well as private

BCB 1/2006 11 Energy procurements of Turku Energia heat from fossil fuels. In 2005, some The district heat production by Mr Risto Vaittinen 70% of the district heat was produced not covered by the emission trade urku Energia is an at Fortum Oyj’s Naantali plant from scheme today comprises some 25% of Tenergy supply company fossil fuels, mainly coal. The company is total purchases. By 2012, the share of owned by the City of Turku. planning to replace coal by natural gas, Purchase of district heat by Turku Energia: Turku Energia procures, sells the purchases of which are currently 2005 2012 and transfers electricity and heat mainly being negotiated. Fossil fuels % 75 55 in the region of Turku. It develops, Turku Energia is systematically Biofuels % 20 35 builds and maintains energy production striving at increasing its own carbon Incineration % 5 10 plants and transfer and dioxide free production of distribution networks. In district heat. In addition production not covered by emission trade 2005, the turnover of Turku to the biothermal plant may rise to 40-50% of total procurements, Energia was €148 million. of Oriketo, part of the in case the new incinerator plant, wood One of the values of Turku district heat is produced fuel plant of Oriketo and the expansion Energia is environmental from gas collected from project of the heat pump plants of Kakola friendliness: "Turku Energia the landfill. In addition, are implemented. We will then be able to bears its responsibility a heat pump plant is say that Turun Energia has for its part for the environmental being constructed in contributed to the Kyoto commitments impacts of the energy connection with the and reached the objective of 1990 supply, production, transfer sewage treatment plant emission levels. and other activities. of Kakola, in which the The company is a heat contained in sewage pioneering developer Waste burning plant will be utilised in the and introducer of production of district Further information: environmentally friendly technologies." heat and district cooling. According to Mr Risto Vaittinen Today, the remote heat procurements the present interpretation, production Managing Director of Turku Energia are largely based on a from the current incinerator plant is not Oy Turku Energia - Åbo Energi Ab combined production of electricity and considered in the emission trade scheme. www.turkuenergia.fi A long perspective Thinking by Ms Carinne Lancereau or compressed biogas). Since 2005, we running with gas (per year it will be one have a biogas filling station in Örebro. lorry, 60 cars and 15 service vehicles). he municipality of This gas is delivered to the station by a The intention is to work with a long TÖrebro is producing truck from a production plant situated perspective which is both economically biogas since many years. The gas is a mix at 140 kilometres from Örebro. It was and environmentally justified, where of gas produced from our sewage works, planned that before 2007 there will be biogas in 2010 will replace at least 4 % of and of landfill gas which is coming from one more biogas filling station in the all fossil fuel to our vehicles. Incentives of two landfills of waste disposal (one of city. Thus, all gas produced will come all kinds are planned to inspire companies them has not been in use for 20 years). from the local production and delivered and private persons to buy gas vehicles. At the sewage works, the thickened through pipelines. The price for CBG is going to be fixed sludge is pumped into a digestion tank The sewage works have a reserve capacity in five years and is today much cheaper today which makes it than petrol or diesel. In 3-4 years the The intention is to work with a long perspective which is both possible to produce goal is to start a bus traffic which will economically and environmentally justified, where biogas in 2010 700.000 m3 CBG. In also use biogas from local production. will replace at least 4 % of all fossil fuel to our vehicles. 2006, a new treatment The idea will start a good partnership

plant is constructed to with the agriculture sector to get more and the decomposition of the organic be able to clean the gas produced through raw material. materials in the sludge takes place anaerobic decomposition of organic waste without any oxygen being added. The to a good quality for vehicles. The project gas is led via a gas pipe to the University is a partnership between the municipality hospital boiler plant and two other and the Swedish Biogas company which Further information: industries to replace oil. The University will deliver extra biologic waste to our Ms Carinne Lancereau hospital uses as well the gas as heating sewage works and will have the property International Coordinator production. To reach the environmental of the filling stations. Community Planning Programme goals set up by the municipality, we are The City Council has taken the decision phone: +46 19 211532 going now to produce biogas which can to renew the fleet (cars, service vehicles e-mail: [email protected] be used in our municipal vehicles (CBG and lorries) with vehicles which are

12 BCB 1/2006 Energy projects in Kaunas supply in buildings. The aim of this by Mr Algirdas Vatiekūnas study was to evaluate possible effect of n order to acquire new adaptation of European Union energy Iup-to-date experience policy reducing the air pollution and in the energy sector and to transfer the effectively using the heat energy. experience Kaunas City participates in This year another project SENET many international projects. within the INTERREG programme In 2005, the project "Reduction of will be completed. Scandinavian Experience Differences of Energy countries, Baltic states, Poland, Sector Management at the City Germany and Austria participate in Level in Kaliningrad this project. The mainEuropean energy award for Kaunas oblast, Lithuania and The targets of the project: aims of the project are: Italy" according to - to review how strategies of distribution of experience rational usage of energy are This project is implemented following th the TACIS CBC formed and implemented; of Scandinavian a n d the 6 Common Research Technological programme. The aim - to encourage energy saving Western European Development and pilot activities was to contribute to mechanisms and promote them; countries and international programme (CONCERTO) of the the initiatives carried - to improve the effective cooperation seeking European Commission. The experience out by the European implementation of energy rational and sustainable production technologies in gained in this project will be analyzed Union reducing air cities; energy consumption. and used in creation of sustainable pollution due to fuel - to prepare and implement a Another project is energy management guidelines for burning, using energy pilot project for Kaliningrad ESCOBALT within the governments and municipalities in Baltic cities more providing multi-flat buildings PHARE, with the aim in Europe. effectively. The partners with modern technical to make a study where equipment allowing to regulate of the project were and save heat energy in technical-economic Kaliningrad City, Kaunas buildings; parameters of the district and Modern Energy - to propose improvements for heating systems and Further information: Agency (Italy). modernization of energy sector. modernization plans Mr Algirdas Vatiekūnas The feasibility study in Finland (Helsinki) and Head of Energy Division for the implementation of energy Lithuania (Kaunas) will be compared Kaunas City Administration effectiveness (saving) in Kaliningrad in detail. phone: +370 37 42 36 17 was prepared and submitted using new Last year Kaunas joined another big e-mail: [email protected] management methods and advanced international project started “Balanced www.kaunas.lt technologies for the regulation of heat Energy Systems in Advanced Cities”. Secure Energy

by Mr Daniel Nilsson Knowledge gathered in the cities will be successful renewable energy and energy spread not only to other cities but also efficient projects in Europe. aking today’s pilot projects to citizens through for example climate To reach the sustainable development Min renewable energy awareness raising campaigns. within the energy perspective SECURE tomorrow's mainstream projects is one One of the concepts that will be explored strives to engage the inhabitants of of the targets with the SECURE project in SECURE is the carbon dioxide neutral European cities and increase their that recently started. The European company strategy. By offering the knowledge on energy use and climate Intelligent Energy project SECURE led companies guidance and calculation change. The private partners in SECURE by Malmö does of their greenhouse are CODEMA, CENERGIA, IVL and also include the gas emissions Respect Europe. cities of Tallinn, the companies Hilleröd and will improve Dublin together their energy with private efficiency and partners. The compensate for SECURE project the emissions that Further information: is focusing on are impossible t o Mr Daniel Nilsson creating long term avoid. Another City of Malmö sustainable energy part of the project phone: +46 40 34 20 86 action plans for that runs until e-mail: [email protected] the participating SECURE project strives to increase knowledge on 2007 is to spread www.secureproject.org communities. energy use and climate change. knowledge from

