Energy Cities proposition 07 - Prepare an Energy Transition Action Plan
Empowering local players
2014
Energy Cities is a network of more than 1,000 cities in 30 different countries. Convinced that energy transition is more than a question of renewable energy or advanced technologies, Energy Cities proposes to use resources in a reasoned way, to strengthen local participation and to improve the quality of life in a democratic Europe. In 2014, the network presents 30 proposals for the Energy Transition of Territories.
They are a source of inspiration to think and act differently. To finally turn the page on unsustainable practices that lead us into energy, climate and perhaps economic and social dead ends.
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Energy Cities proposition 07 - Prepare an Energy Transition Action Plan
The problem at hand
One of the main difficulties of the energy transition is to align short, medium and long-term objectives. Sharing visions of a low energy city with a high quality of life for all by 2050 is easy, as the time horizon is still a long way off and everyone understands that the current situation is no longer sustainable.
However, it is more difficult to agree on the strategies that need to be implemented to get there as they involve changing trajectories and, therefore, habits. This disturbs the relations between players and leads to inertia.
Things become even more complicated when it comes to voting next year’s budget. All the obstacles inherited from our mindsets and practices, which have more to do with past inertia than future dynamics, come to the fore.
This is why an Energy Transition Action Plan is needed.
Proposal
The Energy Transition Action Plan serves as a link between the long-term vision and annual budgets.
This 5 to 10 year action plan goes much further than just integrating quantitative energy data that will be used to monitor energy and CO2 emission indicators. It also ensures that the desired trajectory is integrated into sectoral policies whilst being translated into policies and actions as well as human and financial resources. In short, it gives the trajectory consistency.
Conditions for success
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Having a clear, shared and documented vision of the course to be taken.
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Running the process under the authority of the Mayor who has the legitimacy and authority to enforce this course.
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Preparing the action plan as a tool for co-ordinating and implementing a maximum of the Proposals from this booklet.
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Making the plan an annual and multi-annual budgeting tool.