Press releases

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Energy Cities provides you with our latest press releases (see below), pictures that can be use for your publications, videos on the different topics we tackle with and other communication tools.

Press release, 03.05.2013 - Energy Cities becomes the European Association of local authorities in energy transition This is a new, logical step in the Association’s life since the 30 proposals for the energy transition of towns and cities have been published last year: Energy Cities becomes today the European Association for local authorities in energy transition! Download: PDF - 327.2 kb

Energy and Climate 2030 objectives: Mayors "demonstrate" their contribution and call for continued EU suppport - April 2013 As both the EU and local levels are meeting today to advance the energy and climate agenda, Energy Cities’ members call on the EU to recognize and support their efforts and invite all oth er stakeholders to join them in this endeavor. Text of the call: English - Français Download: PDF - 392.6 kb

Press release - Coalition for Energy Savings 27.03.2013 : Green Paper “A 2030 framework for climate and energy policies” : Energy savings – the missing link to EU competitiveness The European Commission has overlooked the importance of an energy savings target in a green paper that launches a public consultation on a 2030 framework for climate and energy policy. The green paper instead focuses on a ‘quick fix’ approach that would fail to deliver the structural changes that the EU needs to boost competitiveness and manage spiking energy prices. Download: PDF - 218.3 kb

Press release - Heat Coalition 27.03.2013 : Green Paper “A 2030 framework for climate and energy policies” : "The debate must include heating and cooling" According to the Heat Coalition, a platform gathering 11 European associations with a stake in the heating and cooling sector, the forthcoming climate and energy policy framework must adequately address the future role of the heating and cooling sector, as it accounts for no less than 45% of the final energy consumption in Europe today. Download: PDF - 369.2 kb

Press release - Coalition for Energy Savings 14.03.2013: "European Parliament backs energy efficiency target in vote on 2050 Energy Roadmap" Today, in its approval of the report on the Energy Roadmap 2050, the European Parliament voted in favour of setting three post-2020 targets for energy efficiency, renewable energy and greenhouse gas emissions. Download: PDF - 215.2 kb

Press release, 18.01.2013 - Cohesion policy: Court of Auditors’ concerns now addressed by Covenant of Mayors movement In its recently-published report on the cost effectiveness of cohesion policy investments in energy efficiency, the European Court of Auditors points to a mismanagement of EU funding, blaming member states for a lack of adequate criteria when programming and monitoring energy efficiency projects. [...] Download: PDF - 383.9 kb

Press release, 22.11.2012 - Cohesion policy: priority to local energy strategies! Energy Cities calls for the future ERDF regulation to support local authorities voluntarily committed to the EU energy and climate objectives! This Cohesion Policy funding instrument should give priority to cities having adopted a Sustainable Energy Action Plan under the Covenant of Mayors initiative. Download: PDF - 200.5 kb

Press release - Coalition for Energy Savings, 20.11.2012: "Energy savings to be first policy priority for 2030" On the occasion of the Brussels launch of the IEA’s World Energy Outlook 2012, organised by the Coalition for Energy Savings, the Coalition calls on the European Commission to make energy efficiency and savings the first priority of European energy and economic policies for 2030 and beyond. Energy Cities is part of the Coalition: http://energycoalition.eu/ Download: PDF - 173.6 kb

Press release, 18.10.2012 - Energy Cities launches its resource center dedicated to local energy foresight Download: PDF - 298.3 kb

Press release, 12.12.2012 - Renovating Europe: Mayors team up to better voice aspirations towards European and national institutions The Renovate Europe Day, held yesterday in Brussels, was the occasion to explore the local economic and social benefits of investing in the renovation of Europe’s building stock. It provided an excellent exchange opportunity for mayors, local elected representatives and private companies to seek synergies in this area, one of the major sectors in which local authorities have a key role to play. Download: PDF - 345.1 kb

Joint proposal for amendments to the draft report on the Energy roadmap 2050 : a future with energy, 10.07.2012 Joint proposal supported by : AEBIOM, Cecodhas Housing Europe, CEWEP, COGEN Europe, EFIEES, EGEC, EHI, EHPA, Energy Cities, ESTIF and Euroheat & Power Download: PDF - 362.4 kb

Joint Press Release, 25.06.2012 - The EU Growth Pact: Refurbish 10 million homes - re-invigorate Europe’s economy! At their next meeting on 28-29 June 2012, the Heads of States and Government will decide on measures to boost growth and jobs through an "EU growth agenda". One specific measure that would bring significant long term benefits to the EU with immediate effect on economic growth and job creation is the deep or comprehensive energy efficiency refurbishment of the EU housing stock, starting with the poorest performing dwellings. Download: PDF - 386.1 kb

