The SEAP-PLUS project (April 1st 2012- 30th September 2014) is a project co-funded by the Intelligent Energy Europe programme of the EU. The project comprises thirteen partners from eleven European countries: Greece, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Italy, Bulgaria, Romania, Latvia, Cyprus, Austria and Slovenia.

SEAP-PLUS aims at the enhancement of the Covenant of Mayors (CoM) results and impacts in both quantitative and qualitative terms by:  Bringing more Signatories and Covenant Supporters or Coordinators in the CoM;  Assisting them in the preparation of more and better Sustainable Energy Action Plans (SEAPs);  Triggering cooperation of Local Authorities with Regional Authorities and Energy Stakeholders and cooperation between experienced and learning CoM participants. More information is available at the project website: www.seap-plus.eu

This report is an outcome of Work Package 2 ’Twinning partnerships at regional level’, which divided partners to “experienced” and ”learning” organizations and created twinning pairs to facilitate the exchange of experiences. The aim was to create a common foundation for both experienced and learning European regions to enhance the integration of sustainable energy policies into regional authorities’ operations through capacity building activities. Learning regions became familiar with sustainable development and the Covenant of Mayors initiative, whilst all partners benefited from the transfer of good practices related to the compilation of SEAPs. These included: structure and standard of the content of SEAPs, energy sectors of SEAPs, Baseline Emission Inventory (BEI) methodologies and tools, energy data sources and quality, local and regional policies, important energy measures, SEAP implementation process, stakeholders’ engagement process, internal organization and coordination of municipal climate action, provision of technical support for the preparation and improvement of SEAPs, knowledge transfer etc..

This report has been developed to support regional and local authorities that intend to replicate the SEAP-PLUS twinning process and to further disseminate good practices related to the SEAP development process. The report presents a compilation of good practices and recommendations from the SEAP-PLUS twinning activities and is twofold in its structure: 1. Good practices on energy and climate change: Good practices, methodologies and tools on energy and climate change, which were exchanged during the twinning activities. 2. Good practices on knowledge transfer and process related issues: Good practices of transferring knowledge and experience identified during the twinning process.

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1. GOOD PRACTICES ON ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

1.1. Energy is Our Future: Enhancing local renewables – 100% renewable energy for the region Römerland Carnuntum

Partners: Black Sea Regional Agency for Energy Management and Climate Alliance of Austria Target group: Politicians and/or technical staff of local and regional authorities, Covenant Supporters

The town of Bruck an der Leitha (7,700 inhabitants) won the European RES Champions League 2013 in the category of 5,000 – 20,000 inhabitants, a European competition between 10.000 towns and 100 million people in 12 countries. The regional energy agency of Energy Park of Bruck/Leitha was established in 1995 and was the first that made wind measurements in the region. The vision of the organisation is to achieve 100% renewable energy for the whole region Römerland Carnuntum - a climate and energy model region comprising 30 municipalities with 70.000 people - by using exclusively the regional sustainable energy resources (RES) in order to satisfy the regional demand. The main pillars of the philosophy of the region build on the utilisation of all forms of renewable energy sources and a higher transfer of respective knowledge within the region.

In 1999 the construction of a biomass plant started in Bruck/Leitha with the installed capacity of 6 MW. The biomass district heating system Bruck/Leitha is organised as cooperation between farmers of the region Bruck/Leitha and the local energy provider for electricity and gas – EVN AG. The farmers are providing fuel for the plant which includes wooden chips, shrubbery from the region and sawmill by-products. They also operate the heating station whereas EVN takes care of the district heating grid, customer relations and invoicing. The biomass plant provides heat for 800 households (1/3 of all households) in Bruck/Leitha and all public buildings. The total investment for the plant was around € 5 million.

Between the years 2000 and 2004 the wind farms in Bruck/Leitha and in the neighbouring municipalities, Hollern and Petronell-Carnuntum, were erected. The first windpark in Lower Austria was constructed in Bruck an der Leitha in 2,000 as a citizen owned-energy project. As from 2009 the owner of the windpark has been Verbund Renewable Power GmbH. The wind potential was examined carefully and the decision for realisation of the project was a result of a two-year measurement period. The total investment was € 8 million for five wind turbines that are operating and generating electricity for approximately 5,000 households. The annual CO2 reduction is around 15,000 tons.

In 2004 the biogas plant of Bruck an der Leitha opened with a capacity of 750 kW electrical and 900 kW heat energy. The total investment volume for the biogas plant was € 6.5 million. The biogas plant is a co-digestion plant, which uses maize silage as a raw material, liquid manure and residues from food and pet industry. The biogas is produced by anaerobic digestion or fermentation of biodegradable materials. The produced biogas is utilised for electricity production in a combined

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heat and power gas engine, where the heat from the engine is used for heating the digester and is also fed into the district heating grid.

Additionally, an Energy Park addresses educational and informative aspects of related activities like: energy consulting, knowledge transfer and adult education such as the postgraduate MSc Program “Virtual Gas” – a pilot project for cleaning technology for biogas which is conducted in partnership with the Vienna University of Technology.

Energy experts meeting in Bruck/Leitha Energie Park In front of one of the windmills - Bruck/Leitha Energie Park

Recommendation for replicability  100% RES in electricity or heat is possible on a local and regional level – support from Climate Alliance and an energy agency is helpful to develop an energy strategy and implement it step-by-step  A good understanding of the framework conditions of the respective community is needed  Enhanced awareness, participation and ownership of energy projects is useful  Public involvement is necessary to achieve acceptance of the process towards 100% RE  Precise assessment of the local and regional RE potential within the context of sustainability  Political vision and continuous support of all parties is essential  Build-up and availability of expertise and information

1.2. The Town Full of Energy: Enhancing local initiatives in energy efficiency and climate protection by implementing innovative energy policies

Partners: Black Sea Regional Agency for Energy Management and Climate Alliance of Austria Target group: Politicians and/or technical staff of local and regional authorities, Covenant Supporters

The district of Weiz (9,000 inhabitants) joined the CoM in June 2014 and is currently preparing its SEAP. At the same time Weiz is the most important town of the climate and energy model region “Energieregion Weiz-Gleisdorf”, a region comprising 18 municipalities with 42.000 inhabitants. Weiz

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is a winner of the ‘Climate Star’, has won the ‘Energy Globe’ in silver in 2004 and was awarded “eeee” in the e5-programme of the European Energy Award.

Weiz has implemented a number of projects in the area of office buildings that follow the passive house standard, wastewater, district heating, transport, energy efficiency and energy co-operation between town and industry.

The “Gemini House” is a prototype house that brings together solar energy and efficient design. The plus energy house which rotates to follow the sun was built in Weiz in 2001. It is equipped with up to 150m2 of photovoltaic panels. Extreme thermal insulation and heat recovery from waste air are also included. The “Energy and Innovation Centre of Weiz” (W.E.I.Z.) was established in 1999 by the Municipality of Weiz with the aim to attract young people not only to work in the city, but also to stay and live by providing them with the opportunity to work either for the industry or within the field of research and development (R&D). W.E.I.Z. is the largest “impulse” centre in Styria outside the capital City of Graz. The shareholders of the centre include the Municipality of Weiz, Borough of Krottendorf, Energy Region Weiz-Gleisdorf Ltd. and Steiermärkische Bank and Sparkassen AG. The energy centre has constructed gradually (starting from 1999 until 2013). Today it consists of four energy efficient buildings, each one with higher energy standards and more ambitious characteristics than the previous one. The buildings show the different energy concepts of the centre, focused on innovative solutions for climate protection.

European Innovation Prize for the Plus-Energy W.E.I.Z. I – the first passive house office building in Gemini-House in Weiz Europe

The “W.E.I.Z. I” is the first passive house office building in Europe. It was constructed in 1999, with a total space of 2,070 m2 and an investment of € 2.4 million. The innovative focus of the building is supported by its architecture and energy concept. The building consists of an atrium and offices arranged in U- and L-shape around the atrium. The heating of the building is achieved by means of an air heating facility, where the hygienic exchange of air is used for heating and cooling.

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The “W.E.I.Z. II” was constructed 2006/2007 and can be described as a “cool-box” – using geothermal energy for heating and cooling. The office space amounts to 2,842 m2. The total investment costs for this passive house were € 3.3 million.

