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.
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.
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.
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.