Energy Cities proposition 15 - Encourage the development of a more endogenous economy to increase territories’ resilience
Knowing our territories’ resources and flows
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.
To download : cahier_short_jan2014_en.pdf (6.8 MiB)
Energy Cities proposition 15 - Encourage the development of a more endogenous economy to increase territories’ resilience
The problem at hand
Globalisation has drifted production and consumption areas apart. Food often travels thousands of miles before reaching our plate, traceability is not always guaranteed and between one-third and a half of our food is wasted. Manufactured products follow the “extraction-production-disposal” cycle, a source of material, energy and transport waste. And all this to the detriment of the local economy.
We are now at a crossroads. The economic crisis and ecological concerns tend towards creating a more resilient society, better prepared to face unexpected events. An increasing number of Europeans are learning how to use healthy, local food without wasting it. For them, giving, selling and buying second-hand products make sense and is financially interesting. But this more endogenous economy is still in its infancy.
Proposal
Develop short food supply chains.
Support new consumption practices aimed at “reducing – reusing – recycling”.
Local authorities have levers they can use to accelerate these budding processes by adopting urban planning and land management policies that re-establish a link between producers and consumers, by preserving water resources and soils, by using public procurement to encourage short food circuits, and by promoting second-hand markets and optimising waste management.
Conditions for success
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Clearly adopting a strategy encouraging short food supply chains and the reuse of manufactured goods through awareness-raising events and campaigns.
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Giving practical signals of the local authority’s commitment to the local population by introducing local organic produce in institutional catering, by opening facilities dedicated to waste sorting and second-hand goods and by a concerted effort at creating land reserves dedicated to organic farmers.
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Encouraging private, associative and co-operative initiatives organising these short supply chains so as to elicit new viable economic models and the social inclusion of the most vulnerable groups.