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IntroductionThe reduction of CO2 emissions from cities in the industrialised part of the world is one of the most important challenges to be met in future years by modern society. Emissions from these cities are two to six times the acceptable sustainable rate of 3.3 tons/capita (as identified by Prof John Byrne, Centre for Energy and Environmental Policy, U.S.A.). However, in addition to this many cities are also growing at a rapid tempo and a considerable number of large cities in the developing countries are increasing the standard of living for their citizens - with increased CO2 emissions as an almost inevitable consequence. The problem is vast and has to be addressed by using a broad range of approaches, ranging from overall planning and policy programs for whole cities, to energy conservation measures undertaken by individual citizens and collective groups (think globally - act locally). Policies and targets have to be set at an international level, such as by the Kyoto Protocol, but also at national and local (municipal) level.
GoalThe European Solar Cities Project is a study that addresses the planning and application of technologies for utilising Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and the rational use of energy (RUE) - also referred to as energy efficiency (EE) - in an urban context, and their relevance for reducing CO2 emissions. In this way the project team aims to provide general encouragement to cities to move towards sustainable energy provision and initiating the Solar City transformation process (a Solar City is seen a city that has made a firm commitment to clear and ambitious emissions reduction targets, also recognising that RES can contribute to this in a substantial manner). Within the scope of this project several activities were conducted:
The guides have as primary objective the support of different city actors in identifying environmental actions and sustainable technologies to be implemented at city level. They focus on sustainable energy-related aspects, such as the reduction of harmful emissions, the sustainable use of local resources, the provision of a reliable, secure and economic energy supply, and flexible options for the sound diversification of energy sources in cities.
Available ResultsThe results encompass a range of informative materials, with recommendations for replication to city actors and local governments. The Good Practice Guide is useful for city actors that require ideas and information for planning their own activities and strategies to implement clean energy sources and promote the reduction of harmful emissions. A set of generic good practices have been identified, which represent a good starting point for cities that require an introduction to the concept of implementing RES and RUE strategies and activities. The CO2 Reduction Potential Assessment and Issues Impacting on CO2 balances, is a comprehensive report that addresses reduction targets and baseline studies. This is particularly useful for guiding cities interested in implementing a strategy, with basic steps identified to assist this process. It has to be noted that there are many different approaches that are, and can be, used by cities, with different baselines and varied ways of presenting emissions reduction results. Although scientists are not unanimous in agreeing to the best way to measure emissions, or the most effective way to calculate emissions reduction, the project team has the view that a delay in implementing strategies and activities that will adequately reduce harmful emissions, is in itself the most damaging approach. The results of the project confirm that activities and comprehensive strategies, addressing the wider integration of RES into local energy systems, have real and promising results for CO2 reduction. There is also a clear impact on different levels, including:
Despite the complexity of the problems facing cities, there is a clear recognition from all sides that action must be taken without delay to address the reduction of harmful emissions - also those resulting from local activities, whether from inhabitants, industries and other actors - based within the local boundaries or interlinked to the city activities.
Today, it is public policy and political leadership, rather than either technology or economics, that are required to move forward with the widespread application of the renewable energy technologies and methodologies. The technologies and economics will all improve with time, but they are sufficiently advanced at present to allow for major penetrations of renewable energy into the mainstream energy and societal infrastructures. Firm goals for penetrations of renewable energy into primary energy and electrical energy production can be set by governments with confidence for the next 20 years and beyond, without resource limitations.
Financial SupportThe project partners extend their thanks for the financial support received from the European Commission, Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development (EESD) - Part B (Energy) Programme. Project Partners
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