Press release, 08.06.2012 - Rio+20: Covenant of Mayors Signatories set new trajectory Through the Covenant of Mayors, local and regional governments have found a voice and a platform, to share ground-breaking practices and gain recognition for their pivotal role in the energy transition. With the political support of the Committee of the Regions, they intend to take the opportunity of the Rio+20 Conference to demonstrate, in the presence of international institutions and decision makers, their crucial contribution to the UN sustainable development objectives. Download: PDF - 338.2 kb

Press release, 01.06.2012 - ENGAGE - Innovative governance models, long term financing and participative engagements: The threefold solution to a successful low energy strategy “Through the Covenant of Mayors, provinces, regions and city networks help local governments act as motors of the European economy” says Domènec Cucurull (Province of Barcelona). The head of the environmental department is set to further elaborate on this topic on the occasion of the joint EUSEW network session: “Innovative [and practical] approaches on how to make the Covenant of Mayors a success” to be held in Brussels on the afternoon of the 21st of June 2012. Co-organised by FEDARENE, Climate Alliance, ICLEI Europe and Energy Cities, this joint event is to shed light on some interesting European projects and the multi-sided roles of sub-national governments and associations involved in the Covenant of Mayors initiative. Download: PDF - 315.6 kb

Press release, 22.05.2012 - European leaders must recognise energy efficiency as a springboard for sustainable growth Download: PDF - 343.3 kb

Press release - Energy Cities’ members send 30 proposals to Rio+20 - Guimaraes, 10 May 2012 Download: PDF - 128.6 kb

Press release, 02.04.2012 - Energy Efficiency: Council increasing gap to Europe’s 20% target The latest Danish Presidency proposal on the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) would close only one third of the gap to Europe’s 20% energy saving target for 2020, according to the Coalition for Energy Savings. In fact, certain key provisions risk being even weaker than existing legislation which is due to be repealed by the new Directive. Download: PDF - 333.1 kb

Press release, 28.03.2012 - “Intelligent Energy Europe” must be maintained within the Horizon 2020 programme! In November 2011, the European Commission made a proposal for a €6.5bn Research and Innovation budget aimed at secure, clean and efficient energy. This budget is planned for the period 2014-2020 within the framework of the new Horizon 2020 programme to be co-ordinated by DG Research and Innovation. Will the budget embrace the activities backed by the Intelligent Energy Europe Programme (IEE)? Download: PDF - 447.5 kb

Joint Statement, 06.03.2012 - Energy Roadmap 2050: Neither Hot nor Cool With more than 40% heating and cooling represents by far the largest share of final energy consumption in Europe. Although this sector is not only huge in size, but also as regards low and no-carbon solutions available already today, it is largely overlooked in all scenarios presented in the Energy Roadmap 2050. As a consequence, the Roadmap fails to deliver a coherent and future-proofed vision. In addition to carbon-neutrality, future proofing implies affordability for all citizens and positive effects on local welfare including creation of employment. Download: PDF - 1 Mb

Press release, 15.12.2011 - The EU Energy Roadmap 2050 reveals positive trends for the local level. Could a Covenant of Mayors 2050 come into sight? Although the European Commission’s Communication on the Energy Roadmap 2050 is not revolutionary, the document reveals positive trends. The future European energy scheme puts energy efficiency and renewable energies at the forefront of action. And it gives reasons for hope that local resources and the need for energy decentralisation will be considered more strongly. Download: PDF - 267.2 kb

Press release, 30.11.2011 - Time to air your clean laundry in public: The European ENGAGE campaign has been launched by Covenant of Mayors signatories! Covenant of Mayors signatories have engaged their city to achieve and go beyond the EU “3x20” objectives. They need the support of all citizens and local stakeholders to jointly reach these targets. With ENGAGE, citizens take action for Europe! Download: PDF - 387.9 kb

Joint Press release, 30.11.2011 - A call for action to Durban summit - Covenant of Mayors Signatories call on national leaders to step-up their efforts in fighting climate change As European cities steadily increase their efforts in the fight against climate change, Covenant of Mayors Signatories urgently call on national leaders in Durban to show the same level of commitment and determination. This message, addressed to the delegates of the UN Climate Change Conference in Durban, South Africa, was unanimously adopted by some 400 mayors on 29 November 2011 in the hemicycle of the European Parliament in Brussels. Read the Statement Download: PDF - 360.6 kb