BCB 1/2006 13 Offshore wind energy Development

by Mr Boris Chubarenko wind-power. The offshore based wind Mr Vadim Sivkov Mr Viktor Koshelev The ERB partners mill park was estimated in Kaliningrad as more expensive than oupled projects Oblast will widely the land-based one. CINTERREG IIIB support a new But, the technology is Seagull Project and TACIS Seagull RC project "Perspectives currently improving and Project "Russian component of the of Offshore Wind difference in proportions development strategy for Euroregion Energy Development in economic values of Baltic" successfully ended with a Draft in Marine Areas of land, water and energy of the Joint Development Transnational Lithuania, Poland and Russia (POWER)" between the EU and Russia is becoming Program for the Euroregion Baltic in initiatively submitted by following less and less. Therefore, the prospects for 2005. This Euroregion geographically scientific institutions: Maritime Institute effective development of wind energy unites the members of UBC – Kalmar, in Gdańsk (Poland), Atlantic Branch of production in the Baltic Sea coastal Karlskrona, Ronne, Gdańsk-Gdynia, P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology zones of three neighbouring countries Kaliningrad, Baltijsk, Klaipeda, Liēpaia, (Kaliningrad Oblast, Russia) and Coastal Lithuania, Russia and Poland still exist. as well as surrounding rural areas. This Research and Planning Institute of the Renewable energy sources, including draft in a part of environment and energy Klaipeda University (Lithuania). This wind, is an important component project was supported of sustainable development of local For the City of Baltijsk, which is permanently growing in terms by TACIS-INTERREG municipalities in the region. of local economy and population, but, on other hand, is a very attractive recreation area, the development of ecological wind IIIA program and shall energy will result in measurable positive economic, ecological start soon. Some attempts and social effects. were made in 2004 by the relevant authorities to Further information: sector declares the challenged aim to analyse possibilities of development of Mr Boris V. Chubarenko make the Euroregion Baltic and its cities an offshore wind mill park in the Baltic Russian Academy of Sciences front-runners in the implementation of Sea near the coast of the City of Baltijsk phone: + 7 4012 451574 EU environment and energy policies. and in the Vistula Lagoon area. Economic e-mail: [email protected] The focus should be on bio-energy and assessment produced a negative result. Tallinn Street Lighting by Mr Ain Valdmann make up 30% of the total sum of the city`s control-and switching devices, feeders luminaries, for more economical, high and output lines, thus controlling ourists or businessmen pressure sodium lamps. The company voltage in more that 30 positions; Tarriving in Tallinn replaced the conventional, local control 3) protects all switchboards and devices either by ship or plane in the system based on photo sensors, with a and given output lines from vandalism dark are pleasantly surprised by the good complex control system covering the or other kinds of unauthorized action; lighting of the city. The positive result whole city. Besides cost saving the latter in case of every unauthorized action a arises from the fact that by now practically system brought along also principal sound signal is given and it is instantly all the streets and roads, parks and changes both in the outdoor lighting displayed at the operator’s monitor; verdant areas, church towers and many work and organization of labour. The 4) enables authorized personnel to other architectural objects have received control system: conduct control of devices and switches proper lighting. Last 1) switches on with the help of a registered mobile year, Russalka, the and off the street phone form whatever location. memorial to the lighting of the The implementation of the unique shipwreck in 1893, whole city on the control, monitoring, and safety system was provided a new, basis of a signal of street lighting has considerably historically suitable from a central improved the situation of Tallinn street lighting solution. photo sensor ; lighting, saved a noticeably amount Visitors do not, switching on of money and reduced maintenance however, notice that starts in the expenses. KH Energia-Konsult city centre and Ltd, the company moves outwards, Further information: responsible for the Russalka, the memorial to the shipwreck in 1893 Mr Ain Valdmann with new lighting switching off maintenance of takes place in the Head of Tallinn Municipal Tallinn street lighting, exchanged already reverse order; Engineering Services Department 5 years ago all the mercurial lamps of 2) gives the street lighting operator phone: +372 645 7191 Tallinn streets and roads that used to information about the conditions of all e-mail: [email protected]

14 BCB 1/2006 II. UBC Today 45th UBC Executive Board Meeting in Kaunas

he Union of the Baltic Cities strives work of UBC is European maritime Tto be clearly heard in Brussels as one concerned, the policy. voice of 100 cities and the whole Baltic Sea Board discussed the The Board also region. European policy of the UBC has idea of establishing authorised the dominated the 45th UBC Executive Board a new commission President to sign Meeting. 38 participants including Board – on energy. The the memorandum members and invited guests gathered on representatives of of understanding 10-12 February in Kaunas, Lithuania, upon the author of this with the United the invitation of the Mayor, Mr Arvydas proposal - city of Nations Institute Garbaravicius. Oskarshamn – Mr for Training According to the decision of the Stefan Windh and and Research previous Board Meeting at Chojnice, Mr Bengt Karlsson, (UNITAR). The Poland, the UBC has continued lobbying presented the memorandum on the future EU Cohesion Policy 3rd background for of understanding objective – the European Territorial the initiative. The includes several Cooperation, which is not suitable for main objectives types of actions. On the Baltic Sea cooperation in terms of the proposed one hand UNITAR of proposed 150 km limit for cross- commission will would assist our maritime-border cooperation and areas be i.a. renewable member cities in The 45th Board Meeting was dominated by of common actions. As a result, UBC energy, exchanging European policy matters human resources proposed to sign the 2nd joint statement of best practices, development. On Baltic Sea organisations on the European education. The Board authorised the other hand the experience of UBC Territorial Cooperation. The statement Oskarshamn to send out the proposal to member cities could be used in other was signed by UBC, B7 and BSSSC in the UBC member cities. countries. Furthermore, the Board decided March 2006. The Board decided to send Additionally, the UBC maritime logistics to adopt the statement against trafficking it to the EU institutions and to the Baltic policy paper and results of the work of the submitted by Mrs Marie-Louise Rönnmark, Sea states’ governments. Additionally, in UBC Logistics Task Force were presented the Mayor of Umeå, as the trafficking the autumn 2005, the Baltic organisations at the meeting. The Board decided to send of women and children is nowadays an signed the common general paper on the out the draft policy paper to the member increasingly important problem. The UBC EU Cohesion Policy 2007-2013. cities for comments. The Board agreed that during its 45th Board Meeting welcomed Moreover, the working group on UBC’s UBC should take part in discussion on the also a new member – the city of Järvenpää, further development Finland. Last but recommended not least, the UBC UBC with other Baltic organisations, namely: B7 Baltic Islands Network and BSSSC signed finalising the issue of the second statement on the new European Cohesion Policy 3rd objective – the European Action Plan 2006- UBC representation Territorial Cooperation. The statement was sent to the European Commission and to the 2007 and budget for in Brussels. Although governments of the Baltic Sea countries. 2006 were adopted. most of member The proposed limit of 150 km for cross border maritime cooperation and thematic areas The Board decided to cities have their of the transnational strand are the main points the signatories of the statement oppose hold its 46th meeting to. These proposals are regarded as harmful for the development of the Baltic Sea Region representatives in and counter-productive as far as the ideas of the EU Cohesion Policy are concerned. in Kronshtadt/ Brussels, they are Referring to the response of the Commission to the first joint statement which suggested St.Petersburg on 10- not coordinated the possibilities of cooperation within the transnational strand (present Interreg IIIB), 11 June 2006. The to speak on behalf the Baltic organisations focus on the proposed thematic areas which are not satisfying Board also decided of the Union. The for municipal and regional fields of responsibility. Whereas the cooperation areas of the to hold its autumn crossborder strand were suitable for the local competences, the main responsibility of the Stockholm Region thematic areas stated in the transnational part of the programme lies first of all at the session in Gdynia. Office confirmed its national level and in some cases at the regional one. More information readiness to function Thus, the municipal cooperation, so essential as far as the principle of subsidiarity is on the 45th Board as a UBC’s official concerned, may be significantly harmed and constrained. Meeting, as well as nd antenna in Brussels. The signatories of the 2 joint statement therefore still oppose the proposed limit of 150 the full text of the 2nd km for crossborder cooperation. They also stipulate that the theme areas of transnational Thus, the UBC would cooperation should be increased to comprise essential municipal and regional development Joint Statement are have an opportunity issues, namely: development of entrepreneurship/SME, tourism, culture, environment, available on www. to be closer to the transport, energy, water and sewage treatment, solid waste management, urban planning, ubc.net European policy. human resource development (training). As far as the inside

BCB 1/2006 15 UBC against Trafficking ccording to the United Nation to give the exact data reflecting the Areports, approximately 4 million real situation but the number of women and children have been annually trafficked women and children is trafficked and used for sexual exploitation increasing. and prostitution. Being opposed to the Traffickers use some tactics including trade with people, the UBC Executive deception, fraud, intimidation, Board during its 45th isolation, threat and Meeting held in Kaunas "Trafficking and prostitution use of physical force to signed the Statement are violations of women’s and control their victims. against trafficking upon children’s human rights. Neither The recruitment is prostitution nor trafficking the initiative of the city of is about sexuality. It’s about usually the same - Umeå. The Statement money, it’s about controlling and women are promised Ms Marie Louise Rönnmark, Mayor of the city of defines trafficking as a it’s about men using and buying good and well- Umeå proposed to sign the statement trade of human beings for women and their bodies". paid jobs in other therefore to recognize the trafficking as sexual exploitation closely countries or provinces, a serious problem to be solved both at connected with national prostitution. As and, due to lack of perspectives or bad political and social level as the trafficked this is an illegal business, it is not possible financial condition at home, they agree to women and children made to prostitute migrate. Through agents and brokers who are the victims of crime and deserve News from Gender arrange the travel and job placements, support from the society. women are escorted to their destinations The UBC which promotes gender Equality Network and delivered to the employers. equality and human rights committed ormer UBC Women’s Network Bearing in mind the fact that all the member cities to work for women’s Fnow goes under the title Gender people are born free and have the same and men’s right to have influence on Equality Network. It decided to change value and human rights, the document their own lives and to increase of the the name to include men in the work. emphasizes the necessity of undertaking awareness of the society. Our task has not changed: we are still actions against trafficking. The trade out combating prejudices, stereotypes with women and children is not only and cultural patriarchal attitudes that an affront to human dignity but also an Further information: in a gender-based power structure infringement of international human Full text of the statement against undermine women as independent rights regulations. trafficking is available on autonomous actors. The UBC Statement stipulates www.ubc.net The Network thus invites both men and women to participate in all the Towards the Information Society activities! Joining forces of respect ver 20 cities’ delegations and experts E-Governance Academy, Tallinn) and tolerance eliminating stereotypes, Otook part in the joint meeting - document management system as prejudice, violence, prostitution and of UBC Commission on Information the basis of the electronic services: trafficking is crucial to advance towards Society and the Steering Committee paperless city government in Tartu (Mr good societies. Directly linked to gender of the Project "Challenge of eCitizen– Kalev Pullonen, Chief Specialist of IT equality issues in the communities is to Promoting eGovernment Actions in Development, Tartu City Government) raise the awareness on EU legislation on European Cities". The - Internet voting in equality and non-discrimination, strive meeting was successfully Estonia (Mrs Epp towards equal pay for equal work and organized by the city of Maaten, Councillor equal representation in all sectors of Tartu, Estonia, on 30 of the Elections decision-making. It is important also March -1 April 2006. Department, to ensure that the specific activities on Many different Chancellery of the gender equality in the communities are internet and mobile- Riigikogu, Tallinn) funded. based services for - development of The new UBC Presidium, elected in citizens, business and mobile phone based the autumn, became from a gender local officials have ISCom meeting participants services for citizens point of view well balanced (2 female been launched in the Baltic Sea cities. The in Tartu (Mr. Rain Rannu, Partner, Vice Presidents). Let’s hope that UBC participants presented their experience Marketing and Business Development, can also present proudly a Board with and best practices connected with the Mobi Solutions Ltd, Tartu). more female Mayors quite soon! information society. Additionally, new ideas for future projects were proposed. Further information: Further information: The discussion during the plenary Ms Ulla Lundqvist Mr Esa Kokkonen session concerned the topics presented Co-ordinator GEN Coordinator of the IS Commission by the invited experts: phone: +358 2 2336174 phone: +358 20 7166945 - e-governance and digital development. [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] World trends. (Mr Ivar Tallo, Director,

