Requirements to become an Energy Town
02 July 2009
Gunnar Sigaard
"Energy Towns must be model towns in Denmark. They must influence both their citizens and local enterprises and be in the forefront when it comes to the operations of the municipality itself. Fortunately, many towns are already well under way, but with the Energy Town appointment the best of them get the seal of approval for their efforts so to speak. Therefore the energy towns should be given the opportunity to parade their accomplishment and they will receive special focus up until the climate summit in Copenhagen in 2009", said Minister for Climate and Energy Connie Hedegaard.
Criteria for Energy Towns
To be appointed Energy Town by the Minister for Climate and Energy, the following requirements must be met:
1
The town must have worked ambitiously for several years to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions and be able to show significant, measurable results and have implemented a mapping of the CO2 emission, which at least includes the municipality activities.
2
The municipality must have objectives and plans for reduction of CO2 emissions and implementation of energy savings. The objectives must be designed to ensure continuous improvement.
Moreover, there are specific requirements for the content of the energy and climate work, where the municipality must have:
3
Implemented and planned initiatives that involve citizens and communities in the energy and climate work.
4
Entered into a curve-breaking agreement with the Energy Saving Trust - or be about to conclude such an agreement.
5
Signed a municipality climate agreement with the Danish Society for Nature Conservation and with a possibility for prolongation, or if the municipality is appointed Energy Town, within one year after the appointment conclude such an agreement.
6
Launched an effort to reduce energy consumption and CO2 contributions from the municipality’s own buildings and set specific objectives.
7
Implemented concrete initiatives and requirements for energy framework for new residential areas or buildings.
8
Adopted a specific objective and launched or planned initiatives to reduce transport energy consumption and / or CO2 emissions for the municipality's own means of transport or another well-defined segment within transport.
9
Incorporate adaptation measures in relation to climate change in municipal planning.
Finally, as part of the application the municipality must:
10
Present a plan for dissemination of its know-how to other municipalities as well as commit itself to implement this plan.
