Description
Reduction of energy consumption and CO2 emissions is one of the main issues at the political agenda of Europe and Latvia. Various studies have shown that municipalities have the largest potential for achieving both aims. There are currently 19 municipalities in Latvia that have joined the Covenant of Mayor's initiative, thus taking the responsibility to reduce their caused emissions. However, problems arise when the implementation of measures stated in the Sustainable energy action plan must be implemented. Measures are often not detailed enough and there is a lack of practical experience on how to implement them. This project will serve as a guideline and will state with what to start and how to achieve the objectives. Developed training materials and practical implementation of know-how exchange methods will allow evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of municipalities. The project applicant together with project partners (3 municipalities and an energy planning expert from Norway) will create a strong team. Information on materials and methods necessary for the primary target group (representatives from energy, transport, construction, forestry, agriculture, industry, environmental protection, education and science sectors) will be gathered, thus allowing to apply these methods for these industry professionals. In the framework of the project training materials and training program and module will be developed, 4 trainings organised in 4 regions, seminar and final conference will take place and training material (book) will be published.
Summary of project results
The reduction of energy consumption and CO2 emissions is one of the main issues at the political agenda of Europe and Latvia. Various studies have shown that municipalities have the largest potential for achieving both aims. The project 'Training on climate and energy management issues for municipalities and different industries' aim was finding solutions for introducing sustainable environment and energy management ideas in daily life, as well as increase public awareness and participation in climate change mitigation. The project was targeted at the energy, transport, construction, forestry, agriculture, industry, environmental protection, education and science sector representatives and other parties interested in climate change mitigation activities. The project has served as a guideline, showing the first steps and practical advice contributing to the achievement of targets. The project developed training materials and organized training events. Training materials and methods developed and applied during the project allowed municipalities to have a closer look at their strengths and weaknesses. Varied learning approaches were applied – mentoring, peer learning and work shadowing. The mentoring activity involved experience transfer between advanced and less advanced municipalities. Among Latvian municipalities, there are good examples showing noticeable results in climate change mitigation. Liepaja city is one of them and served as a mentor (advisor) for the three project partners: Jurmala city, Salaspils and Saldus municipalities.In order to achieve the planned results, an online tool for municipality-level energy data management was created. Project materials and the results were presented in a handbook.
Summary of bilateral results
A project partner from Norway - Østfold University College project manager Audun Amundsen - visited Saldus, Salaspils and Jurmala municipalities and gave suggestions for improvements for introducing sustainable environment and energy management ideas in daily life practice. The mentor from Norway told about various measures and solutions implemented by the Oslo city to become a zero-emission city by 2050. The major goal was to encourage best practice exchange.