Joint Press release Energy Cities / URBAN Intergroup, 14.11.2011 - The local level, at the core of European 2050 Roadmaps : 6th IMAGINE Seminar 2011 A one day seminar "Energy Roadmap 2050: Towards local and regional Energy Roadmaps" was organised in Brussels on 9th of November 2011 by the URBAN Intergroup of the European Parliament and Energy Cities. Download: PDF - 461.4 kb

Press release, 06.10.2011 - Significant progress as regards the ERDF financial regulations for 2014-2020 On 6th October, the European Commission published its financial regulation proposals for the 2014-2020 period. This document is of prime importance as it defines what European funds should be used for and how they should be spent. Download: PDF - 488.2 kb

Press release, 21.09.2011 - ENGAGE Days ENGAGE is a pan-European communication initiative that aims to involve citizens and stakeholders in building a sustainable energy future at the local level. Posters are the main communication channel used to raise awareness for the campaign and to locally share the Covenant of Mayors’ goals and the European Union “3x20” objectives. Download: PDF - 124.1 kb

Press release, 22.07.2011 - The Intelligent Energy Europe Programme must be maintained ! On 29 June 2011, the European Commission published its proposal for the EU Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF) for the period 2014-2020. According to this document, the Commission abandons the only centrally-managed programme focused entirely and exclusively on the promotion of energy efficiency and renewable energy sources – the Intelligent Energy Europe programme (IEE) worth € 730 million for the period 2007-2013. This decision is not understandable and it is unacceptable for Energy Cities. Download: PDF - 457.2 kb

Joint press release, 23.06.2011 - The EED Directive must constitute a great step towards the transition for efficient and integrated energy production and consumption If the Directive recognises for the first time that energy solutions are to be found for each local territory, the chosen approach will only deliver expected results if there is really a clear room for a choice representing the best local solution. In addition, obligations can only deliver expected results if adequate funding and financial instruments attached to it, which the Directive is currently forgetting to address. Download: PDF - 311.3 kb

Press release, 24.05.2011 - Launch of the European Campaign for Smart-Energy Buildings www.take your energy back.eu ! With the website www.takeyourenergyback.eu going live today, the European Campaign ‘Smart-e Buildings’ is launched. It aims at mobilising 2 mio. Europeans for smart investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy for the building sector. This large-scale communication campaign invites citizens, building owners, and public authorities to get informed and to (inter)act for smart energy buildings. Download: PDF - 252.8 kb

Press release, 24.05.2011 - Launch of the European Campaign for Smart-Energy Buildings www.take your energy back.eu! With the website www.takeyourenergyback.eu going live today, the European Campaign ‘Smart-e Buildings’ is launched. It aims at mobilising 2 mio. Europeans for smart investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy for the building sector. This large-scale communication campaign invites citizens, building owners, and public authorities to get informed and to (inter)act for smart energy buildings. Download: PDF - 252.7 kb

Press Release, 15.04.2011 - The European Award “TOWARDS CLASS A” 2011 - Lille lived up to its ambitions Being in the race to become the new champion in the French football ‘Ligue 1’ competition did not seem ambitious enough for the City of Lille, which recently engaged into another “battle” to win a prize in the energy saving field. Just a few millimetres short of being finalist in the competition last year, Lille made an extra effort to ensure that this would be its year of glory. Lille received the First Prize from the hands of the President of the Jury Pekka Sauri, Vice-President of Energy Cities and Deputy Mayor of Helsinki. Download: PDF - 330 kb

Press release, 02.02.2011 - Resource-efficiency requires a European strategy for heat ! With just days to the historic energy summit, six Brussels based associations representing energy efficiency have come together to focus attention on the heating sector and unite in their call for strong action on energy efficiency. Sharing the conviction that local energy concepts hold the key towards an accelerated transition to a sustainable energy future, the associations (Euroheat & Power, Cecodhas Housing Europe, CEWEP, COGEN Europe, EFIEES and Energy Cities) produced a joint statement entitled ‘Europe needs a strategy for Heat’. They believe that heating and cooling should be viewed as a market in their own right, as doing so provides important possibilities for energy integration and efficiency. Download: PDF - 525.9 kb