The energy concept of “W.E.I.Z. III” is a “Life-Cycle-Cost building”. It was built in 2009/2010 with an investment of € 3.9 million. It has a total space of 2,596 m2. Thanks to the innovative construction technology and materials (reinforced concrete brackets, concrete ceilings and bricked exterior walls and thermal insulation) in combination with innovative energy controlling systems (controllable heating and cooling ceilings, sensor controlled sun protection, PV plant installation on the roof) the building has a cost efficient energy, heating and cooling consumption.

The “W.E.I.Z. IV” is a research centre, constructed in 2013 as an “emissions neutral plus-energy- house” with a focus on energy efficient lighting. The total investment was € 1.5 million for an office space of 880 m2.

Recommendation for replicability  Challenging building codes are achievable with clear local and regional energy policies aimed for gradual improvement  Involvement of the major stakeholders including cutting-edge research can overcome higher investment costs of passive houses, energy-plus and carbon neutral buildings  Thorough analysis of local energy resource potential and a balanced combination of the most appropriate technologies can substantially improve the energy performance without increasing costs disproportionally  Build on and stimulate the refinement of existing knowledge within the building sector

1.3. Energy Loupe: A tool for planners, evaluators, politicians and curious ones to reach reliable energy data on regional and local level

Partners: Latvian Environmental Investment Fund and Jokkmokk Municipality Target group: Politicians, technical staff from local and regional authorities, Covenant Coordinators/Supporters, energy experts

Reliable energy data are indispensable for developing realistic but ambitious local and regional energy and climate strategies as well as action plans. To be able to monitor progress and to evaluate policies and measures, a continuous follow-up of data is necessary. Especially for small and medium- sized municipalities, this is not an easy thing to do due to the lack of time, money and capacitated staff.

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A regional energy observatory or agency is therefore an important tool to support municipalities. In strong collaboration with regional and local stakeholders and research institutions the following tasks were defined for a regional greenhouse gas (GHG) observatory for the two northernmost counties in Sweden - Norrbotten and Västerbotten: - provide energy and GHG data on local and regional level, - follow-up on local and regional energy and climate policies and measures, - give support for local stakeholders in Working group discussing Energy Loupe in March defining climate and energy strategies and 2013 in Luleå measures, - embedded support in the region becomes an important contribution to a successful regional development.

The “Energy Loupe” is an online energy observatory for the counties Norrbotten and Västerbotten with their 29 municipalities that provides local and regional authorities as well as energy experts with reliable local and regional energy data. The tool covers final energy use and direct CO2 emissions for all relevant sectors. The system provides guidance by providing default settings for parameter and indicators, but users can even choose their own set of data.

As an output Energy Loupe delivers:

- Total energy demand and CO2 emissions per municipality;

- Total energy demand and CO2 emissions per county; - Energy consumption and CO2 emissions for the following sectors: agriculture and forestry,

industry, service, public, transport, households per sector and CO2 emissions per municipality; - Share of the following fuel types on energy use: coal, coke, petrol, diesel, heavy and light oil, LPG, natural gas, peat, wood fuels, liquid by-products from pulp, waste, district heating, electricity and others; - Further it provides indicators such as energy demand per capita, number of low-emission cars compared to the total number of cars etc.; - Possibility of benchmarking between municipalities and/or counties;

- Under development: building scenarios on future energy use and resulting CO2 emissions; - Possibility to export data in various formats (as graph, as excel-file etc).

Recommendation for replicability • It is important to bring all relevant partners together, as this facilitates the access not only to additional resources in terms of money, time and knowledge, but also to better energy data

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• Do not forget to include the potential users of the energy data from the very beginning in order to build up awareness and ownership, but also to secure the usefulness and value of the tool. • Be clear about your objectives and work for developing or adapting tools that enables you to reach them. Set challenging targets, but define limits and be realistic. It is better to have a tool that is updated regularly and is simple enough to be used by a lot of people than a very advance tool which is soon out-dated and only used by a few experts. • Think about a sustainable financing and funding model already from the beginning. The tool needs to be available over a longer period of time to allow for follow-up. • Communicate and train people: Do good and talk about it! Communication to increase the number of users. Moreover, train users in how to use the tool and how it can make life easier for them, while climate and energy actions become more powerful. In terms of key users, the dissemination of results can take various forms and levels of complexity. Thus adapt and tailor the results according to the objectives (general public awareness, supporting the technical decision-making process, participating in expert panels, etc.) and target audience.

1.4. Common strategies, joint solutions: Energy Management Services for small municipalities

Partners: Technical Chamber of Greece and Diputació de Barcelona (DIBA) Target group: Technical staff, small municipalities

During the preparation and drafting of SEAPs it has become obvious that many small and even medium-sized municipalities have little knowledge about the consumption and consumption patterns of their municipal buildings and facilities. Since municipalities lack resources and staff capacity, the deployment of a joint energy management concept has been proven to be more efficient. Respectively, the Local Energy Agency of Osona has been considered as a lighthouse project. The Local Energy Agency manages the energy bills of 49 municipalities through a specific software for energy accounting. They also make energy assessments of public buildings and facilities, introduce smart management (remote management), advise municipalities on actions to be taken into account to reduce their energy consumption and assist in finding subsidies to implement measures including energy performance contracting (with utilities), draft biomass projects and promote renewable energy. Municipalities pay an annual fee for these services, which is usually much lower than the overall cost savings of the reduced energy bill of the municipality.

Joint energy management reduces the costs per unit of an intervention helps identify joint solutions and facilitates the implementation of common strategies. DIBA gives support to those Local Energy Agencies that implement energy accounting and assessment in municipalities.

Introducing energy accounting and monitoring reduces energy use (without physical investments). Priority areas for implementing energy efficiency interventions can easily be identified and

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investments are better allocated to achieve the most significant, cost-effective reductions. The cost for energy management services is low compared to cost savings that are achieved. As such, this model can be sustainable and easily transposed.

Recommendation for replicability  Note that the pure effort of monitoring energy use can save up to 15 percent of the energy need and thus should be considered as first and/or as a preparatory step to investments into the energetic improvement of the physical infrastructure  Enhance your understanding on the current practices for collecting energy data within different public entities and seek to standardise and align the collection with your monitoring and reporting needs  Conduct research on available energy accounting and metering options and consider to apply a joint concept with your neighbouring communities  Implement a pilot project to test the energy management and accounting system and gain evidence for savings to be (usually) higher than the investment made

1.5. Energy assessment in households: Reducing energy consumption in the residential sector by promoting behavioural changes

Partners: Technical Chamber of Greece and Diputació de Barcelona (DIBA) Target group: Residential sector, citizens

Several towns and villages have begun to involve citizens in projects against climate change. Sabadell, Rubí, Cornellà del Llobregat and Viladecans are some examples of big towns that are introducing energy assessments in households. However, also some small villages are implementing similar projects and might be even more effective in their outreach and performance of changing the behaviour of residents, since the target population is smaller and more community oriented.

These projects rely on the fact that “information is power”. The town council lends smart meters to citizens for a specific period of time (for instance, 6 months in Sabadell). The readily and instant information on the current energy consumption that is provided by the smart-meter allows citizens to understand consumption patterns, identify suitable interventions, change behaviour and adopt energy saving practices.

Specific information channels are created for citizens such as, newsletters, brochures, a call centre, and workshops to gain and share their experiences. In Rubí a specific platform (app for mobile phone) was additionally developed. In some towns, households at risk of fuel poverty are given priority.

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Recommendation for replicability  This action can easily be replicated and implemented by municipalities independent of its size.  Costs are ranging from about € 150 to € 200 per assessment. Therefore target and give priority to specific groups with the highest need, such as households in fuel poverty.  The duration of the action should extend to a 3-6 month period in order to unfold its effectiveness and influence on energy behaviour. With a longer duration residents gain a better picture of their consumption patterns much easier and may also be able to see the benefits of the changes they have implemented as the energy bill isn’t monthly based.  Provide residents with the opportunity to communication during the entire period with you and between each other so that experiences can be shared and reported.

1.6. Enhancing sustainable transport: Nicosia’s Integrated Mobility Master Plan

Partners: ALESSCO and Cyprus Energy Agency Target group: Local authorities, technical staff, governmental departments, energy stakeholders, Covenant Supporters

The transport next to the building sector has commonly the highest energy use and thus should receive priority in the target setting and planning to decrease the energy demand and CO2 emissions.