16 BCB 1/2006 Commission on Urban Planning met in Riga he main theme of the seminar UNESCO listed cultural heritage with a cooperation into the planned project Torganised in Riga on 27-29 nearby modern high-rise architecture? Baltic Academy of City Planners April was: "Sustainability in an urban Mr Chris Watts, Director of Beyond (BaltAcad) was not approved. It is planning context". Dr Susannah Hagan Green, gave a lecture from the University of East London, in on looking closer ABC - Alliance of Baltic Cities is a project run by the UBC Com- mission on Urban Planning and supported by BSR Interreg III her lecture focused on city development to what (social, B with 255.957 EUR. The project has involved city planners and and ecological, economic and social economic, ecological) architects from 27 cities. sustainability, related to regional sustainability means, This cooperation has resulted in contacts between partners, conditions. What does it mean? How or could mean, proposals on how to deal with city planning problems, a number could we work towards sustainable when working with of Small Scale investments. cities, and why should we? urban planning. He Later during the workshops presented examples and experiences therefore necessary to discuss which participants were studying a local from actual city development projects. activities the Commission should be planning project and discussing the This seminar followed the ABC-project. taken by instead for the coming years. questions: Can such a project be regarded It dealt with the important question of The Commission must also find as an example that will contribute to a the future cooperation within the UBC possible ways to finance them. This sustainable future for the Riga City Commission on Urban Planning. The seminar has laid the foundation for and the surrounding region? Which network of planners from 27 cities in 8 such further future cooperation. aspects are to be considered and what BSR countries established through the Further information: tools can be used in an urban planning ABC-project has a big value, well worth Mr Gvido Princis situation, when doing such an analysis? to maintain. It also holds a potential for Chairman of the Commission Can there be improvements to be made further development. Unfortunately phone: + 371 70 128 43 in the project to enhance a sustainable the application to INTERREG IIIB e-mail: [email protected] development in Riga? How to match a for financial support to develop this Turku welcomes the Business Commission he City of Turku in Southwest entrepreneurship within the European TFinland will host the annual Union. In 2005, Turku’s EDE had Business Commission meeting in June. achieved international renown and was Invitations to the BizCom –network attended by entrepreneurs and decision- have been sent out and registrations are makers from Russia, Poland, Germany, expected by 5 May. the Baltic countries and Denmark. This Last year the meeting was successfully time, at an international afternoon hosted by Tallinn and in 2007 the forum, Turku will introduce its plans to honour will be Narva’s. The two-day develop the event into Baltic Sea Region meeting in Turku will be chaired by the -wide co-operation. The EDE closes newly appointed Director of Turku Area with an evening party at a fascinating Development Centre, Mr Kalle Euro. The environment with live music and buffet. TAD Centre is a business development More information availbale at www. centre aiming to create an environment edeturku.fi. that promotes dynamic entrepreneurial For further information about activities in Turku Region. the programme of the meeting, Turku is the largest biocluster in Turku tops as Finnish host for international accommodation and registration (by 5 Finland and the official programme conferences. The UBC member cities also May) please contact Ms Maarit Tontti, includes introduction and visit to met in Turku last autumn at the General [email protected] the Turku Science Park and some Conference. of the start-up companies in the interest. The white nights of midsummer BioIncubator. Interesting research results together with the beautiful archipelago Further information: about innovation environment and of Turku will give a wonderful setting for Mr Juha Elo competitiveness in the Baltic Sea Region sightseeing and an evening cruise. Marketing Manager will be presented. A closer look will be Prior to the UBC meeting guests are Turku Area Development Centre taken to the renewal of EU Structural welcome to take part in the events of the phone: +358-2-2627 641 Fund and Turku region’s new model for European Day of Entrepreneur (EDE) on GSM: +358-50 5590 641 public business services. Participating 14 June. The EDE is an event organised e-mail: [email protected] cities will also have the opportunity to in many European cities initiated by www.turkuregion.fi give presentations about issues of mutual Eurocities in 2002. It aims at promoting

BCB 1/2006 17 Education through Life ommission on Education had an for students have been planned for this understanding between young people CAnnual Meeting on 27 January year. from different cultures around the Baltic 2006 in Tallinn in School Kullo. 28 The 65th anniversary of Extracurricular Sea, on dissemination new information participants from Latvia, Finland, Activities in Estonia was also discussed and on strengthening development Norway, Poland, Sweden and Estonia during the meeting. It was celebrated in of democracy in Europe by fostering were present at the meeting. April with an international conference the idea of the life long learning. The The Director of Tallinn School of and gala concert in Tallinn. The name of participants gave some good ideas Extracurricular Activities "Kullo", Mr conference was "Non-Formal Education to improve the commission work to Urmas Uska, – Asset for Youth make presentation about co-operation welcomed the and Society". in other commissions and networks, Commission on Registration to disseminate information trough Education. Mr in the photo contact persons, to have a database in Kurt Pettersson, competition "My the UBC website where member cities Chairman of Friend in my City" could log in and have information the Commission is still open. The about commission's work, to intensify opened the meeting photo competition co-operation between schools and take and welcomed will take place per part in different projects. everyone. internet and the In year 2006 target group is there are a lot of 13 - 16 years old Commission on Education meeting in Tallinn Further information: opportunities for youth. Mrs Annely Veevo the Commission. Meetings, the teachers’ "How to inspire the members to phone +372 46 32010 workshop and research school in Norrtälje, co-operate" was also the important e-mail: [email protected] the conference in Tallinn, a photo theme of the meeting in Tallinn. The www.photo.kardla.ee competition and a practical training Commission is focusing on mutual CoC about Museums in St. Petersburg he UBC Commission on Culture and member of the Board of the institutions and were given wonderful Ttraditionally initiates one Session Commission on Culture, with support experience of the rich and qualitative with focus on a special cultural theme from the St. Petersburg Government. The cultural life of St. Petersburg. The result each year. Professional lecturers and 77 participants listened to 26 lecturers was that a great amount of knowledge leaders from various cultural institutions who made speeches on various subjects was exchanged and enriched by new and organizations in the cities of the related to the theme. For example: contacts for future cooperation. It also Baltic Sea Region are always invited. "Tukums City Museum in the context of gave the opportunity to inform the The session in 2005 was organized and city development", "Museums as centres inhabitants of St. Petersburg through successfully realized in St. Petersburg on of planetary thinking" and "Museums a directly transmitted radio interview 7 – 9 December under the leadership and Theatre in the format of a socio- about the UBC and the Commission on of Olga Cherkasova, director of the cultural program". The participants also Culture. One of several new ideas was Museum of N.K. Rerih in Izvara visited the Hermitage and other cultural to establish the Baltic Museum Forum. It was also announced that the Session CALL FOR PAPERS AND THE INVITATION TO THE COC WORKING SESSION in 2006 will be organized by the city of The UBC Commission on Culture (CoC) would like to invite you to discuss cultural festivals Vaasa on 23-26 November on the theme as strengtheners of local identity in the 9th CoC working session to be held in Vaasa on 24-26 "Cultural Festivals as Strengtheners of November 2006. The main subjects to be discussed are: image, identity, specific features Local Identity". of cultural festivals, economics, global and local. During the session in St. Petersburg, The following key-speakers have already been invited to give a speech in the session: the Board decided to move the Senior curator Gun Westholm (County museum of Gotland) has since the very beginning in 1984 been involved in the organization of The Medieval Week. She is also one of the organizers Secretariat of the Commission on of Gotland –the Viking Island, which is a new festival that started 2005. Culture from Szczecin to Visby for PhD Timo Cantell works as a professor in the department of the arts management in Sibelius the period 2006-2007. The next Board Academy, Helsinki. He is a sociologist and his research has been focused on the meeting points meeting was planned to be organised on of culture and urban planning and economical and social impacts of festivals. 21 - 23 April 2006 in Umeå. PhD Yrjö Heinonen is a researcher who has studied the Tango-festival in Seinäjoki, Finland. The main topics in his research are the image of the cultural festival and the community, identity and local in relation to global. Further information: We are calling for papers from researchers and festival workers from the UBC cities by 22nd Mr Olov Gibson June. Each speaker will be given 30 min in total: 20 min for oral presentation and 10 min CoC Secretariat in Visby for discussion. The working language is English. phone: + 46 498 269628 For more information and to send the papers contact Ms Tarja Hautamäki, Vaasan kaupunki, P.O. Box 3, 65101 Vaasa, Finland; phone: +358 6 3252700; [email protected] e-mail: [email protected]

