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Barcelona is becoming a leader in solar energy use, Malmö
is developing a carbon neutral residential area and London
is setting ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets - cities
are joining in the fight against climate change.
As concentrations of human activity, Europe's cities and
towns account for 69% of the continent's energy use - and,
thus, most greenhouse gas emissions. Seen another way, however,
the characteristics of urban settings offer important opportunities
for sustainable living. Already, population density in cities
means shorter journeys to work and services, greater use of
public transport and smaller dwellings requiring less lighting
and heating.
As a result, urban dwellers consume less energy per capita
than rural residents. In some cities, policy-makers are now
going further, implementing a variety of measures to combat
greenhouse gas emissions.
The key lies in planning cities in ways that facilitate lower
per capita energy consumption, using means such as
sustainable urban transport and low energy housing. New technologies
for energy efficiency and renewable resources - such as solar
or wind energy and alternative fuels - are also important,
as is providing opportunities for individuals and organisations
to change their behaviour.
A couple of frontrunner cities are already beginning to act
as pioneers of change and provide excellent examples of best
practice.
In Spain, Barcelona's 2002–2010
Plan
for Energy Improvement is increasing the use
of renewable energy (especially solar energy), reducing use
of non-renewable energy sources and lowering the GHG emissions
from energy consumption. The plan comprises promotion policies,
demonstration projects, legal and management instruments and
the integration of energy measures into the urban development.
Its Solar Thermal Ordinance has been a model for more than
50 Spanish municipalities and was a major input to the new
Spanish building code. Since its enforcement until the end
of 2006, a total of 40,095m² of solar panels have been installed
with annual savings of 32,076 Megawatt hours annually - enough energy
to provide hot water for 58,000 inhabitants per year.
Västra
Hamnen is a new carbon neutral residential
area in Malmö (Sweden). Its 1,000 homes get their energy supply
from renewable sources - solar energy, wind power and water,
the latter through a heat pump that extracts heat from seawater
and an aquifer.
The 100% renewable energy equation is based on an annual
cycle, meaning that, at certain times of year, the city district
borrows from the city systems and, at other times, the Västra
Hamnen area supplies the energy systems with its surplus.
An important part of the concept is low energy use in the
buildings. Urban density and sustainable transport complement
the activities to contribute to the mitigation of climate
change. Seven years after its inauguration, the area still
attracts thousands of international visitors.
Low carbon options for cities include planning efficient
city structures, controlling urban sprawl, developing efficient
public transport and increasing the production and use of
renewable energy. It is also essential that local and regional
governments adopt more ambitious local and regional targets
to bring down CO2 levels.
Some cities - for example Rotterdam, the Hague, London and
Newcastle - have commited to become carbon neutral. City administrations
working with sectoral partner organisations are promoting
reduced energy use, renewable zero emission energy and energy
efficiency to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change.
The
London Climate Change Action Plan
shows how local integrated action can also make a difference
in Europe and globally. London produces 8% of the CO2
emissions of the United Kingdom - which, in turn, is the world's
eighth largest emitter. London's target is to stabilise CO2
emissions in 2025 at 60% below 1990 levels. The plan comprises
many concrete measures and targets in its different actions
and programmes, addressing themes such as green homes, businesses,
energy efficiency and transport.
A single city alone cannot tackle the challenge of climate
change. However, by working together, cities are developing
joint actions. With its ambitious approach, London has inspired
others and has taken a political lead on climate change among
large cities - for example, in the C40
Large Cities climate leadership group.
The Covenant
of the Mayors Initiative is the European Commission's
most ambitious initiative to-date involving cities and citizens
in the fight against global warming. Participating local and
regional authorities will formally commit to reduce their
CO2 emissions by more than 20% by 2020.
To do that, they will develop and implement Sustainable Energy
Action Plans and communicate on the measures and actions of
local stakeholders.
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