Energy Cities proposition 23 - Prove that it works and create a snowball effect
Inventing new local governance
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 23 - Prove that it works and create a snowball effect
The problem at hand
MRV - Measurable, Reportable and Verifiable, is the favourite formula used by Kyoto practitioners. It is indeed necessary to count and measure CO 2 in order to give it a price and transform it into a negotiable product, that is, to measure and demonstrate the progress made. We have learned how to count the water we produce and sell in order to reduce losses, and to count waste to limit production. We do the same with the energy we use and green-house gas emissions. But this data should not only be used by experts.
It is often said that “little streams make big rivers”, and this is true, but results can gain conviction. The impact of the efforts made to use less energy more efficiently must be measured and communicated at both territorial and individual levels: household, company, local authority, etc. It is a way of publicly recognising committed people and getting others on board, thus creating a snowball effect.
Proposal
Provide territorial stakeholders (household, company, university, hospital, etc.) with an opportunity to quantify their energy use reduction on a voluntary basis and make these results public.
An aggregation of individual results can be used to show collective results. This involves dynamic field work and the availability of Web-based communication (and sometimes calculation) tools. Social media and stakeholders’ mapping are additional indispensable tools.
Conditions for success
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Integrating this action in the figure-based objectives linked to the 2020 and 2050 European commitments.
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Communicating results in a friendly and enthusiastic way.
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Communicating using examples that have strong symbolic values (a school) or that can be reproduced (building insulation).
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Supporting committed stakeholders, getting others on board and going for massive results, not just the exception.