The Integrated Mobility Master Plan (IMMP) of Lefkosia was a turning point for the transport policy in Cyprus and is promoted as a best practice example for sustainable mobility and multilevel cooperation. The government of Cyprus and the local authorities have the ambition to ameliorate the mobility by increasing the share of public transport, cycling and walking, while at the same time upgrading and completing the road network. The share of public transport trips must be above 10% by the year 2020. In order to achieve this ambitious goal a sustained effort is needed as well as the implementation of a comprehensive set of measures which related to all transport modes and complement each other. Therefore the Integrated Mobility Master Plan was developed for Nicosia to achieve an integrated mobility structure and a coordinated implementation of measures.

The ultimate aim of the IMMP is to achieve sustainable mobility, using public transport, cycling and walking as modes of transport that are best suited for the urban environment. Increasing densities in specific urban areas, in other words a polycentric spatial development, is an important precondition to be able to accommodate the growing demand for mobility in a sustainable way. The local master plan for Nicosia addresses the perspective of a polycentric spatial development.

A polycentric Nicosia is able to successfully compete with individual private car use, if it offers an excellent sustainable transport system as alternative including elements such as: - Providing a public transport network with an excellent service (quality, timely, coverage etc.)

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- Providing an extensive network of safe (segregated) cycling lanes to substitute motorised individual traffic for short and medium length trips - Create a pedestrian-friendly Nicosia with green space and pavements of quality - Balance the allocation of space: Give room to cars where needed, but at the same time make sure that other modes of transport receive appropriate space and infrastructure. Where necessary redistribute the available space in favour to the sustainable means of transport.

One of the main objectives of the IMMP is to The introduction of TRAM in Nicosia will enhance the role of provide more space to the citizens public transportation

Recommendation for replicability  The establishment of a IMMP is only the kick-off of a long term effort that requires continuous monitoring, evaluation and refinement of measures  As the topic is complex and cross-cutting relevant stakeholders should be engaged since the very beginning formulating a joint vision, identifying priorities and implementing measures together. However, this means that also a respective public dissemination and communication strategy has to be developed with different elements of facilitation, moderation, consultation and participation.  The establishment of a Transport Authority which coordinates the stakeholders’ involvement (municipalities, government departments, transport companies etc.), facilitates effective policy making and implements the IMMP is recommended.  Public transport, cycling and walking modes need to be enhanced and can play a major role in the densification strategies of cities and regions that are driven by energy and resource efficiency.  IMMPs or Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) require an implementation of measures in a highly coordinated way. This includes the need to priorities measures within the comprehensive package and to find the appropriate balance for all transport modes to complement and thus push-and-pull each other.  Initiate a process to negotiate and redistribute available space in favour to sustainable means of transport, in particular for walking and cycling.

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1.7. Performing industry: Renovation a textile factory out of the 1970s

Partners: Regional Energy Agency of Liguria and Local Energy Agency Pomurje Target group: Politicians, technical staff of local and regional authorities, energy experts, industry

Grad Municipality and the Municipality of Puconci are two of the major municipalities in Pomurje. Together they are preparing a project on the promotion of entrepreneurship and research and development activities in the context of a regional development strategy. Within the project and with the approval of the Regional Development Council, Grad Municipality in collaboration with its partners fully refurbish an old textile factory energetically.

One of the most effective energy measures which reduced the energy demand from 350 kWh/a/m2 to 65 kWh/a/m2 was the replacement of a boiler fuelled by oil with a new biomass boiler as well as the use of innovative solutions for isolation.

Photo of the of old textile factory 5th Twinning Genoa- Presentation of the case study

Recommendation for replicability  The public sector should lead by example providing “best practice” cases and help testing and developing new building techniques and local financing models that can be applied.  Before decisions are taken and actions can kick-off there should be a dialogue between the building owners, architects, building contractors, material and component suppliers and planning officers, building-control surveyors, approved inspectors and environmental health officers of what could be achieved within the given budget (constraints) versus future energy standards and prices and building codes.  Be aware that often technical, cultural and aesthetic conflicts occur and need to be solved.  Use and test with external guidance new and locally unknown insulating materials in the renovation of public buildings in order to build capacity within the local business and craftsmanship. Hence prepare the market for a wider deployment and scale of refurbishment.  Energetic refurbishment should be part of the regional development strategy and may tap into respective funds of the national and European level.

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1.8. “Marathon 2020 - start the long run for a green future”: Planning and implementing coherent energy measures locally to reach the EU 2020 objectives

Partners: Romanian Municipalities Association (AMR) and ICLEI Europe Target group: Politicians and technical staff of Bucharest District 1 and other local authorities, members of the Steering Committee of AMR and Covenant Support Organisation in Romania

The Sustainable Energy Action Plan of the Bucharest District 1 is called “Marathon 2020” and has the objectives to increase energy efficiency by 26.6 percent and renewable energy 20.1 percent, while decreasing CO2 emissions by 24.1 percent. In the context of the following constraints these are remarkable targets: - Low income households (over 85% of apartment owners have a lower income in accordance to statistics and the average) - Legislation limitation (major changes since 2009, unstable framework conditions) - Buildings without isolation or with very poor quality of isolation (all class D to G)

Before After

The Bucharest District 1 planned and implemented measures of energy efficiency in order to improve the situation of the municipal buildings and multi-apartment blocks to reach its target of CO2 reduction, while improving the quality of life of its citizens noticeably. As part of the SEAP, the Thermal Rehabilitation Programme (TRP) started in 2008 and was designed in a 3-step-approach. During the period 2014-2020 it received support from the local administration and co-financing from European Investment Bank (EIB). With 350 million EUR the EIB issued the biggest loan that was ever awarded to an APL institution in Romania. Subsequently, three more districts of Bucharest start to follow this line of action on private buildings as well as politicians and citizens realised its benefits.

Recommendation for replicability  Reaching ambitious energy and climate targets is a “marathon” and demands constant efforts as well as a comprehensive refurbishment programme.

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 Thermal insulation is a low hanging fruit in terms of its payback time of investments for energy actions in buildings. Thus it is a good starting-point and has the potential to extend towards other areas, when its social, environmental and economic benefits are evident.  A programmatic, packaged and phased approach is able to attract bigger investments with usually better conditions including interest rates than smaller projects are able to do.  EU funds may be combined with national funds or are able to replace these, if necessary.  Projects of scale may compensate to some extend low and/or subsidized energy prices which usually are not able to mobilise funding due to its small margin of profit / return of investment.

1.9. Scaling up the quality of life by creating green spaces in municipalties

Partners: Romanian Municipalities Association (AMR) and ICLEI Europe Target group: Political decision-makers, citizens, tourists, representatives of local business

The green space project of the City of Bistriţa aims to build lawns and green parks in the South Independence - Panait Cerna Street and is one example of exceptional good practice in Romania. Specific objectives address the following aspects: - increase of 26 square meters green space per capita by the end of 2013 - creation of a park of 6,175 square meters in South Independence - Panait Cerna Street for residents of Bistriţa - promotion of a high quality-of-life and good health through a clean environment - establishment of a recreational area for local residents - reduction of noise and air pollution from transport

In 2010 the implementation began with the objectives to reduce noise and air pollution, provide space for recreational use and new pedestrian paths and prevent green space deterioration by unauthorized parking of vehicles.

Additionally, a recreational land development project started in the same year, which had the same focus and could integrate and extend the efforts of renewing alleys around the same area even further. The park was completed on 23 June 2011 with a total extension of 3,500 square meters of which 431 are paved walkways, 2,000 green land, 177 covered with flowers and 600 plants.

The park was equipped with benches and chess tables and a playground area of 800 Green public space in Bistriţa

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square meters for young people including a basketball field, table tennis, skateboard field as well as a climbing pyramid. Furthermore 30 waste bins have been purchased to collect waste selectively. The total project budget was 967,393 Lei (€ 219,000).

Recommendation for replicability  The great resonance of the local residents confirms the appropriateness and need for green space projects as it improves the quality-of-life of citizens, while contributing to a higher level of active and thus zero-emission mobility.  The full range of benefits of green spaces should be understood in relation to the reduction of noise and air pollution, social and recreational use, enhancement of sustainable mobility as well as fostering urban biodiversity.  Recreational land development and cohesion funds are suitable sources of finance that also allow driving the climate and mobility efforts further. Therefore the respective planning process within local and regional authorities should be coordinated with the implementation of SEAPs and SUMPs.

