Introduction

The RES PUBLICA project was initiated from the need for a local sustainable process towards a more effective use of energy. The main idea is to create synergies at the local level between policy makers, citizens and market actors through the implementation of Local Agenda 21. Therefore, the project contributes to produce bottom-up intelligent-energy strategies at the local level in different EU countries and to create a network at the EU level for the exchange of best practices.

Objectives and target audience

The overall purpose of the project is to promote a more effective use of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and the Rational Use of Energy (RUE). The project looks to introduce a more participatory approach to local management of energy related issues. The project aim is to produce relevant results at the local level where all the stakeholders and market actors are involved. As one of the most significant outcomes, the local Sustainable Energy Programmes will be targeted specifically to local needs.

Overall Objectives

Local improvement towards sustainable development and a more effective use of Renewable Energy Sources (RES)

• Creation of synergies at local level between policy makers, citizens and market actors through the methodology of implementing Local Agenda 21
• Production of bottom-up intelligent-energy strategies at the local level in different EU countries Production
• Creation of a network at the EU level for the exchange of best practices and project results on Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and the Rational Use of Energy (RUE)

The main aim is to promote a more effective use of energy. This project aspires to fulfil these objectives by implementing sustainable energy forums that will lead to feasibility plans and determine the main priorities of sustainable energy programmes. Establishing local networks for the promotion of RUE and use of RES will facilitate the exchange of tools, information and best practices. Proposals to local, national and international agreements in RES will be made as products of the project.
In order to make the project results comparable and the activities easily replicable, common tools, methodologies and guidelines will be produced. The international approach allows the partnership to share know how, experiences and best practices to have a greater influence on policy makers and a strong impact on the European territory.

Financial Resources and Partners involved

The project is co-financed by EIE (Intelligent Energy Europe) program.
All partners are organization and provincial and regional authorities already involved in the development of the local LA21:

• Provincia di Genova (leader town)
• Provincia di Parma
• Provincia di Modena
• Coordinamento Agende 21 Locali italiane
• Landkreis Neuburg-Schrobenhausen
• Stadt Neuburg an der Donau
• Lake Balaton Development Coordination Agency
• Diputaciò de Barcelona

Process

Phases of the Process:

1. Production of a common methodology to organize and facilite the Forums, to realize the Sustainable Energy Program and for the Study of feasibility of the projects
2. Development of a shared path in each area of the project based on the common methodology to define the Sustainable Energy Program.
3. Select the Priority Actions upon which define a Plan of Feasibility.
4. Creation of a Local Net at national level and of a International Net at the European level for the exchange of good practices.
5. Discussion and validation of the Sustainable energy Programs included in suggestions for the update of the local action Plan (e. g. the plan of mobility, models of construction, etc.).

Results

Expected results:
As for concrete results in energy saving, it is important to underline that the majority of the project partners are public administrations. This means that the potential impact in energy efficiency in public buildings can be very high. We can foresee better energy management in the partners’ buildings as a result of project activities. The Sustainable Energy Programmes can lead to reduction in energy consumption by 25% for recently-built buildings and by 50% or more for older buildings. Taking into consideration that the project partners own high numbers of buildings, the potential impact could be very high.
Each Forum will also produce a feasibility plan for the main tasks of the Programme and at least 1 local agreement and 2 local private/public partnerships for RES and/or energy efficiency development. Moreover, the Public Administrations are the promoters of the Sustainable Energy Forums and many other local stakeholders will be invited to take an active part in the production of the local Programmes and in the implementation of their priorities and tasks. Using these methods, the impact on the involved communities will be very significant.

Critical Success Factors / Challenges