Barcelona and Växjö place the emphasis on renewable energy

by Claire Iochum on 11 December 2009 / 272 visites

Energie-Cités bakes fortune cookies for the Copenhagen negotiators: 10 inspiring local policies for 10 days of the Summit. Proven and successful local experiences in climate and energy matters are the best support the EU negotiators can get in Copenhagen. That is why Energie-Cités, with 20 years of experience in sustainable energy policy, has prepared 10 electronic fortune cookies to inspire the decision-makers during the Climate Summit COP 15.

Photovoltaic energy

Barcelona is situated on Mediterranean coast; thanks to its abundant sunshine, the city enjoys excellent conditions for the use of solar energy. BARNAGEL, Barcelona’s local energy agency had been create in 1996 for disseminating information towards the other municipalities. A number of them answered in promoting and implementing a pionner environmental policy that strives to set an example and encourage the use of renewable energy sources to render the city more livable in a sustainable fashion. Practical examples of this are the Solar Thermal Municipal Ordinance that encourages the installation of solar heat collectors in buildings and the Municipal Action Plan, known by its initials in Catalan PAM, which includes a series of energy and resources saving measures applicable to municipal buildings.

Fossil fuel free city

Växjö is located in south of Sweden. In 1996, municipal policy makers decided unanimously that Växjö should become a fossil fuel free city. A measurable target was set at 50% reduction per capita between 1993 and 2010. To become fossil fuel free, involvement is necessary from City administration, university, companies, citizens and others. The programme includes a wide range of activities dealing with heating, electricity, transport, energy efficiency and behavioural patterns. Great results can already be seen – between 1993 and 2008, the CO2 emissions per capita were reduced by 35 percent.