18 BCB 1/2006 Ready, Steady..... Go! he UBC Commission on Tourism Tourism supports this initiative and questions concerning visited places. Tinvites the inhabitants of UBC provides the organizational help. The winning depends on the score. member cities to take part in the tourist The first edition of this undertaking Price awarding will take place on 17 undertaking under the name "Fotosuch took place in 2005, and a major success. November 2006, and the distribution und Quizfahrt 2006" which is a kind of In 2007 the organizers plan to include of prizes on 25 November 2006 in contest or rally. also the region of south Sweden to the 3rd Szczecin. Every participant will receive edition of the contest. the memorial medal but the best The official date of the beginning of persons/teams will receive additional the rally is 1 March 2006. However material prizes. everyone who is interested can This project, as well as other activities join the play any time until 15 of the CoT were discussed at the October 2006 . Every person, who Commission’s meeting held in Koszalin, is ready to travel and has knowledge Poland, on 5 May. The participants acquisition about the trans-border focused on the problem with tourism in region over the Oder and the the Baltic Sea Region after the summer Baltic can become a participant. season.The Commission adopted the The most important aim is to feel action plan for 2006. the history and culture of people Further information: Everyone interested can join the play any time.The living in the above-mentioned Ms Joanna Socha competition ends on 15 October 2006. region. The essential condition of phone: +48 94 3488797 The organizer of the event is the the participation is ordering the so called [email protected] German automobile club ACE (the Auto "Book of the participant", whcih provides Ms Barbara Darge, ACE Club Europa) from Uckermark Region. the information about the places which phone: + 49 333 3870 242 The Polish partner of the undertaking have to be found on the way and where Mr Thomas Kurlandt, Speed is the association called "Speed" seated the gained points are recorded. phone: + 48 606 829 244 in Koszalin. The UBC Commission on You can gain points for the answers on Cities on the Move hysical activity naturally criterion was the propagation of a Pintensifies in spring and summer positive attitude towards physical when nice weather encourages people activity as well as the promotion of to do various sports. As autumn and urban health and social sustainability. winter approach, people become less Finally, the UBC Commission on Sport active. They tend to forget that lack awarded initiatives focused on raising of sunshine or cold weather do not awareness and building capacity for prevent them from doing indoor having an active lifestyle through sport activities and sport. winter sports. 5.000 EUR were allocated for the In mid December Active Living at Haapsalu (Estonia) With a view realisation of the following five projects 2005 Commission (1.000 EUR each): active lifestyle. Another element of this of changing this announced the list cooperation was the organisation of approach, the UBC of projects which 1. “Winter Sport Delights” organised in the UBC Commission on Sport Annual Commission on Šiauliai in Lithuania from January 1 to had been awarded Meeting "Active Living", which was held Sport dedicated February 26, 2006 the 2006 "Cities on in Gdynia on 5 May 2006. The idea of its 2006 "Cities on 2. “Fit as a Fiddle” organised in Haapsalu the Move" grants. "Active Living" was the main subject the Move" grants in Estonia on February 12, 2006 The grants were of this year’s meeting. The meeting to the promotion introduced within 3. “Keila Rull 2006” organised in Keila in consisted of two thematic blocks. The of active living Estonia on October 7, 2006 the cooperation first one was devoted to multifunctional all year round. between UBC 4. “Active and Healthy Afternoon for the sports arenas, while the other dealt with From the submitted Office Workers” organised in Tartu in Commission on best practices connected with active applications, the Estonia on October 10, 2006 Sport and the Baltic living programmes – "Cities on the Commission selected Region Healthy 5. “Integration with help of sport and Move". those projects which youth club” organised in Karlskrona in Cities Association. were aimed at Sweden from November 4 to November Being the WHO Further information: encouraging people 6, 2006 Collaborating Ms Ewa Depka (especially having a Centre for Healthy UBC SportCom Coordinator sedentary lifestyle) of all age groups to Cities and Urban Health in the Baltic phone: + 48 58 66 88 208 be active all year round and to develop Region, the Association is involved e-mail: [email protected] active living habits. Another important in the promotion of a healthy and

BCB 1/2006 19 EVS unites youth in the Baltic Sea Region magine a network of young people centre will for example offer training Iand local communities stretching courses focusing on how to develop across the Baltic Sea; a network where and run a successful EVS project. It can the youth from our countries can learn also offer support to local organisations to know each other, and from each other, in the implementation of projects. and can develop friendship. Imagine a The city of Liēpaja, Latvia, is one of the network where the youth are offered cities participating in the project. "This new learning opportunities; language, project will open new ways for UBC intercultural experiences, personal member cities to learn from each other. development and professional skills. be possible through a new project called The learning will be through young Sounds great, doesn’t it? This was the "EVS in the Baltic Sea region".The project people living in the cities. Involvement vision presented by Mr Vegard Hölaas, is initiated by Kumulus, a resource centre in this project will open wider horizons Director at the Swedish National for local and regional youth policy in the for young people around the Baltic Sea"- Board for Youth Affairs, at the General County of Kalmar, in cooperation with says Vilis Bruveris, the Head of Liēpaja conference in Turku in 2005. All this can UBC Commission on Youth Issues. Youth Centre. The aim of the project is The EVS centre will be based in the Commission meeting in Tallin to use European Voluntary city of Kalmar. There will also be a 12-14 May 2006 Service (EVS) as a tool for working group with participants from cooperation between young each participating country. The project is The Commission on Youth Issues will hold its second commission meeting in 2006 in Tallinn on 12-14 May. people and cities in the UBC. financed by the Swedish National Board The meeting is open to all UBC member cities. The Through EVS, local projects, for Youth Affairs, the County of Kalmar meeting will continue from where the Commission organisations and communities and Kumulus. ended at the meeting in Kalmar in February with an can establish contacts in other Action plan for 2006-07. The meeting will also include countries – contacts on a topics such as planning for a new youth conference Further information: personal and professional level in Pärnu in 2007 and the Commission’s information Ms Tove Lund that can contribute to their strategy and common values. Project coordinator For full programme and registration to the meeting development. The new project phone: + 46 480 450174 please email the Commission coordinator Charlotte aims to establish a centre for the e-mail: [email protected] Gustafsson, City of Kalmar, phone: +46 480 450166, coordination of EVS projects e-mail: [email protected]. www.kumulus.se in the Baltic Sea Region. The News from Commission on Transportation ince 21 October 2005 the implementation of pilot project. The "Integration of Transport Systems in SCommission on Transportation Commission is a member of project’s the Baltic Europe". The meeting and the has been chaired by Mr Marcin steering group. A seminar are meant to Wołek from Gdynia and the peer review method New goals of the Commission be combined with chairmanship has been shared is used to develop • developing the website as an an international with Örebro, Carinne Lancereau transport plans. information platform for all members economic forum of the Commission on Transportation taking part in being the Deputy Chairperson. The Between 3 and 7 and those interested in transport new leadership decided to continue to April 2006 the first issues Gdynia each year. pursue the main goals set by Traffic and peer review took • strengthening the network of In order to learn the Public Authority of the City of Göteborg place in Gdynia. cooperating cities opinions of member leading the Commission in 2001-2005, Experts from cities • involving other organisations in the cities and to find out network what projects they which are: public transport, transport in the BSR came • cooperating with other UBC conditions for cyclists and pedestrians, to this city to hold Commissions, especially the UBC are interested in, the mobility management, sustainable talks with city’s Commission Commission has sent transport habits. The Commission representatives on Environment and the Commission out a questionnaire. is interested in developing different in order to verify on Tourism. On the basis of the transnational projects. Under the the directions of results gathered the Swedish chairmanship, the Commission transport policy pursued by Gdynia. Commission on Transportation will be together with the Commission on In addition to continuing the able to better plan future actions. Environment (leader) was successful cooperation within BUSTRIP project, with the application for BUSTRIP project the Commission intends to launch Further information: (Baltic Urban Sustainable Transport new projects that will be financed by Mr Marcin Wołek and Implementation Planning) the aim INTERREG III B, available from 2007. Chairman of the Commission of which is to develop and improve At the end of September 2006 the phone: + 48 58 6688 205/206 Sustainable Urban Transport Plans in Commission plans to organise the Annual e-mail: [email protected] the partner cities as well as to start Meeting along with a seminar entitled