1.10. Raising awareness and fostering commitment at regional level: How to involve energy stakeholders

Partners: Romanian Municipalities Association (AMR) and ICLEI Europe Target Group: Political and technical decision-makers of local and regional authorities, all relevant stakeholders of energy including utilities, businesses, associations, science and citizens

By spring of 2013 Südwestpfalz county together with its partners IfaS and ICLEI Europe developed a comprehensive integrated climate and energy plan for the county and its municipalities. The vision is to become climate neutral by 2050.

The climate action plan provides guidance to tap the energy efficiency potential, foster the increased use of renewable, regional resources and the reduction of greenhouse gases in the county. The project has its focus on the development of an integrative approach, which should make it possible to link climate change and regional value of renewable energy with each other. This guiding principle now determines work with the slogan: "Our concept for added value to Grouping of the actors of the Climate Alliance climate neutrality." Südwestpfalz

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Before even developing an integrated climate concept, the county realised that it will only succeed, if all regional stakeholders were involved. Hence, in 2010 an Alliance for Climate Protection and Renewable Energy was formed. The Climate Alliance is composed of associated municipalities, cities and local communities, associations and organisations, educational facilities, factories and enterprises, public institutions, banks, companies, association, individuals and political representatives of district councils. Currently, the alliance has 95 members.

In parallel to the development of a climate concept, a PR or stakeholder concept was developed. This concept of public relations is to primarily support the political representatives and staff of the county Südwestpfalz and its LGs analytically, strategically and organisationally in the implementation and further development of the created climate and energy concept: a) coordinated climate and energy measures and to communicate effectively; b) to mobilise relevant stakeholders; and c) integrate climate change and energy management in all areas of society in the County Südwestpfalz.

The concept of public relations for the climate concept of Südwestpfalz is primarily based on the analysis, lessons learned and reflections of ICLEI Europe and the exchange with the steering committee of the climate concept, which consists of representatives of the County and associated LGs. In addition, ideas and suggestions from various thematic workshops were included that were held during the preparation of the integrated climate concept and its measures.

PR action and related stakeholder involvement are often understood to be an important part of a climate concept or Sustainable Energy Action Plan, but are rarely conceptualised, budgeted and measures timed strategically in the middle and long run. However, awareness raising and capacity to organise, plan and execute PR climate action thoughtfully is key in particular to tap energy savings and efficiency in municipal offices, households or within the trade and commerce sector.

Last but not least, PR action is a continuous process that accompanies the SEAP or climate action cycle. It goes without saying that also PR measures need to be monitored and its impact evaluated in order to improve their (cost) effectiveness.

Recommendation for replicability  Awareness raising for strategic, inclusive and continuous stakeholder involvement for involved political and municipal decision-makers.  Responsibility for the stakeholder involvement process needs to be clearly directed to one person and / or a steering committee.  Building capacity to organise, plan and execute public relations climate action thoughtfully is key in particular to tap energy savings and efficiency in municipal offices, households or within the trade and commerce sector.  For an effective implementation of a SEAP public relations and related stakeholder involvement must be conceptualised, budgeted and measures timed strategically in the middle and long run.

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2. GOOD PRACTICES ON KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER AND PROCESS RELATED ISSUES

2.1. Joint SEAP elaboration: Meeting the requirements of CoM for a group of small neighbouring municipalities

Partners: Black Sea Regional Agency for Energy Management and Climate Alliance of Austria Target group: Politicians and/or technical staff of local and regional authorities, Covenant Supporters

Part of the twinning visit in Austria was dedicated to the process of experience exchange in the elaboration of joint SEAPs for several small, neighbouring municipalities within a region.

CAA (together with other Austrian energy organisations) has been elaborating a new tool (KlimaBilanz-tool), enabling and facilitating the collection and insertion of energy data. This will facilitate the process of developing the BEI and SEAP, consolidating data and its accurate use and BSRAEM experts getting familiar with one of the first joint monitoring. SEAPs in a rural region

Furthermore, CAA elaborated the first JOINT SEAP for a region, combining several small adjacent municipalities into one climate and energy model region (Waldviertler Kernland). The learning partner from BSRAEM was acquainted with the process of choosing the region for joint SEAP and the steps for its elaboration.

Recommendation for replicability  Explore the bundling of resources and overcome shortcomings of capacity by joint BEI and SEAP development for small, neighbouring municipalities within a region and benefit like Waldviertler Kernland, where 13 municipalities adhered to the CoM by December 2013.  Especially, rural communities can profit from the fact that only one SEAP has to be prepared, implemented and monitored. This joint approach is more likely to Technical Workshop with Mayors and energy experts of Waldviertler Kernland

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finance an energy expert or climate manager that coordinates the entire process, ensures an integrated implementation and thus multiplies the impact of measures.  The municipalities with lack of expertise on BEI/SEAP development are able to gain knowledge from more advanced municipalities within a region.  A territorial overview and the evaluation of local resources should be one of the first steps within the analysis of strength, weaknesses, barriers and opportunities for a joint SEAP.  The implementation of a joint SEAP enables rural areas and municipalities with scarce financial resources to attract funding and negotiate better funding conditions.

2.2. Learning on differentiated needs of small municipalities in rural areas

Partners: Black Sea Regional Agency for Energy Management and Climate Alliance of Austria Target group: Politicians and/or technical staff of local and regional authorities, Covenant Supporters

During the three twinning visits in Austria the learning partner got introduced and familiar with the practice of working with small municipalities in three different provinces. This knowledge transfer included information on soft measures performed by CAA as well as EU projects that are implemented within the territory to raise the municipalities’ understanding and interest of the goals of the Covenant of Mayors initiative. During this exchange it became evident that different municipalities although sometimes geographically close to each other have different needs and thus require differentiated assistance and support.

The BSRAEM team is getting familiar with the CAA Presentation of Vienna’s Climate strategy and climate initiatives regarding the CoM adhering of small protection team municipalities

BSRAEM got familiar with various initiatives of CAA that involve the municipalities in CoM and environment protection in general, like the IEE co-funded projects 100% RES communities, NetCoM, Repowermap, KomKlima-project, Day of the Sun and the European Mobility Week.

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Furthermore BSRAEM participated in a workshop on the Climate Strategy of Vienna to learn and discuss the process of establishing a team that works on the development and implementation of an urban climate and energy strategy.

Recommendation for replicability  Active participation in workshops and joint activities with stakeholders are effective methods to transfer knowledge between twinning partners.  Familiarize the learning partner to ongoing and successfully implemented initiatives and projects provide a good basis for discussion and demonstration of important aspects within the realisation, monitoring and evaluation phase.  The introduction and explanation of soft measures and practical elements of projects that have an active involvement of local authorities has proven to be useful for the twinning.  Building strong and motivated relationships between local authorities and the CoM Supporters and Coordinators help to create a more fruitful knowledge exchange platform.  Citizen participation is a guarantee for better public awareness and understanding.  Coordination of European, national or regional sustainable energy topics is able to reach a high number of municipalities and citizens (e.g. 500 Austrian municipalities participating in the European Mobility Week with different activities each year).

2.3. Practical learning on Swedish CoM supporting structures´ working experience

Partners: Latvian Environmental Investment Fund and Jokkmokk Municipality Target group: Technical staff of start-up and advanced Covenant Coordinators and Supporters

During one of the twinning LEIF staff visited the Swedish organisation Climate Municipalities, which is the CoM Supporting Structure for Sweden. The aim of the visit was to exchange practical experience on how the CoM coordination works in practice on CoM related issues and how technical support for municipalities, that have already signed up or are planning to sign up to the CoM, is ensured.

Aspects that were concluded to be of high importance LEIF Meeting with Climate Municipalities for establishing a CoM supporting structure in other countries and/or regions:  Ensuring expert support for those municipalities, who want to sign the CoM and develop SEAPs.  Development of guidelines in national language: Step-by-step approach on how to develop a BEI and SEAP.

