Multi-level governance as the key to effective climate action
Multi-level governance (MLG) is an essential element of modern, comprehensive policy-making and applies at every level: from local to European (and, of course, beyond Europe as well). It supports and strengthens many processes, particularly climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as effectively addresses energy poverty or provides a coherent framework for a just transition. When considering the scale and scope of necessary solutions to a complex global problem such as climate change, effective multi-level governance can accelerate cost-effective and inclusive action.
Building capacity of public authorities towards meeting public building stock renovation challenges – CaPABle roundtable
Representatives of the public administration, the building renovation sector and the educational sector met on November 16, 2022 in Warsaw, Poland, within the CaPABle project (Building capacity of public authorities towards meeting public building stock renovation challenges). The roundtable meeting was aimed at boosting the exchange of views, experiences and practices of the participants, learning about the opinions and needs of both sides in the field of public building renovation and competence building in this area, as well as to create an opportunity for dialogue between representatives of local governments and experts in the construction industry.
Building capacity of public authorities towards meeting public building stock renovation challenges - CaPABle project meeting
In Ljubljana, the Slovenian capital, on 12-13 October, CaPABle project partners from Poland, Italy, Slovenia and Greece discussed the next steps in the process of preparing an international manual and denveloping the programme for building local authority competence in renovation of public buildings. The agenda of the meeting included also the exchange of good practices regarding innovative financing of such activities, the preparation of interviews with representatives of the construction sector and public administration in each partner country, and the planning of effective communication and promotion of the project's achievements and results.
Exchange of experience with the Region of Crete
At the end of September (28-29.09.2022) representatives of PNEC took part in the exchange of experience with the Region of Crete. The exchange was organised within the REBUS project and focused on the current challenges related with the energy renovation of public buildings and possible solutions. The topics discussed included response to the COVID-19 pandemics and adequate adaptation of planned energy efficiency measures, as well as available funding schemes supporting buildings’ renovation, with the specific focus on regional operational programmes. An important topic mentioned was also the establishment of energy communities and engaging building users in local energy transition.
Supporting citizens in the rational use of energy
Saving energy is an area with unused potential. Such a belief is becoming more and more common, especially taking into consideration the crisis on the energy price market. Changing consumer behavior is therefore key to improving energy efficiency in buildings and contributes to rationalizing energy consumption and reducing costs.
Actions aimed at reducing energy consumption and supporting households in introducing positive changes in their homes are an increasingly common practice used by local governments. More and more people “have a very conscious and responsible approach to climate-related issues, including the reduction of energy consumption” (from the letter of the president of Bielsko-Biała to the residents). In order to meet local needs, various initiatives are undertaken related to energy consulting, facilitating access to subsidies, building awareness and good habits, and consequently reducing energy poverty.
Report on the workshop on the impact of the COVID pandemic on the energy situation of buildings and healthy and sustainable construction
Report on the workshop on the impact of the COVID pandemic on the energy situation of buildings and healthy and sustainable construction
An online format workshop on the impact of the COVID pandemic on the energy situation of public buildings and healthy and sustainable construction was held on September 23, 2022.
6-year REBUS project comes to the end
On September 6-7, 2022, the final meeting of the entire REBUS project consortium was held in Durham, UK. Also PNEC representatives were the attendees.
During the event, the partners summarized the implemented activities and determined the next steps leading to the completion of the project. Representatives of the city, university and organizations operating in Durham shared their experiences related to climate and environmental protection, presenting implemented projects, solutions and showing opportunities for cooperation between different stakeholders.
Last issue of the S3UNICA newsletter
We would like to invite you to read the latest - and the last - newsletter of the S3UNICA project (Intelligent energy-saving solutions on university campuses). This time, it raises new interesting issues related to the implementation of effective solutions on university campuses. It presents the most interesting events that took place during the implementation of the project. It informs about the success of the Italian University of Udine, where a partnership agreement was signed for the implementation of the modernisation and maintaining of energy systems project. You can read about the on-line meeting of the project partners and the international exchange of experiences organized in June 2022 by PNEC and an event for representatives of Polish universities from Bielsko-Biała in Krakow, who during the study visit could learn about interesting, energy-efficient solutions at universities in Krakow . Another points of interest are the results of the GreenMetric report, in which universities are assessed in terms of supporting ecology and implementing the principles of sustainable development. The study covered almost 1,000 universities from all over the world, including 264 from Europe. The newsletter also presents the impact of the Covid 19 pandemic on emission levels and emerging differences in energy efficiency between different universities.
The newsletter is available here.
Visit of the Representatives of the Covenant of Mayors East in Cieszyn
We organized a study visit for Representatives of the Covenant of Mayors East, thanks to courtesy and commitment of the City of Cieszyn, on July 1, 2022. The meeting in Cieszyn was an opportunity for representatives of the eastern cities to exchange experiences and learn more about good practices implemented in that border town.
The first part of the meeting took place at the City Hall. The mayor of the city - Przemyslaw Major welcomed the guests and introduced the topic of shaping urban space, involving residents in initiatives and climate protection by presenting numerous investments implemented in the city. Then Alexander Dorda, Head of the Department of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, and Erik Stępień, Energy Efficiency Manager, focused on issues related to energy efficiency, sustainable transportation and the use of renewable energy sources in the city. Shared knowledge sparked an interesting debate among participants on adapting cities to change and investment financing investment.
Exchange of experience within the REBUS project
As part of the REBUS project "Renovation for Energy efficient BUildingS", an exchange of experience was organised between the Association of Municipalities Polish Network "Energie Cités", which acted as host and partners from Hungary and Romania (organisations BORA 94 and SERDA). The meeting took place on 8 July in Krakow.
The event was opened by Anna Jaskuła - Director of the Association, who welcomed the participants and presented the agenda of the meeting. The first presentation was given by Patrycja Płonka, project manager at the Association, who talked about the funding opportunities under the 'European Funds for Małopolska 2021 - 2027', which will support the improvement of energy efficiency and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector, with particular emphasis on public buildings. Another presentation was given by Bartłomiej Smenda, project assistant at the Association. He presented the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on energy consumption in public buildings and consequently greenhouse gas emissions. Patrycja Płonka then drew attention to the growing importance of ensuring adequate indoor conditions in public buildings. This presentation provided an introduction to the second part of the event, during which good practices for healthy and sustainable buildings in Poland were presented.