20 BCB 1/2006 BUSTRIP starts Peer Reviews in Gdynia he city of Gdynia kick-started an towards sustainable urban transport. BUSTRIP is part-funded by European Texciting and challenging urban The 12 partner cities in the BUSTRIP Union within the BSR INTERREG III transport project on 3 April as it project are the welcomed an international team of first in Europe to The BUSTRIP project will provide practical solutions and tools for sustainable transport experts. Gdynia is start preparing European cities and municipalities to deliver Sustainable Urban part of the BUSTRIP project that is testing and implementing Transport. The 12 partner cities in the BUSTRIP project are the new ideas and developing new tools for Sustainable Urban first in Europe to start preparing and implementing Sustainable Urban Transport Plans. SUTP’s are advocated in the European European cities as they struggle with the Transport Plans. Commissions’ Thematic Strategy on the Urban Environment (6th need to improve living standards whilst SUTP’s are advocated Environmental Action Plan). The BUSTRIP project is funded by the managing the ever increasing impacts of in the European INTERREG IIIB and the Finnish Ministry of Environment. Project transport. Commissions’ duration - July 2005 - December 2007. Gdynia is the first out of the 12 partner Thematic Strategy on the cities that will receive a peer review that Urban Environment (6th Environmental B Neighbourhood Programme, Finnish will assist them in understanding their Action Plan). BUSTRIP is uniquely Ministry of the Environment and the current progress towards Sustainable positioned to show European cities how partner cities. Project budget is 3,1 Urban Transport. They will use this to to deliver sustainable transport whilst MEUR. prepare their SUTP and revise existing generating economic growth. Further information: plans; from this they will implement The project is coordinated by UBC Commission on Environment pilot actions that will make tangible UBC Commission on Environment Ms Anna Granberg progress. Secretariat. Two other core partners are phone: +358 504017816 BUSTRIP will produce a SUTP UBC Commission on Transportation e-mail: [email protected] toolbox of techniques, collecting all the and Chalmers University of Technology Mr Sakari Saarinen learning experiences and best practices (in Göteborg). Twelve local and regional phone: +358 44 907 5994 from the cities. The toolbox will assist authorities from Estonia, Finland, e-mail: [email protected] European cities to understand SUTP Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and www.bustrip-project.net and the opportunities available to move Sweden take part in BUSTRIP. Good practice of BUUF Partners ustainable use of energy and heating. In these cities, the large are waste water treatment plant and Sresources is one of the important amount of electricity (about 40-60 %) municipal landfill in Örebro that issues of the ongoing project "Baltic and heating energy (about 60-80 %) produce 13 GWh and 18 GWh of biogas University Urban Forum (BUUF)". are originated from renewable sources. per year, respectively. The biogas is The project is coordinated by a As a source of renewable energy is used for heating and steam production steering group consisting of Baltic mainly used biofuel - sawdust, peat, at a hospital and food production. In University Programme, Royal Institute wood chips, waste and plant biomass. Uppsala, a biogas project was initiated of Technology, department of Urban A good example of utilization of plant in 1994, and a biogas plant was built Studies, Union of the Baltic Cities and biomass as biofuel was demonstrated nearby in 1996. The aim of the project 20 cities from 9 countries around the by Ehköping, where a project was was to take care of the different types Baltic Sea. initiated to find out a possibility of organic waste and to use waste as Among the BUUF partners, cities to make willow beneficial both for energy source. Implementation of from Sweden, such as Uppsala, Örebro, farmers and for Energy Company. The the project was successful and, yearly, Norrtälje and Enköping, show the goal of the project was to establish 50.000 tons of manure and organic best practices in utilizing a renewable 1.000 ha of willow in the region within waste received from industries, shops, source of energy for electricity and ten years. With the existing plantations, restaurants are used as fuel. it would supply the Combined Heat Swedish BUUF partners have The Baltic University Urban Forum (BUUF) and Power plant with about 30% of the demonstrated a positive experience in is a cooperation between cities/towns and fuel consumption. such challenging task as extensive use universities in the Baltic Sea region to promote Another example of renewable of renewable source of energy. sustainable development. In its present phase the BUUF project aims to develop strategies for energy source is utilization of waste for producing biogas. Two BUUF Further information: sustainable development for cities and towns. Ms Elena Valkama 20 cities and 15 universities in 9 countries partner cities, Örebro and Uppsala, take part in the project. Through the Union have reported their experience on this Project Officer of Baltic Cities the results will be available for issue. In Örebro, all non-composted Baltic University Urban Forum an additional 100 cities. BUUF project is co- phone: +358-2-262 3179 financed by Interreg IIIB solid waste is incinerated and used for district heating. In addition, there e-mail: [email protected]

BCB 1/2006 21 Sustainment in the Baltic Cities ross-sectoral cooperation in This can be done by strengthening the 14 partners: Union of Baltic Cities, Clocal administrations is a major ability of local authorities to develop Commission on Environment contribution to urban sustainability their working methods, skills and Secretariat as the Lead Partner of the as pinpointed in the EU Thematic people to significantly contribute to all project, Baltic University Programme Strategy on Urban Environment, EU dimensions on sustainable development as leader of Work-package 3 and 12 6th Environment Action Programme within the same city. To learn and partner cities from all over the Baltic and 2005 Review of EU Sustainable support from each other is one of the Sea Region – Kouvola Region Federation Development Strategy. This is also one aspects in the SUSTAINMENT. of Municipalities, City of Turku, of the main elements in the UBC Agenda SUSTAINMENT focuses on four Municipality of Kalmar, City of Malmö, 21 Action Programme 2004 -2009. main themes in order to build capacities Municipality of Växjö, Municipality of Örebro, City of Gdansk, City of Riga, MODEL DEVELOPMENT Indirect broad transnational impact Municipality of Siauliai, Municipality Activities; Plan the framework of the project. Present overall COMPETENCE goals. Build up relevant training programme DEVELOPMENT of Panevezys, City of Kaliningrad and Promote discussion and interaction. Present the PACKAGE City of Novgorod. SMC Model or models The project is part-financed by the European Union (European Regional PILOTING IN 12 CITIES; Direct impact on the cities SUSTAINBLE Development Fund) within the BSR Activities; Participate in project meetings, evaluate own DEVELOPMENT situation, prepare own project plan; Involve key persons/ INTERREG IIIB Neighborhood departments in discussions, evaluation and goal setting. CENTERS SMC Programme, Finnish Ministry of Environment and the partner cities. The Sustainment project process The project runs from January 2006 to The SUSTAINMENT project aims to for the creation of SMCs: Sustainable December 2007. meet the needs and challenges toward a development, Management of the SMC more integrated sustainability process. as a strategic office, Governance for The intention is to develop current sustainability and promoting sustainable Further information: municipal sustainable development development through communication UBC Commission on Environment processes to the next level by integrating and participation. Secretariat the work more in local cities. The aim These four themes will be profoundly New Address is to create models for Sustainability processed in the main activities of the Tähtitorni, Vartiovuori Management Centers (SMC), cross- project, ending up into a Competence FIN-20700 Turku sectoral policy integration and increased Development Package. The Competence phone: +358 2 262 3171 efficiency. In the end, the project provides Development Package will be available fax: +358 2 262 3425 all European cities with models for in nine BSR languages. e-mail: [email protected] integrated sustainability management. The project consortium consists of Meeting and Roundtable in Lübeck

he meeting of the UBC Cities Sustainable Development Survey development needs and challenges T Commission on Environment 2004/2005 and the CAPACITY feasibility Four working groups discussed the key was held in Lübeck on 4-6 May. study carried out in 2005-2006. The new topics for the new training program: Air It reported and discussed UBC’s executive program, to be co-funded by Quality, Noise, Solid Waste, and Climate environmental and sustainable the Nordic Council of Ministers and Protection. development activities, European Finnish Ministry of the Environment, Participants also took part in the study Policy Developments (Thematic will be open for all UBC members. It is visit to the Environmental Exhibitions at Strategy on the Urban Environment), to be implemented in 2006-2008. the Trade Fair Centre. Baltic Co-operation Processes, BSR The key intention with the roundtable and European Projects, preparations session and working groups at the Lübeck for Baltic contributions at the 5th Pan- meeting was to involve member cities in European Conference on Sustainable the designing and implementating of the Further information: Cities and Towns, Seville, March 2007. training program. UBC Commission on Environment The meeting, during the kick-off • Report/introduction from Mr Risto Veivo roundtable, shaped the new Baltic Cities’ the Baltic Cities’ Survey 2005 and the Head of Secretariat Environmental Training Programme for CAPACITY study phone: +358 2 262 3171 environmental directors and experts. • Good practice presentations fax: +358 2 262 3425 Knowledge basis for the new program from member cities e-mail: [email protected] has been created through the Baltic • Discussion/mapping of