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 Organisation of regular face-to-face meetings and events for municipalities that have signed up to the CoM to share experience and stimulate cooperation.  Introduction of a “pre-test” tool: Municipalities that show interest to become the member of Climate Municipalities have to pass a “test”. The test´s aim is to see if the municipality is motivated to implement activities in the field of climate change and sustainable energy issues.

Recommendation for replicability  It is highly recommended to learn from other CoM Coordinators and Supporters by personal exchanges, since they are able to gather experiences of various municipalities and reflect from a different level on the entire SEAP process.  New CoM Coordinators and Supporters should look for mentors and seek guidance from the well established and experienced group of CoM Supporting Structures.  Peer reviews on CoM processes and governance can provide the means to improve the existing situation on energy, but is also an effective method of a thematic knowledge transfer.

2.4. Efficient knowledge transfer and capacity building: SEAP-PLUS catalogue of measures for small and medium-sized municipalities

Partners: Latvian Environmental Investment Fund and Jokkmokk Municipality Target group: Technical staff of small and medium-sized municipalities that is responsible for the SEAP development

Jokkmokk municipality has developed a Catalogue of Measures for small and medium-sized CoM Signatories. During the workshop the experienced partner shared experiences on emissions inventories and single measures of emission reduction in detail with representatives from the learning partner region. The Catalogue of Measures was used to work in groups and analyse the current situation and evaluate the various potentials of municipalities on renewable energy and energy efficiency. Based on this information concrete SEAP targets and measures were developed.

The Catalogue of Measures covers for example the following areas: Electricity - Modernization of the public lightening; - Refurbishment of old street lighting; - Installing motion sensors on streets with less traffic. Transport - Development and improvement of cycling infrastructure; - Modernization of the municipal car fleet. Heating - Heat isolation projects of buildings; - Modernization of boilers in buildings and the heating system;

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- Support and facilitate local entrepreneurs to provide local alternative energy resources. Awareness raising - Exploitation of the European Mobility Week as a municipal event; - Informative events and activities to educate inhabitants on questions of energy efficiency.

Workshop on SEAP actions using the SEAP Catalogue of Measures in Latvian municipalities.

Recommendation for replicability  Working in small groups led by representatives of the experienced partner and the personal contact between the involved municipal representatives is decisive for the success of the twinning method.  Sharing experience on emission inventories with real examples and concrete emission reduction actions is recommended.  The Catalogue of Measures can easily be used to guide new CoM Signatories to identify concrete measures and compile a selection of actions for their first SEAP draft. It is an easy to use tool for small and medium-sized municipalities to develop actions that can be

implemented in particular sectors to save energy and reduce CO2 emissions.

2.5. Developing a “Covenant of Mayors” Supporting Office within the Covenant Coordinators’ structure

Partners: Technical Chamber of Greece and Diputació de Barcelona (DIBA) Target group: Technical staff of municipalities and regions, Covenant Supporters and Coordinators

The Technical Chamber of Greece (TCG), in order to support local authorities, created like Catalonia a “Covenant of Mayors” Support Office, which is part of the Directorate of Scientific and Development Activities of TCG. With DIBA’s guidance and support, the structure, role and functioning of the CoM Support Office was aligned with the administrative structure of TCG and the specific needs of local authorities in Greece.

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The CoM Support Office serves as the national Focal Point for the "Covenant of Mayors" and creates acts that bring together municipalities, regions, energy providers, and Greek and European bodies that officially support the development and adoption of sustainable energy policies.

In addition to this, it provides guidance to the technical departments of the municipalities and regions, which adhere to the Covenant of Mayors and develop, implement and monitor Sustainable Energy Action Plans.

Recommendation for replicability  The creation of a national Focal Point for the CoM through a CoM Support Office enables a more effective communication and information flow between CoMO and CoM Signatories of a region as well as between public authorities within one region that signed up to the CoM.  Ensure political commitment and resources and finance according to foreseen tasks, especially from the organization that will host the CoM Support Office.  Understand the administrative structure of the host’s organization, in particular possible administrative obstacles that may hinder the successful operation of a CoM Support Office.  Exchange and benefit from the knowledge and experience of an organization that has already set up a CoM Support Office within its structure. This can significantly help in overcoming organizational and technical obstacles that may arise.  Understand the specific needs of local authorities that will be supported and align the functions of the CoM Support Office respectively. The office should as a minimum aim to provide information, guidelines, technical support, tools and other supporting material in order to assist local authorities in the SEAP process and in fulfilling their obligations towards the CoM in terms of the SEAP development, implementation and monitoring and reporting.

2.6. Efficient knowledge transfer: Roundtables as a means of direct transfer of knowledge to local authorities

Partners: Technical Chamber of Greece and Diputació de Barcelona Target group: Technical staff of municipalities and regions, Covenant SSts

The SEAP-PLUS twinning activities focus on knowledge and experience exchange between experienced and learning partners within the project. However, the active participation of municipalities in the twinning activities, supported by TCG and

EPTA, was considered an added benefit. Roundtable with Greek municipalities

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More specifically, municipalities valued the knowledge and practical insight gained during the organised roundtables that focused on providing support for the development, implementation monitoring of SEAPs. DIBA participated at these roundtables and shared its experience with the municipalities, in particular on issues like the development of emission inventories and selected sustainable energy measures.

The representatives of the municipalities adopted the good practices and methodologies presented by DIBA, such as undertaking energy assessment visits as part of the SEAP development process as well as benefited from specific recommendations for improving their current SEAP drafts.

Recommendation for replicability  Covenant Supporting Structures that are involved in experience and knowledge exchange activities, trainings, seminars and roundtables, should assess whether their members and supported municipalities can also attend in order to benefit directly from such events.  Experience and knowledge exchange activities should aim to be tailored. The active participation of municipalities and other supported organizations in such activities results in a better understanding of local needs and enables the provision of tailored technical support.  Commonly, the advice of peers (Covenant Signatory, Supporter or Coordinator) is more authentic and thus valuable. In international exchanges, the host should assess and address possible language barriers carefully to avoid that information is lost during the exchange.

2.7. Promoting implemented actions and interventions: Technical visits to specific projects

Partners: Technical Chamber of Greece and Diputació de Barcelona Target group: Technical staff of municipalities and regions, Covenant Supporters and Coordinators

Organising technical visits to see in practice implemented projects and actions, gives the opportunity to the visitors to talk to project managers and get an insight on lessons learnt, barriers encountered and how these were overcome. At the same time the real benefits of the actions can be illustrated, which can sometimes reveal themselves as bigger than expected.

Each time TCG visited DIBA as part of the twinning, technical study visits were organised. TCG had the opportunity to see how the Local Energy Agency of Osona operates and what impact their work has on the region including biomass installations and its related problems and success stories. Furthermore TCG visited the Municipality of Rubí to learn from their experience in implementing SEAP actions in several energy sectors. Finally, a site visit to La fàbrica del sol was organised to, a specific facility where citizens can inform themselves on topics related to sustainable energy and sustainable living, whilst different renewable sources installations are demonstrated.

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Recommendation for replicability  Technical visits can be organised easily and offer many benefits, most importantly they give the opportunity to interested parties to see implemented actions and technologies in practice as well as their benefits.  When organising technical visits it is important that the host is able to provide details about the project or energy action, explain the framework conditions and how they influenced the project development, how was the project financed, what are the main constraints and problems faced as well as what are the benefits so that visitors can assess the potential of a transfer and replicability of the action to other regions.

2.8. Learning to network and the importance of coordination

Partners: Technical Chamber of Greece and Diputació de Barcelona Target group: Political and technical staff of local and regional authorities, Covenant Coordinators and Supporters

The Network of Cities and Towns Towards Sustainability is an association formed by more than 270 members including all Covenant of Mayors Coordinators in Catalonia (Spain) that represent more than 500 Signatories of the CoM. Additionally, the network is a Covenant Supporter itself.

The 14th General Assembly of the Network of Cities and Towns Towards Sustainability was held in Vilanova and brought together about 150 representatives of local authorities.

