European context
Sustainable Energy Systems: a key issue for Advanced Cities...
Energy efficiency and energy saving measures now form part of the European Union’s priorities, meaning these must be included in any new project concepts implemented al local level.
Increasingly local authorities are promoting sustainable local energy policies – addressing improved energy consumption and efficiency, as well as using clean energy sources.
In this project some Advanced Cities and other partners that are interested in these aspects, have come together to meet the challenges in an active way! What is an Advanced City? These are cities that have committed to ambitious targets, have been active in the area of sustainable energy for some time, and taken the lead in promoting this on a larger scale, to mitigate the impact of climate change.
Energy issues should form a central part of local planning, although the visibility thereof is less, for instance compared to public infrastructure. These aspects have to be handled with high priority, and at an early stage of the planning phase, to ensure that the energy issues are thoroughly considered beforehand.
... and a clear challenge that has to be met!
| All cities must reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions further, together with local stakeholders, such as businesses, and with the support of the scientific community. |
The time has come to show how sustainable energy systems can be implemented incorporating innovative technologies and systems. Against this background the SESAC ("Sustainable Energy Systems in Advanced Cities") project was developed, and aims at:
enhancing the role of sustainable local energy management,
promoting energy- and cost efficient eco-buildings,
increasing the share and integration of a renewable energy supply (RES) locally,
ensuring widespread dissemination and training, also using local case studies and guidelines,
exchanging experiences and expertise, with the transfer of know-how through workshops and study tours, among others.