22 BCB 1/2006 III. News from Member Cities Järvenpää – the new UBC member city ärvenpää is located close to the main present-day Järvenpää as well. Jrailroad track (Helsinki-Tampere) The city hosts various musical and two of the main motorways. The city events annually: the Järvenpää is an integral part of Central Uusimaa, Sibelius Weeks in the autumn and but at the same time close to the Helsinki Chamber music by Lake Tuusula Metropolitan Area. and Puistoblues in the summer. The Järvenpää is a modern city with a pedestrian street Janne, which runs young and well-educated population. from the railway station towards The city is well known for its culture and Lake Tuusula, creates a welcoming education, but also for high-tech metal setting in summer, but as it is heated, industry. Cultural industry is on the rise. it also offers a lot of events in the Järvenpää’s vision is wintertime. actively participates in many projects to be a viable cultural Järvenpää in a nutshell In Vanhankylänniemi having many global partners at local and city. The city pursues • Founded in 1951, became a city in there is a cosy park- regional cooperation. the following values 1967 like recreational area, To UBC - Success comes to those who in all its operations: • Surface area 39.88 km2 a travel centre and keep on keeping on! Järvenpää is grateful taking care of the – of which water surface 2.42 km2 a beach. Järvenpää for the approval of the UBC membership • 37,328 inhabitants (at the end of people, responsibility, 2004) interacts actively and is looking forward to entering into economic efficiency – 996 inhabitants per km2 with its eight twin new partnerships in the innovative and and equality. The • Cost-of-living classification I cities.The twin cities important Baltic Sea co-operation. mission of the • Municipal tax rate percentage 18.25 have been chosen Järvenpää city is based on similarity Further information: to enable and ensure the basic well- with Järvenpää (e.g. population number, Ms Leena Ritala being of all Järvenpää inhabitants location near a metropolitan area or a EU- and International Affairs and the functioning of the community railroad track).Most of the co-operation phone: +358 40 3152344 in co-operation with the residents, projects takes place in the fields of e-mail: [email protected] organizations and neighbouring culture, sports, youth exchange, personnel www.jarvenpaa.fi municipalities, and to follow the exchange and business. Järvenpää also principles of sustainable development in all operations. Järvenpää is the Malmö and Tallinn towards commercial and administrative centre sustainable transport of Central Uusimaa. The strengths of our business life are the top-of-the-line ithin the project Civitas will also target local companies and know-how in metal industry and our WSMILE the cities of Malmö, municipal employees. One of the growing cultural industry. Sweden, and Tallinn, Estonia, are mobility management campaigns that Culture is an essential part of the cooperating to take advantage of each already has taken place focused on others experiences. new inhabitants of Malmö. Within the The Civitas SMILE project is Civitas SMILE project Tallinn will follow Næstved is focusing on sustainable transports a few of Malmö's measures closely. The growing larger and urban mobility in six European idea, that has been called "the Training cities. In Tallinn the main focus will Model", aims at letting Tallinn study ue to the structural reform of be on improving the public transport, focus projects on mobility management municipalities in Denmark, D for example by installing a bus priority and public transports in Malmö and Næstved is growing from 49.000 system. In Malmö several measures will afterwards exploiting the knowledge. inhabitants to 79.000. take place within Civitas SMILE. Public In the end of "the Training Model" The "old" municipality of Næstved will transport is one of the focus areas with Tallinn will produce a report where by the first of January 2007 be joined measures on traffic planning tools, implementation possibilities of the new with 4 municipalities of Holmegaard, improved security on buses and bus experiences have been listed. Fladsaa, Fuglebjerg and Susaa in a prioritization in all intersections where merger, that will result in the "new" the buses runs in Malmö. Further information: Næstved. Other measures that will take place Mr Daniel Nilsson Næstved will be the 2nd largest in Malmö are mobility management City of Malmö municipality on Seeland, outside of measures promoting sustainable phone: +46 40 34 20 86 Copenhagen and covering and area of transports towards the public. Some of e-mail: [email protected] 680 square-km. the mobility management campaigns www.civitas-initiative.org

BCB 1/2006 23 Common reed as a source of energy mong other grass plants, common as waste of roof manufacture and isolation in cooperation with Tallinn University Areed (Phragmites australis) is material made from reed. of Technology, Turku University of considered to be a promising source of By compressing of dry reed biomass, Applied Sciences, South-East Finland renewable energy in Finland and Estonia. it is possible to form compact briquettes Regional Forest Center and Kotka First of all, naturally (140 – 170 kg/m3) or - Hamina Region of Finland Ltd. The growing common reed is pellets (500-700 kg/ project represents an interdisciplinary abundant in the coastal m3), which are more approach focusing on different themes, areas of these countries, convenient to handle such as bioenergy, water protection, and it produces sufficient and to keep in store. landscape, construction and building. amount of dry biomass Heat production at The increased cutting of reed from the (3-15 t/ha). Secondly, reed incineration is coastal areas would have, moreover, a since common reed is 13-15 MJ/kg, and positive impact on water protection perennial fast growing such reed briquettes and for maintenance of landscape and plant, supplying with this and pellets could biodiversity. source of energy can be Interreg IIIA Reed strategy -project be used by small- The project partners wish to increase practically unexhausted. arranged energy harvesting experiments and middle-sized both the knowledge of reed management in Hamina Region coastal areas Eventually, provision of farmers and also and utilization of reed. reed is relatively cheep and, in addition power plants. to direct cutting of plants from the costal To develop the optimal strategy of areas, dry reed material could be obtained utilization of reed in the coastal areas Further information: and to exchange information and Mr Iiro Ikonen Two Baltic cities running experience between interested parties, Project coordinator ahead of the Energy the project "Reed strategy in Finland and Southwest Finland Regional Performance of Buildings Estonia" was initiated in March 2005. The Environment Centre Directive! project is implemented by Southwest phone: + 358-40 825 6610 he deadline for implementation Finland Regional Environment Centre e-mail: [email protected] Tof the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive was 4 January Automotive bio-fuels in Växjö 2006. However, no Member State here are several low emission which will be demonstrated in a EU has finalised the transposition of the Tvehicles, hybrids and alternative LIFE project in Växjö starting early next directive into national law and the fuels available short-term, such as year. A second result is that the energy respective ordinances yet. ethanol, RME, biogas, etc for the companies in Växjö and neighbouring In contrast, the Display™ Campaign reduction of fossil CO2 emissions from Värnamo have acquired an 18 MW is ready and going on with over 150 transport, but Växjö and others believe biomass gasification pilot plant, which European municipalities and thousands that more efficient fuels must be used. has been used to develop a certain heat of public buildings involved. Some of According to several separate LCA and power technique. Växjö University them are Baltic local authorities such studies bio-DME is the best alternative. is the lead partner in a EU FP6 project, as Valga (EE) and Kaunas (LT). It is not hazardous to health: it does not CHRISGAS for the development of the The city of Kaunas has implemented affect the ozone layer, neither does create production processes involved in the many measures to improve energy any particles when burnt (no diesel gasification of biomass into a synthesis efficiency in public buildings, for smoke!) and has excellent emission gas suitable for the production of vehicle example, improvement of the buildings’ values including very low NOx. DME bio-fuels such as DME, F-T diesel, thermal insulation, installation of will thus drastically improve the inner hydrogen, Methanol, Methane, etc. thermostatic radiator valves, balancing city environment. Växjö’s long-term plan includes a 170 000 of the heating systems. Nowadays, they In the early 90s ethanol (E85) vehicles t/y bio-DME production plant. There are are starting the Display™ Campaign to were introduced in Växjö and there also plans in Sweden for the production improve their communication with the were plans for a forest residue based of bio-DME from gasified black liquor building users. The calculation tool has ethanol plant. However, when DME was at a pulp mill south of Växjö. been translated into Lithuanian and it is presented Växjö dropped the ethanol While Sweden may be pioneering expected to see some more Lithuanian plans and started a project involving DME in the European Union, there are cities joining the Campaign soon. the support of the development of DME already DME vehicles running in Japan, The European Display™ Campaign is a vehicles and of the bio-DME production Korea, China and Russia. voluntary scheme designed by energy processes. The results of the bio-DME Further information: experts from 20 European cities. The idea efforts so far is that Volvo, in a EU Mr T Lennart Gårdmark is to engage citizens and make them more FP5 project with Växjö as partner, has conscious of their energy consumption in Head of International Office developed a dedicated pilot DME lorry, order to reduce energy use and greenhouse phone: +46 705 746 772 gas emissions and achieve financial which is the basis for the production of [email protected] savings. three second generation DME lorries,