TCG staff participated in this event as part of the twinning process to learn about the importance of networking and The 14th General Assembly of the Network of Cities and coordination between CoM members. Towns Towards Sustainability

During the assembly the following activities took place: - Commemoration: 5th anniversary of the first SEAP developed in Catalonia - CoM meeting: 6 roundtables held about the opportunities, barriers and challenges within the CoM framework - Presentation of the Catalan Covenant Club and the current situation of the CoM in Catalonia - Approval of the network’s agreement: A step forward for the Covenant of Mayors and local sustainable energy - Adoption of the Declaration of Vilanova for adaptation to climate change in the region and the coastal zone (related to Mayors Adapts strategy)

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Specifically, the Catalan Covenant Club is a new working group inside the network formed by five CoM Coordinators, two CoM Supporters (Coordination Commission) and also CoM Signatories and future stakeholders.

The 14th General Assembly of the Network of Cities and Towns Towards Sustainability in Vilanova

Recommendation for replicability  One of the key conclusions drawn from the SEAP-PLUS twinning activities is that it is vital to share information, problems and solutions among CoM members. Despite everyone's individual situations that may be different, there are many common elements and lessons to be learn.  Networks, clubs, associations and other similar structures can promote networking and create opportunities for meeting and exchanging experience between CoM signatories, Covenant Coordinators and Supporters of a region or country.  Good networking and coordination is demanding and requires hard and soft skills. An exchange and reflection on these is useful for all participating parties.

2.9. Energy Service Companies – Overcoming the barrier of financing sustainable actions and enhancing private public partnerships

Partners: ALESSCO and Cyprus Energy Agency Target group: Local authorities, Covenant Supporters, private enterprises, energy stakeholders

During the twinning activities the involved partners had the opportunity to exchange good practices, share methodologies and tools on the elaboration and implementation of Sustainable Energy Action Plans and transfer knowledge on common difficulties and barriers. The cooperation of the twinning between ALESSCO and Cyprus Energy Agency was officially established by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU strengthened all future activities.

During the second twinning to the learning partner ALESSCO, the meeting focused on finance, the main barriers for the implementation of SEAPs. ALESSCO organized a meeting with the private Energy

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Service Company (ESCo), Omnia Energia, which is one of the most important ESCos in the South of Italy.

The twinning offered an opportunity to the staff of the Cyprus Energy Agency to get to know how the financial scheme of Omnia Energia is organised and used for the implementation of SEAPs. The aim of the ESCo is to guarantee the energy savings to the contractor like a local authority and while at the same time generating its profits from the energy savings achieved through the implementation of more efficient products and services. Although the European Commission has always considered ESCos as a central player for the promotion and implementation of energy efficiency and has promoted the ESCo activities through legislation, pilot projects and other activities, Cyprus has so far no decree to establish ESCos.

In Italy the introduction of the legislative framework for ESCos goes back to early 2001. Cyprus introduced a respective legislation only in April 2014. For this reason, the meeting between the Cyprus Energy Agency delegation and Omnia Energia was very important for transferring the know- how and the experiences of implementing sustainable energy projects by signing Energy Performance Certificates (EPC). The partners also had the opportunity to learn in detail the different types of intervention and examples of EPCs that are successfully applied in Italy. These activities provided the Cyprus Energy Agency with the insight needed in order to assist the Cypriot local authorities more effectively in the implementation of future ESCos.

Following the successful meeting with Omnia Energia, partners agreed to continue working on this topic and planned to have one more twinning focused on ESCos and EPCs and to discuss the role of ESCos within the Covenant of Mayors initiative. Further it was particularly helpful for the staff of the energy agency to discuss barriers and difficulties of the implementation of such financing schemes.

Presentation of OMNIA ENERGIA’s activities CEA, ALESSCO and the President of OMNIA ENERGIA Recommendation for replicability  If a new (EU) legislation and/or energy measure is introduced in your country, assess its implication and potential for the SEAP process. Search for regions within Europe where the same or similar measures were applied in order to enhance your understanding about it.

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 The mutually beneficial cooperation between two twinning partners was based on a preliminary analysis of the needs of both sides. Thus starting the twinning with a knowledge exchange about the areas of common interest is highly recommended.  All twinning activities were means for the development of new skills among the partners. The staff involved in twinning activities carry the knowledge gained during the exchange to local decision-makers and local technicians to multiply the knowledge transfer. This exchange should be structured and systematic so that as little information as possible is lost during this second transfer.

2.10. Reliable energy data on local level: The Energy Database of the Municipality of Genoa

Partners: Regional Energy Agency of Liguria and Local Energy Agency Pomurje Target group: Politicians and technical staff of local authority, energy experts

During the first and the second twinning visits between ARE Liguria and LEAP some sessions were dedicated to the energy databases available for the Liguria Region and for the Municipality of Genoa. ARE Liguria showed and introduced the learning partner to how a municipal database works and which kind of data and information could be useful for the preparation of a Baseline Emission Inventory. The transfer of knowledge was carried out through some presentations, a direct demonstrations and a roundtable with the experts of the Municipality of Genoa that implemented the database.

A local energy database is an important tool to develop realistic climate strategies and action plans and to monitor and evaluate the measures carried out by a municipality.

In 2011 the Municipality of Genoa submitted its SEAP to the CoM. The SEAP included the creation of an energy database as one of its measures. Soon afterwards Genoa started to set up its energy database through the integration of all available databases under its authority including public and private buildings, transport, thermal plants, renewable energy sources, consumers etc.. Moreover, the municipality involved local energy stakeholders in order to obtain further aggregated information, while respecting the privacy of the single user.

The design of the new energy database aims to provide geologically reported data, directly connected to a map of the territory of Genoa, and to enable “geographical interrogations” in the system. Further it is possible to make energy source specified calculations for the BEI in the following sectors: - municipal buildings and equipment - tertiary buildings and equipment - residential buildings - public lighting

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- municipal vehicles - public transport - private and commercial transport and the corresponding amounts of CO₂ - production of electricity from renewable sources and of energy from cogeneration and district heating

Today the main remaining barrier is the availability energy data for the electrical consumption within the municipal territory. Currently meetings take place with the energy provider to reach an agreement about the data exchange. The SEAP-PLUS project contributed to the successful implementation of the energy database through its stakeholder activities.

Recommendation for replicability  Be clear in the definition of objectives of a energy database. Make a deep analysis of the existent situation and available tools before taking a decision about the design of the database. Plan its implementation step-by-step involving relevant users and stakeholders.  Be aware that the quality of the energy data on local level might be poor, but can be enhanced by engaging energy stakeholders and in particular energy providers. Discuss joint and separate tasks for local authorities and energy stakeholders, if necessary.  Seek to build up easy to access and use tools together with energy providers.  It is decisive to address and target the adequate and relevant person(s) within the management as well as the administration of energy stakeholders together.

2.11. Relate energy measures to local needs: Analysis of a local territory for transport sector with Geographic Information System

Partners: Regional Energy Agency of Liguria and Local Energy Agency Pomurje Target group: Politicians and technical staff of local and regional authorities, energy experts

Commonly, the energy consumptions within the transport sector is next to the building sector the biggest within the BEI of a community. For this reason a SEAP addresses this sector and thus it was also picked out as a central theme in the twinning between ARE and LEAP. The meeting was dedicated to provide easy tools that can be used and comply with the framework of the Covenant of Mayors.

The analysis of the current situation is the first step to identify the strengths and weaknesses of a territory. Subsequently, possible improving solutions and options can be weighed against each other. With the support of a Geographic Information System (GIS) tool, the territorial characterization of Pomurje Region’s landscape was created with the aim to better understand the regional transport flow.

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The results showed amongst other aspects: - small density of dwellings - villages develop(ed) along streets without a “real” historical center - high percentage of forestation and greenery - no high hierarchy of streets (two ways, one traffic lane each) - collective transport meets low demand - no mass-services of transport (tube, extensive use of collective transport services) - no reserved lanes for public transport - relevance of heavy traffic (commercial and agriculture) - high level of motorisation and car dependence - relatively new vehicles

Some possible measures suitable to the features of Measures that are not suitable to the Pomurje Region the Pomurje Region

With significant knowledge of the territorial characteristics and phenomena, it is possible to deduct local needs and propose suitable interventions and measures aimed to improve the current situation. Through the twinning LEAP acquired knowledge on the transport sector in the context to the Covenant of Mayors process - its role in the Baseline Emission Inventory, important types of potential actions for the SEAPs in the Pomurje Region and possible barriers of their implementation.

