With the LocalRenewables Initiative, ICLEI supports and strengthens local governments which promote the generation and supply of renewable energy and energy e fficiency in the urban environment. The key elements of the programme are highlighted here.
Why focus on Local Governments?
Local governments play a key role in promoting sustainable energy at a community level. They have a political mandate to govern and guide their communities, provide services and manage municipal assets. They have legislative and purchasing power that they can use to implement change in their own operations and in the wider community. Local governments can further play a role as model in their region or country, showing how policies and local actions can be shaped to guide communities in the transition to a sustainable energy future.
What Model Communities do
Carefully selected local governments are supported by ICLEI to develop into Model Communities in the use of Local Renewables. They benefit from the expertise of other advanced communities in using renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Below are their main steps:
Involve community stakeholders
Local forums of citizens, business, industry, as well as the research and academic communities, are involved in planning and implementing actions. (see p.6)
Create local policy
The City Council adopts policies supporting and promoting sustainable energy (e.g. bylaws for mandatory solar installation on new buildings, climate protection targets). (see p.9)
Show regional leadership
Model communities can encourage neighbouring cities to switch to Local Renewables by sharing their experiences and expertise. (see p.10)
Eight arguments for community leaders to use Local Renewables
1) Renewable energy sources (RES) are mature, available and ready for use today.
2) Using local resources to produce energy locally establishes a solid foundation for decentralised, secure energy supply – thereby also making communities more resilient (e.g. less dependent on imported fossil fuels).
3) Financial benefits are inherent, both in terms of saving money and generating local income over the short to long-term. This can be done by using energy more efficiently, and by replacing increasingly expensive fossil fuels with sustainable energy solutions, selling (exporting) energy that is not locally required.
4) A steady transition from fossil fuels to RES will reduce CO2 emissions and contribute to climate protection.
5) Switching to Local Renewables supports local job creation
and stimulates the economy.
6) Local Renewables give an impulse to sustainable urban development, and encourages technical and social innovation.
7) Local action is critical in achieving national and international
targets on sustainable energy and climate protection.
8) Local Renewables implies the involvement of local stakeholders,
using synergies to create change.
For more information please visit: http://www.iclei.org/local-renewables