24 BCB 1/2006 Water Forum of the Euroregion The renewal of Vaasa city centre Baltic: awarded he Finnish city centre The development of the centre area from Seagull to Tinterest organization Elävä in Vaasa was started already in the early Seagull II Kaupunkikeskusta has awarded the 1990’s, as there were experiments with Vaasa promenade centre as the best city promenade areas in the centre, and the he period of 2004-2005 was centre renewal in Finland in 2006. The plan of the parking hall under the market Tprosperous for Euroregion big parking hall place was accepted. Baltic (ERB), which unites the Baltic under the market Since 1997 the coast regions from Southern Sweden, place has made the Vaasa business Bornholm, Poland, Kaliningrad Oblast, Vaasa city centre center association Lithuania and Latvia, and all UBC very attractive, has played an cities in these regions. These years the also in wintertime. active role in the ERB INTERREG IIIB Seagull Project The renewal of the development of (www.eurobalt.org) was accompanied city centre has the city centre in by the Seagull RC Project "Russian strengthened the Vaasa. component of the development role of the inner The nice promenade centre with a street heating The association strategy for Euroregion Baltic" under city as a significant system, trees and statues harmonize with the is marketing the market place environment the leadership of UBC partner, the centre in the Vaasa city centre in City of Baltijsk (Kaliningrad Oblast), economic region. many ways, e.g. with different kinds of and financing from the EU through the The parking hall under the market happenings. The real estate and shop TACIS/2003/063-131 90 project. place makes it possible for the shops’ owners have also acted in order to Within the environmental section of customers to come by car to the inner develop the city centre in Vaasa. the Joint Development Transnational city. The nice promenade centre with a Program elaborated during the projects street heating system, trees and statues activities, an initiative of the creation harmonize with the market place Further information: of an ERB Water Forum was pushed environment. The street environment Mr Veli-Matti Laitinen forward and widely discussed in is very well designed in detail with e.g. Administrative Director Klaipeda on 6 October 2005, during a waste-baskets and bicycle stands. e-mail: [email protected] joint session of Seagull experts (from Swedish, Kaliningrad, Polish and area and discuss common questions, of nutrients from small and diffuse Lithuanian partners) and participants of priorities, etc. sources, i.e. farms, farming land, smaller the 2nd European Lagoon Conference. • Permanent expert competence with settlements and private households. Water Forum the main target to They will concentrate on a campaign is needed for for gather and refine to provide training and advice with the trans-national the experiences aim of encompassing the entire flow and cross-border from implemented of nutrients from farms and promote cooperation and actions among environmental adapted farming through implementation the ERB partners, support of training activities – in of modern promote the regional cooperation with farmers’ organisations, methods for water competences, and others. management mediate contacts and All these initiatives now will (EU WFD and increase cooperation be supported by SEAGULL II: Russian Water between public "Strengthening Institutional Structures Code) for the administration, and Spatial Development Capacities of benefit of the The city of Baltijsk led the Seagull RC Project science and Euroregion Baltic" which was supported environment “Russian component of the development strategy industry. by the EU this year. and a sustainable for Euroregion Baltic” • E x t e r n a l development of the Baltic region. expert panel to secure the quality of Further information: The real content for the ERB performed activities. Mr Boris V. Chubarenko Water Forum and practical steps to • Special focus on establishment Head of Laboratory for Coastal implement this idea are discussed now of river basin water management System Study, PhD more in detail among the ERB partners cooperation for cross-border basins Atlantic Branch of P.P.Shirshov and other actors. But important parts and Water User Partnerships with Institute of Oceanology will be: great extent of private, public and Russian Academy of Sciences • A yearly conference to connect public, academic participation. phone: + 7 4012 451574 economy, science, policy and decision Practical and education activities e-mail: [email protected] making about water within the ERB will focus at decreasing the outflow

BCB 1/2006 25 Gdynia Celebrates its n 10 February 2006 Gdynia th Ocelebrated its 80th anniversary of 80 Birthday granting city rights. Among many invited was prepared on the occasion of the 30th Isles. The Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski Medal guests there were representatives of sister anniversary of twinning link between was also awarded to Janusz Śniadek, cities of Gdynia: Aalborg (Denmark), Gdynia and Plymouth. It displayed Chairman of Independent Self-Governing Baranovichi (Belarus), Kaliningrad photos of Gdynia photographers, Marzena Trade Union "Solidarność", inhabitant (Russia), and Maurycy of Gdynia and shipyard worker and Karlskrona Smierzchalscy, as to Przemysław Dyakowski, musician, (Sweden), Kiel well as the photos creator of Sax Club and co-originator of (Germany), presenting the the "Ucho" Club in Gdynia. Klaipeda history of official During the City Council Session (Lithuania), contacts between the "Time for Gdynia" prize for the Kotka (Finland), Gdynia and best investment of the year 2005 was Kristiansand Plymouth. The also awarded. This prize was given (Norway), key ceremony of to the company "Vectra" S.A. for the Kunda (Estonia), the celebrations of complex of a rehabilitation centre and Plymouth (UK), the 80th Birthday a hotel and an office building. The th Seattle (USA), Solemn Session of Gdynia City Council of Gdynia was the main celebrations of the 80 birthday Syndicat Mixte solemn Session of of Gdynia were held in February. de la Côte d’Opale (France). During the City Council in the Music Theatre. However, our city is celebrating all year their stay in Gdynia the official guests During the Session the Eugeniusz round, organizing many events for the from sister cities participated in the Kwiatkowski Medals in recognition inhabitants and tourists. meeting with local authorities, visited the of outstanding services to Gdynia Pomeranian Science and Technology Park were awarded. Among the awarded in Gdynia as well as the new seat of the persons was Peter Smith, Chairman of Gdynia City Museum and the Polish Navy Plymouth-Gdynia Twinning Panel. Mr Further information: Museum. Additionally, they participated Smith initiated the cooperation between Ms Ewa Depka in the opening of the photo exhibition Plymouth and Gdynia in 1975. During 30 Foreign Relations Dept. Manager entitled: "Gdynia – Plymouth 1976 years of his involvement in the twinning phone: +4858 6688 208 – 2006" organized in the Exhibition Hall link, Mr Smith has been an outstanding e-mail [email protected] of Gdynia City Museum. The exhibition ambassador of Gdynia on the British LITTORAL 2006 in Gdańsk he 8th International Conference proceed in academic circles only. • coastal energy - including on-shore TLITTORAL 2006 will be organised Therefore, the representatives of local and off-shore wind turbine farms in Gdańsk on 18-20 September 2006 authorities from coastal towns, districts LITTORAL 2006 will also include a small by Gdańsk University of Technology, and regions are invited to take active number peer-reviewed workshops. The EUROCOAST Federation and EUCC part in the conference. LITTORAL aim of the workshops is to bring together – The Coastal Union. The Union of provides numerous possibilities professionals from the Baltic Cities is a partner of this for establishing contacts and academia and industry to conference. exchanging experience between academic exchange ideas, experiences and identify The key topic of LITTORAL 2006 is circles and those who deal with the obstacles and propose solutions in littoral "Coastal Innovations and Initiatives". specific problems in practice. domains. There is no doubt that the development Among the main topics to be presented The outcome of the conference will of science and technology cannot and discussed by participants are: be publications which can become LITTORAL is a biennial multi-disciplinary international • coastal information, a valuable source for all those who conference which attracts scientists and researchers communications, and data seek new solutions and who devise who are interested in the sea coast-related issues. network the concepts of international research The previous conferences took place in Aberdeen, • coastal and marine tourism projects, whose participants are very Porto, Dubrovnik, Barcelona, Portsmouth, Lisbon, and recreation often the authorities of towns and and Marseille. This year’s conference is the first to be organised at the Baltic Sea. • trends and processes in regions. EUROCOAST Federation – European Coastal Association coastal environment for Science and Technology - is an association of • conservation of coastal Further information: scientists, engineers and decision-makers within culture heritage and Mr Marcin Forkiewicz, PhD the European Community, providing a network of landscape values cooperation and exchange between different disciplines phone: + 48 58 347-10-21 and interests. EUCC – The Coastal Union is dedicated to • integrated coastal zone [email protected] the integrity and the natural and cultural heritage of management and maritime www.littoral2006.gda.pl the European coasts and to sustainable development. administration

26 BCB 1/2006 European Voluntary Service in Liepāja or the last three years Liepāja the Baltic States I was very eager to visit in Kalmar, in cooperation with UBC Fhas been one of the active cities these dynamic countries. Doing EVS in Commission on Youth Issues. Liepāja within the Baltic Sea Region when it Liepāja is a great opportunity for me is very active also in other youth comes to European Voluntary Service to see this city evolving." The Italian programmes. For instance in August (EVS). EVS is a part of the European volunteer Andrea there will be an Youth Programme and is open to youth Suglia agrees: international youth between 18 and 25. It allows a young "The future of exchange between person to work as a volunteer in another Europe lies here!" Latvia, Lithuania and country for up to twelve months. To improve the Russia. The main topic Currently Liepāja is hosting five quality of its EVS of this exchange will volunteers from all over Europe and projects, Liepāja be EU citizenship. is expecting two more to come in Youth centre is Liepāja is the first April. Liepāja Youth Centre, which is involved in a new city in Latvia which the coordinating organisation for all project called "EVS develops the local youth EVS activities in Liepāja, sends out in the Baltic Sea EVS volunteers from Spain, Austria and policy. We expect it approximately ten volunteers per year. Region". The aim Belgium sharing with local youth their to be accepted by the impressions about EVS projects. This number is still increasing. of this project is Liepāja City Council Damien Ridelle from Belgium, who is to enlarge cooperation between cities this year. In September Liepāja will host a volunteer at Liepāja Boarding School, within the BSR. This will be realised the meeting of the Commission on Youth says: "After seeing a documentary about by strengthening bonds between Issues. EVS organisations, Passport of Narva i.a. trough training Further information courses. "EVS in the Mr Vilis Bruveris or creation of favourable investment conditions BSR" is initiated by Head of Liepāja Youth centre Fand enlivening the investment climate, two e- Kumulus, a resource phone/fax +371 81646 projects have been implemented in Narva: "Investment centre for local and e-mail: [email protected] Passport of Narva" (www.investinnarva.ee) with all regional youth policy www.liepaja.lv relevant information for investors, and "The information portal for tourists and travel agencies/tour operators" (http://tourism.narva.ee). The purpose of the Investment The competition Passport is to provide relevant information on all investment options and attract foreign investments that crosses borders in their turn will facilitate the development of the city and Ministries of Culture Kozłowski from Poland). create new jobs. Business data on the Narva enterprises, of Estonia and Poland, The Grand-Prix of the competition cooperation proposals, interactive maps indicating free Embassies of Poland, was awarded to 14-years-old Sergey plots of land and vacant premises for commercial lease, France, Russia, China in Redkin from St.Petersburg, Russia. prices and rates for immovable property – this is by far Estonia and numerous Mr. Raivo Palmaru, Minister of Culture not a full list of information presented at the investment private sponsors, has of Estonia said: "To reach anything passport site. Any potential investor can assess the data brought together 49 valuable in life, one needs to make big and the possibilities of establishing and operating a pianists, aged up to efforts. Only in that case a person can business in Narva. All data is available 24 hours a day 18 years old, from 14 mould and only in that way does a door 7 days a week at a free access Internet site. For further countries. to a very special world open for him. information please contact: Mrs Maria Terebilina, Narva Young musicians Participation in Narva Chopin piano Municipality, e-mail: [email protected]. from traditionally competition gives young musicians an participating Baltic Sea excellent chance for it.” he 6th International Competition states (including Russia) were joined by The next International Chopin Tof Young Pianists, dedicated to their colleagues from Norway, Ukraine, Competition will take place in Narva by the work of Fryderyk Chopin, took place Byelorussia, Georgia, Uzbekistan, China the end of January 2008. Registration of in Narva in the beginning of February. and Japan. participants will start in May 2007. The competition, which was initially According to the regulations, the created for young musical talents from competition was held within 3 age Further information: the countries around the Baltic Sea, has categories: younger, up to 12 years old Mr Sergei Muiznieks by now considerably reached far beyond (the 1st Prize awarded to Mikhail Ilyasov Foreign Relations Advisor the Baltic borders, becoming truly from Russia); medium, 13 to 15 years old phone: +372 35 99060; 372 56152122 international. (the 1st Prize awarded to Ruslan Strogi e-mail: [email protected] The "Narva Chopiniana – 2006", from Estonia); older, 16 to 18 years www.narva.ee/chopin supported by Narva City Government, old (the 1st Prize awarded to Michał