Recommendation for replicability  The experienced partner can transfer its methodology to the learning partner through specific and concrete examples, but need to test and adapt it to the local conditions.  Use GIS tools (even simple ones) to analyze a territory and make a list of this features, strengths and weaknesses in order to align the SEAP to the local needs and define energy measures that are most suitable to the specific content. Thus you enhance the likelihood of the successful implementation and impact of measures, in particular related to behaviour change.

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2.12. Easy to deal public procurement procedures

Partners: Romanian Municipalities Association (AMR) and ICLEI Europe Target group: Politicians and technical staff of municipalities

Legislation provisions in relation to public procurement procedures are still considered to be difficult to handle due to a certain degree of bureaucracy. Nevertheless there is a huge potential for CoM Signatories to develop and further enhance energy products and services at the local level by green public procurement.

The first step towards this goal is to improve the knowledge with regard to public procurement procedures, especially for the elaboration/implementation of SEAPs, at local level and facilitate the respective legislation.

Experts from Piteşti Municipality in Romania had undertaken this experience, found it very useful and achieved good results. As a result the responsible person of the municipal initiative prepared documents which summarized all important legislative issues in relation to public procurement in order to provide other AMR members with a comprehensive and accessible material, when dealing with an Buy green products and services acquisition procedure for subcontracting services on Baseline Emission Inventories and SEAP development, implementation, monitoring and improvement.

The main topics addressed were: - public procurement system and the legal framework - regulating bodies and contracts awarding and overseeing - awarding principles and stages of the procurement process - setting up of the awarding documentation - publicity - awarding procedures - negotiation - contract concluding - Terms of Reference (ToR)

Recommendation for replicability:  Many municipalities directly benefit from concise information and can thus better deal with public procurement procedures that involve BEI/SEAP development and/or implementation. The national local government association is a good information hub to disseminate respective documents and at the same time serves as platform for sharing experiences and exchange on latest developments of public procurement procedures.

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2.13. Covenant capaCITY - Selected lessons learnt on capacity building and stakeholders’ involvement

Partners: Romanian Municipalities Association (AMR) and ICLEI Europe Target group: Politicians and technical staff of municipalities, Covenant Supporters and Coordinators

Message 1: First–hand experience is the most effective learning approach Authentic examples of good practice and a direct insight into background policies that helped in the successful development of energy measures / projects are crucial for political and technical decision-makers to fully understand the potential for replication and local applicability in their locations. Most participants have highlighted study tours as the most effective approach for transferring knowledge and practice between local government staff and policy makers.

Study tours triggered peer-to-peer cooperation and Mr Cretu, Mayor of Bistrita during the study capacity building activities for local governments by tour in Freiburg facilitating direct exchange of experience and supporting the preparation and development of sustainable energy strategies. Moreover, study tours were also highly beneficial in identifying optimal solutions to be adapted and replicated for different local contexts. In addition, the tangible aspects of study tours were found to be a successful teaching method. The ability to experience and interact with visible results greatly aided the learning process.

Message 2: Numbers count when choosing training methods The capacity building methods chosen need to take into account the expected number of participants in order to be effective. In Romania, for example, large events with 50 or more participants were found to be most useful for strictly motivational purposes, while peer-to-peer support worked well for smaller groups. In Germany, learning through peer-to-peer review was successful in creating new ideas and Workshop action solutions.

Message 3: Tailor made approaches fit best When it comes to sustainable energy action planning, it is crucial to remember that there is no one- size-fits-all solution. Thematic workshops, study tours, twinning schemes and peer-to-peer exchanges enhance the potential transferability of successful action through inspiring examples and sharing good practices.

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Peer-to-peer learning is experienced as both a short and long-term driver of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of action. Nevertheless, the highest likelihood of solving local challenges and implementing successful actions remains within the local context and according to local needs.

Message 4: Online training - in line with the times, but full potential still to be tapped Online training programmes have significant strengths and offer unprecedented accessibility to quality education. They can be a highly effective education alternative for busy professionals who have only limited time and need to be able to continue their training at their own pace. Nonetheless, there are weaknesses inherent in the use of this medium, such as the inability to adequately access the online learning environment (because of internet connection problems, lack of computer skills etc.). The Covenant capaCITY platform and webinars have shown the value of learning at a personal “tempo” for LGs’ staff and policy makers and, despite the challenges presented, it is important to continue investing in this means of capacity development as it is more efficient from the perspective of both time and emissions reduction.

Message 5: Training on stakeholders’ involvement leads to better performance Ensuring and enhancing collaboration on energy within a local government, with other (neighbouring) LGs and between different governmental levels is very important. Engaging the community and the private sector is also key in ensuring the successful implementation of sustainable energy actions. capaCITY countries unanimously agree on the importance of stakeholders´ involvement. Bulgaria’s experience shows that the involvement of all stakeholders during development and implementation of a SEAP is of great importance as they will all benefit from the results. The experience of Slovenia further emphasised this point, showing that a significant capaCITY Trainers of United Kingdom project cannot happen without the involvement of its stakeholders and the vital importance of municipalities acknowledging this. Providing preliminary educational training for trainers on how to shape stakeholders’ involvement has proven to be very beneficial to all actors in Italy. Tailored approaches addressing each shareholder have been similarly successful in France. Greece has widely engaged the community, organising energy days and events for citizens to raise awareness on energy efficiency and ensure their support in achieving the targets through informed, responsible and smart behaviours. Finland has shown how collaboration with the private sector can bring added value to both the capacity development of the municipality and provide opportunities for coherent improvements to sustainable energy actions.

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Recommendation for replicability  Study tours are one of the most effective approach for transferring knowledge and practice between local government staff and policy makers  Large events with 50 or more participants are most useful for motivational purposes, while peer-to-peer support works well for smaller groups  Peer-to-peer learning is experienced as both a short and long-term driver of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of action  Providing educational training for trainers on how to shape stakeholders’ involvement has proven to be very beneficial to all actors  Collaboration with the private sector can bring added value to both the capacity development of the municipality and provide funding opportunities for public-private- partnerships

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CONCLUSIONS & FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS

GOOD PRACTICES ON ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

100% renewable energy is feasible for a region

100% renewable energy for electricity or heat is possible on a regional level with a strong and well coordinated urban-rural interaction. Stakeholders’ engagement and the involvement of energy agencies are helpful to develop an integrated energy strategy. A good understanding of the framework conditions of the respective community and region, enhanced awareness and social acceptance, participation and ownership from the community towards the energy transition are vital. Building-up the needed expertise and making a precise assessment of the local and regional RE potential within the context of sustainability together with a strong political vision and continuous support from all parties makes the 100% renewable energy vision a reality.

Build alliances to overcome higher investment costs

Challenging building codes are achievable with clear local and regional energy policies aimed for gradual improvement. In addition, the involvement of the major stakeholders including cutting-edge research can overcome higher investment costs of passive houses, energy-plus and carbon neutral buildings. Thorough analysis of local energy resource potential and a balanced combination of the most appropriate technologies can substantially improve the energy performance without increasing costs disproportionally. Finally, exploit gained know-how economically, build on technically and stimulate the refinement of existing knowledge within the local building sector.

Create ownership and join forces for better energy data assessment

It is important to bring all relevant partners together in any kind of decision-making process, as this facilitates the access not only to additional resources in terms of money, time and knowledge, but also to obtain and access better energy data. Potential users of the energy data should be included from the very beginning in order to build up awareness and ownership, but also to secure the usefulness and value of the tool. Further a tool that is updated regularly and is simple enough to be used by a lot of people is more effective than a very advance tool which is soon out-dated and only used by a few experts.

Save resources by establishing a joint Energy Management Systems

Understanding the current practices of the energy data collection within different public entities and seeking a process to standardise and align it with the monitoring and reporting needs is the basis for implementing an energy strategy successfully. Conducting research on available energy accounting and metering options and establishing a joint concept of an Energy Management System with the neighbouring communities can save staff capacity and resources, while enhancing the exchange of expertise and lessons learnt.

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Monitor energy first before investing Implement pilot projects to test suitable energy management and accounting systems and gain evidence for calculating potential cost savings against payback times of investments. Moreover, the pure effort of monitoring energy use can save up to 15 percent of the energy need and thus should be considered as first and/or as a preparatory step to investments into the energetic improvement of the physical infrastructure.