Press Release, 25.01.2011 - Creative communication campaigns for efficient buildings - The European Award “TOWARDS CLASS A” 2011 Your municipality is “display”ing an energy certificate in its buildings? And it has launched a much broader awareness-raising campaign on the energy performance? If so, Energy Cities’ Display® Campaign team awaits your application for the 2011 Award. Download: PDF - 266.6 kb

Press release, 31.01.2011 - Energy and Cohesion Policy: Energy Cities welcomes the Commission’s proposals for sustainable growth In its last Communication published on 26 January, the European Commission outlines the role to be played by regional policy in the implementation of the « Europe 2020 » Strategy [COM(2011) 17 final]. The document’s recommendations are largely in line with the proposals advocated by Energy Cities Download: PDF - 59.9 kb

Press release, 26.11.2010 - The Covenant of Mayors combines energy and cohesion policies (Brussels, 26/11/2010) Energy Cities welcomes the European Commission’s initiative to highlight the relevance of the Covenant of Mayors in preparing Europe’s territorial and energy future in two strategic documents of paramount importance. For the first time, a strategic document on energy mentions the role of cities, whereas another document on cohesion makes low energy cities a priority. Energy Cities is pleased to see that both documents are new evidence of the political portent of the Covenant of Mayors, an initiative in which our Association is fully engaged. Download: PDF - 71.1 kb

Press release, 02.09.2010 - “Building Europe from the bottom up” : The Covenant of Mayors inspires the President of the European Commission On 27th August 2010, in a speech delivered in Rimini -a member of Energy Cities- the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, presented the Covenant of Mayors as an exemplary initiative for Europe. Invited to talk at the 31st Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples, he expressed his desire to extend such innovative partnerships to other policy areas and said this was “subsidiarity in action1”. His message underlined the fact that “As a result, local governments have become leading actors in implementing sustainable energy policies”1. Download the speech of José Manuel Barroso Download: PDF - 139.2 kb

Press Release, 16.06.2010 - Call for extension of the Covenant of Mayors to Western Balkans An extension of the Covenant of Mayors to the Western Balkans was called for in a common declaration adopted during the meeting of the presidents and directors of the Network of Associations of Local Authorities of South-East Europe (NALAS1) in Sofia on 15 June. Download: PDF - 393.4 kb

Press Release, 6.05.2010 - IVANIC-GRAD (HR) receives the TCA 2010 award The city of Ivanic-Grad, Croatia, was awarded with the First Place. About this candidate, the Jury expressed “to be impressed by the total inclusion of this campaign - from public to private buildings involving media; users and the citizens of the area including children and politicians. Download: PDF - 455.9 kb

Press Release, 6.05.2010 - Covenant of Mayors: European Commissioner for Energy Oettinger announces €115M for signatory cities The city network Energy Cities –which has been playing an important role in this process - congratulates the Commissioner on this first step, a step that the 1,700 cities engaged in the Covenant of Mayors had been eagerly waiting for. Download: PDF - 112.4 kb

Energy Cities statement on the Covenant of Mayors Cities engaged in the Covenant of Mayors are waiting for a strong signal from the European Commission and Member States! Download: PDF - 244.5 kb

Energie­-Cités becomes Energy Cities After twenty years of existence, Energie-­Cités ­the European Association of local authorities inventing their energy future­ has changed both its name and logo. The name of the association is now Energy Cities, to underline the European dimension of this association which has a membership of one thousand local authorities from thirty countries. Download: PDF - 320.5 kb

Press Release, 29.03.2010 - European Recovery Plan: unused funds should go to cities engaged in the Covenant of Mayors The €5 billion European Economic Recovery Plan (EERP) adopted in spring 2009 excluded local authorities’ energy efficiency initiatives from support. Local authority networks –coordinated by Energy Cities- had proposed allocating 500 MEUR to cities engaged in the Covenant of Mayors to reinforce, inter alia, their financial and human capacities. Although favourably received by the Parliament, this proposal had been discarded by the Commission. It appears that an amount of about 115 M€ will remain from the Economic European Recovery Plan (EERP), one year after its adoption. This is not a huge amount, but if it is well used, a leverage effect might occur. Download: PDF - 140.9 kb

Press release, 12.01.2010 - Display : Labelled buildings are talking buildings Your municipality is “display”ing an energy certificate in its buildings? And, more than that, it has launched a much broader awareness-raising campaign on the energy performance? If so, Energy Cities’ Display® Campaign team awaits your application to the 2010 TCA Awards. The deadline for applications is 26th March 2010! Download: PDF - 275.5 kb

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