Covenant of Mayors

Committed to local sustainable energy

Varna, Graffit Gallery Hotel,

12 September 2014

Starting point……..

• EU Initiative launched in 2008 by the Commission to endorse and support the local and regional authorities in the fight against climate change

• Voluntary commitment of signatories to meet and exceed the EU targets through the implementation of Sustainable Energy Action plans /SEAP/

Energy Efficiency Communication…..

• Strategy that proposes new energy efficiency target of 30% for 2030 /released on 23 July 2014/

• The new 30% target can make energy cheaper, ensure security of supply and improve the lives of Europeans

Covenant at a glance....

• Local governments play a crucial role in mitigating the effects of climate change, considering that 80% of energy consumption and CO2 emissions is associated with urban activity.

• Unique characteristics RE the EU targets - the Covenant of Mayors has been portrayed by European institutions as an exceptional model of multi-level governance

Approach……

• Development of Sustainable Energy Action Plans by preparation of Baseline Emission Inventory /within a year following the adhesion/

• SEAP implementation involving the local community outlining Benchmarks of excellence

• Monitoring & Evaluation /within two years following the adhesion/

Multifaceted support

• Covenant Coordinators /provinces, regions and national authorities/ - provide strategic guidance, financial and technical support

• Covenant Supporters /networks of local authorities/ - commit to maximize the impact of the initiative through promotion activities, liaison with their members and experience-sharing platforms

Multifaceted support

• Covenant of Mayors Office – promotional, technical and administrative assistance on daily basis

• Joint Research Centre /of the EC/ - scientific and technical assistance mostly on emission inventory and action plans

• EU institutions /Committee of the Regions, EU Parliament, EU Investment Bank/ - full institutional support

Covenant Community

• Signatories 5941• Population 189 496 339• Coordinators 158• Supporters 91• Associated partners 25• SEAPs submitted 3705

Official Ceremony for Covenant signatories during annual EUSEW

Covenant Community

Operation support

• Support Materials – SEAP guidebook, SEAP template & instructions in 23 languages, thematic leaflets

• E-Learning Platform - on-line easy to digest course for Coordinators and Supporters to deepen their knowledge

• Exchange platforms – experience sharing activities, networking sessions, capacity-building workshops, thematic discussion groups and workshops

Funding streams

• Project development & technical assistanceELENA EIB, ELENA KfW, ELENA CEB, European EE Fund

• Direct EU FundingHorizon 2020, Structural and Cohesion Funds, European EE Fund

• Innovative Financing & Financial EngineeringEnergy performance contracting, PPPs, Joint tendering

What’s next…….

• Geographical enlargementExtension to Eastern and Mediterranean areas

• Extension to other policy areasUsing the exceptional multilevel governance model for other policy areas

e.g. water and waste….??

More information: www.eumayors.eu