Enhance sustainable transport with Integrated Mobility Master Plans

The establishment of an IMMP is only the kick-off of a long-term effort that requires continuous monitoring, evaluation and refinement of measures. Public transport, cycling and walking modes need to be enhanced and can play a major role in the densification strategies of cities and regions that are driven by energy and resource efficiency. IMMPs or Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) require an implementation of measures in a highly coordinated way. This includes the need to priorities measures within the comprehensive package and to find the appropriate balance for all transport modes to complement and thus push-and-pull each other. Initiate a process to negotiate and redistribute available space in favour to sustainable means of transport, in particular for walking and cycling.

Energetic Refurbishment in industry helps to reduce the energy demand drastically

The public sector should lead by example providing “best practice” cases and help testing and developing new building techniques and local financing models that can be applied. Be aware that often technical, cultural and aesthetic conflicts occur and need to be solved. Use and test with external guidance new and locally unknown insulating materials in the renovation of public buildings in order to build capacity within the local business and craftsmanship. Hence prepare the market for a wider deployment and scale of refurbishment. Energetic refurbishment should be part of the regional development strategy and may tap into respective funds of the national and European level.

Apply a programmatic and phased approach to mobilise funding

Reaching ambitious energy and climate targets is a “marathon” and demands constant efforts as well as a comprehensive refurbishment programme. Thermal insulation is a low hanging fruit in terms of its payback time of investments for energy actions in buildings. Thus it is a good starting-point and has the potential to extend towards other areas, when its social, environmental and economic benefits are evident. A programmatic, packaged and phased approach is able to attract bigger investments with usually better conditions including interest rates than smaller projects are able to do. EU funds may be combined with national funds or are able to replace these, if necessary. Projects of scale may compensate to some extend low and/or subsidized energy prices which usually are not able to mobilise funding due to its small margin of profit/return of investment.

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Use development and cohesion funds to implement energy related measures

The great resonance of the local residents confirms the appropriateness and need for green space projects as it improves the quality-of-life of citizens, while contributing to a higher level of active and thus zero-emission mobility. The full range of benefits of green spaces should be understood in relation to the reduction of noise and air pollution, social and recreational use, and enhancement of sustainable mobility as well as fostering urban biodiversity. Recreational land development and cohesion funds are suitable sources of finance that also allow driving the climate and mobility efforts further. Therefore the respective planning process within local and regional authorities should be coordinated with the implementation of SEAPs and SUMPs.

Professionalise public relations’ activities on climate

Awareness raising for strategic, inclusive and continuous stakeholder involvement is of utmost importance. Responsibility for the stakeholder involvement process needs to be clearly directed to one person and / or a steering committee. Building capacity to organise, plan and execute climate action related to public relations’ activities thoughtfully is vital, in particular to tap energy savings and efficiency in municipal offices, households or within the trade and commerce sector. For an effective implementation of a SEAP public relations and related stakeholder involvement must be conceptualised, budgeted and measures timed strategically in the middle and long run.

GOOD PRACTICES ON KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER AND PROCESS RELATED ISSUES

Joint SEAPs facilitate capacity building and knowledge transfer

Explore the bundling of resources and overcome shortcomings of capacity by joint BEI and SEAP development for small, neighbouring municipalities within a region. Especially, small, rural communities can profit from the fact that only one SEAP has to be prepared, implemented and monitored. This joint approach is more likely to finance an energy expert or climate manager that coordinates the entire process, ensures an integrated implementation and thus multiplies the impact of measures. The municipalities with lack of expertise on BEI/SEAP development are able to gain knowledge from more advanced municipalities within a region.

Learn from differentiated needs by active participation

Active participation in workshops and joint activities with stakeholders are effective methods to transfer knowledge. Familiarizing the “inexperienced” to ongoing and successfully implemented initiatives and projects provide a good basis for discussion and demonstration of important aspects within the realisation, monitoring and evaluation phase. The introduction and explanation of soft measures and practical elements of projects that demand an active involvement of local authorities has proven to be useful. Building strong and motivated relationships between local authorities and the CoM Supporters and Coordinators help to create a more fruitful knowledge exchange platform.

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Tap practical know-how of long-standing CoM Supporting Structures

It is highly recommended to learn from other CoM Coordinators and Supporters by personal exchanges, since they are able to gather experiences of various municipalities and reflect from a different level on the entire SEAP process. New CoM Coordinators and Supporters should look for mentors and seek guidance from the well established and experienced group of CoM Supporting Structures. Peer reviews on CoM processes and governance can provide the means to improve the existing situation on energy, but is also an effective method of a thematic knowledge transfer.

Copy but adapt measures from other cities

Sharing experience on emission inventories with real examples and concrete emission reduction actions is recommended. The existing catalogues of measures can be used to guide new CoM Signatories to identify concrete measures and compile a selection of actions for their first SEAP draft.

Establish a regional CoM Support Office enables effective information flow

The creation of a national or regional Focal Point for the CoM through a CoM Support Office enables a more effective communication and information flow between CoMO and CoM Signatories of a region as well as between public authorities within one region that signed up to the CoM. However, ensure political commitment, resources and finance according to foreseen tasks, especially from the organization that will host the office. To this end it is recommended to benefit from the knowledge and experience of an organization that has already set up a CoM Support Office within its structure. This can significantly help in overcoming organizational and technical obstacles that may arise. Understand the specific needs of local authorities that will be supported and align the functions of the CoM Support Office respectively.

Peer-to-peer exchange gives authentic advice

Covenant Supporting Structures that are involved in experience and knowledge exchange activities, trainings, seminars and roundtables, should assess whether their members and supported municipalities can also attend to benefit directly from such events. The active participation of municipalities and other supported organizations in such activities results in a better understanding of local needs and enables the provision of tailored technical support. In most of the cases the advice of peers (Covenant Signatory, Supporter or Coordinator) is accepted as more authentic and thus valuable. In international exchanges, the host should assess and address possible language barriers carefully to avoid that information is lost during the exchange.

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Substantiate information by technical visits

Technical visits can be organised easily and offer many benefits, most importantly they give the opportunity to interested parties to see implemented actions and technologies in practice as well as their benefits. When organising technical visits it is important that the host is able to provide details about the project or energy action, explain the framework conditions and how they influenced the project development, how was the project financed, what are the main constraints and problems faced as well as what are the benefits so that visitors can assess the potential of a transfer and replicability of the action to other regions.

Networking demands enhanced hard and soft skills

It is vital to share information, problems and solutions among CoM members. Despite of everyone's individual situations that may be different, there are many common elements and lessons to be learnt. Networks, clubs, associations and other similar structures can promote networking and create opportunities for meeting and exchanging experience between CoM signatories, Covenant Coordinators and Supporters of a region or country. Good networking and coordination is demanding and requires hard and soft skills. An exchange and reflection on these is useful for all participating parties.

Exchange on new legislations to drive the energy transition

If a new (EU) legislation and/or energy measure is introduced in your country, assess its implication and potential for the SEAP process. Search for regions within Europe where the same or similar measures were applied in order to enhance your understanding about it. The mutually beneficial cooperation between two parties should be based on a preliminary analysis of the needs of both sides. Thus starting the collaboration with a knowledge exchange about the areas of common interest is highly recommended. All collaboration activities should be viewed as means to develop new skills among the partners.

Transfer knowledge addressing local needs

The “experienced” can transfer its methodology to the “learning” through specific and concrete examples, but need to test and adapt it to the local conditions. Use GIS tools (even simple ones) to analyze a territory and make a list of this features, strengths and weaknesses in order to align the SEAP to the local needs and define energy measures that are most suitable to the specific content. Thus increasing the likelihood of the successful implementation and impact of measures, in particular related to behaviour change.

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Search for information hubs

Municipalities directly benefit, when information is concise and conditioned to its needs. National local government associations or thematic local government networks are a good information hub to disseminate information and at the same time serve as platform for sharing experiences and exchange on latest developments.

Strengthen capacity building by active participation

Study tours are one of the most effective approach for transferring knowledge and practice between local government staff and policy makers. Large events with 50 or more participants are most useful for motivational purposes, while peer-to-peer support works well for smaller groups. Peer-to-peer learning is experienced as both a short and long-term driver of implementation, monitoring and evaluation of action. Providing educational training for trainers on how to shape stakeholders’ involvement has proven to be very beneficial to all actors. Collaboration with the private sector can bring added value to both the capacity development of the municipality and provide funding opportunities for public-private-partnerships.

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