BCB 1/2006 27 Beyond the Statute of Limitation n March 17 in Kronstadt an action and all the repressive measures taken Zakipnaya, tried to show the point of Ocalled “Beyond the statute of on them afterwards were considered view at the mutiny from both sides, limitation” was held. It was dedicated to illegal and contradictory to human to reflect the historical and economic the 85th anniversary of Kronstadt’s mutiny rights. Moreover, according to the edict, situation at that moment, tried to explain or so called "Kronstadt’s events of 1921" a memorial, dedicated to the participants the ideological trends of that time. The when an armed rebellion against performance was highly rated by all the Soviet leadership broke out. the spectators. The rebellion was suppressed and Apart from that, the citizens thousands of rebels were executed were able to see an exhibition by shooting. of photographs and documents The project was planned as a step illustrating the events and to reconciliation of the society. Up to a multimedia undertaking: 1994 the official opinion about the "Kronstadt’s time". Late in the events that happened in Kronstadt evening a dirge to those who felt a in 1921 had a single meaning. victim to the mutiny was served. They were considered as a counter- The organisers of the event hope revolutionary mutiny, prepared that they succeeded in helping by the White Guards, Socialist people with different views at the Revolutionary Party, Mensheviks mutiny to make one step towards and anarchists, who were actively A theatre performance by Tatyana Zakipnaya, based on each other and to understand the supported by some foreign forces. historical events, tried to show the point of view at the mutiny causes of this confrontation, which The documents concerning the event from both sides, to reflect the historical and economic situation was so important for our city and were classified as secret. at that moment. played a significant role in the history After the collapse of the Soviet Union of Kronstadt’s events of 1921 should be of whole our country. many secret documents became available established. to the public, thus overestimation of However not all accept the new vision Further information: the events could begin. On 10 January and there are still many different points of Mr Ivan Tarasov 1994 by an edict of the president of the view on this event. The action consisted Kronstadt City Administration Russian Federation all the participants of of a theatre performance, based on phone: +7 812 576 90 52 Kronstadt’s events of 1921 were acquitted historical events, in which author, Tatyana e-mail: [email protected] UV-disinfection stations in Kronstadt n connection with constantly which exclude formation of ozone. The building of UV-stations in Iincreasing requirements to the The construction of UV-stations does Kronstadt is aimed at environmental quality of refinement and disinfection of not allow the ultraviolet to exceed the protection, since the process of drinking water, the problem of creating bounds of the stations and provides safe chlorination is connected with modern systems for water refinement conditions of work for the personnel. agglomeration of halogenated becomes more and more important. The ultraviolet method of disinfection carbohydrates in water, which is Kronstadt’s water-supply systems in 2006 is characterized by: considered extremely dangerous. are going to introduce a new ultraviolet - high efficiency of disinfection High efficiency of UV-disinfection is technology of water refinement. (including disinfection proved by the experience of exploitation The UV-stations are intended for against chlorination-resistant of such equipment in Saint-Petersburg. disinfection of waters, that are taken microorganisms, such as from open sources – in case of Kronstadt viruses) it is the Neva River – and they help - complete absence of by-products to improve the disinfection against that can be dangerous for living Further information: chlorination-resistant microorganisms. organisms Mr Sergey Youferev UV-stations are made of materials - a higher technical and economic Kronstadt City Administration that are in conformity with sanitary showings than reagent phone: +7 812 576 90 54 and fire-prevention regulations, which disinfection e-mail: [email protected] are in force on the territory of Russian - a higher safety rate (storing Federation. The stations use lamps with of dangerous reagents is not the wave-length of 250 nano-meters, needed).

28 BCB 1/2006 CITIES - MEMBERS OF THE UBC EXECUTIVE BOARD: Gdańsk New Town Hall Wały Jagiellońskie 1 PL-80832 Gdańsk, Poland contact: Mr Maciej Lisicki Tel. +48 501 188415 [email protected]

Kaliningrad Kaliningrad City Administration Pl. Pobedy 1l RU-236 040 Kaliningrad, Russia contact: Mrs Nina Vyshnyakova Tel. +7 4012 923347 [email protected]

Kaunas City Hall Laisves AV. 96 LT-44251 Kaunas, Lithuania contact: Ms Lina Duobaite Tel. +370 37 424011 [email protected]

Kristiansand City Hall Radhusgata 20 N-4604 Kristiansand, Norway contact: Ms Trine Marit Aasen Tel. +47 38 075009 [email protected]

Liepāja City Hall Rožu iela 6 LV-3400 Liepāja, Latvia contact: Ms Ligita Pudža Tel. + 371 34 04789 [email protected]

Næstved City Hall The 45th UBC Executive Board Meeting held in Kaunas, Lithuania, on 10-12 Teatergade 8 February 2006 DK-4700 Næstved, Denmark contact: Mr Søren Revsbæk Tel. +45 55 78 45 01 PRESIDENT OF THE UNION OF THE BALTIC CITIES [email protected] Mr Per Bødker Andersen City Hall, Akseltorv 1 Pärnu DK-6000 Kolding, Denmark City Hall Tel. +45 79 302025 Uus e-mail: [email protected] 4EE-80098 Pärnu,Estonia contact: Ms Anu Juurma VICE-PRESIDENTS OF THE UNION OF THE BALTIC CITIES Tel. +372 44 31 132 Mrs Marie-Louise Rönnmark [email protected] City Hall 901 84 Umeå, Sweden Rostock Tel. + 46 90 16 10 00 City Hall e-mail: [email protected] Neuer Markt 1 D-180 50 Rostock Mr Aleksi Randell Germany City Hall, Aurakatu 2 contact: Mrs Karin Wohlgemuth FIN-20100 Turku, Finland Tel. +49 381 38 114 52 Tel. + 358 505590155 [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Stockholm Ms Laine Jänes Stockholm Reg. European Committee City Government Office, Raekoda Gota Ark 190 EE-50089 Tartu, Estonia S-11872 Stockholm, Sweden Tel. +372 7 361 111 contact: Ms Lillian Westerberg e-mail: [email protected] Tel. +46 8 615 8882 [email protected] SECRETARIAT OF THE UNION OF THE BALTIC CITIES Mr Paweł Żaboklicki Vaasa Secretary General City Hall Wały Jagiellońskie 1 P.O.Box 3 PL-80853 Gdańsk, Poland FIN-65101 Vaasa, Finland Tel. +48 58 3010917 contact: Mrs Tarja Sjöberg e-mail: [email protected] Tel. +358 6 325 1139 http://www.ubc.net [email protected] Union of the Baltic Cities (UBC) is a network of 100 cities from all ten Baltic Sea countries, with an overriding goal of contributing to the democratic, economic, social, cultural and environmentally sustainable development of the Baltic Sea Region.

The Union has based its operational activities on eleven working Commissions on Business Cooperation, Culture, Environment, Education, Health and Social Affairs, Information Society, Sport, Tourism, Transportation, Urban Planning, Youth Issues. The Commissions coordinate and execute specific projects, activities and special events. Each city is capable to have its own creative and fully independent input to the Commissions' work.

The Union has an observer status with the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS), the Parliamentary Conference on Cooperation in the Baltic Sea Area, the Helsinki Commission (HELCOM), the Committee of the Regions and the Council of Europe's Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (CLRAE).

The Union is open for new members. Any coastal city of the Baltic Sea or any other city interested in the development of the Baltic Sea Region may become a member of the Union by making a written declaration of its will to enter UBC.

Please contact the Union's Secretariat in Gdańsk for more infor mation about the UBC work and the rules of entering the Union.