New ProSTO brochure now available

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8th European Week of Regions and Cities
Brussels, 4-7 October 2010

Europe 2020: Competitiveness, co-operation and cohesion for all regions

The OPEN DAYS will be held for the eighth time in Brussels between 4 and 7 October 2010. Again, around 100 seminars, workshops or debates plus exhibitions and networking opportunities will be take place, organised in partnership with regions and cities from all over Europe, and including contributions by companies, banks and international associations and academic organisations.

On the eve of an intensive debate about the reform of Cohesion Policy post-2013, the OPEN DAYS will concentrate on 'competitiveness, co-operation and cohesion' and present best practice from regional development programmes across Europe. Some sessions will be dedicated on 5 October to the deployment of renewable at local and regional level.

Link to the Preliminary Programme: http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/conferences/od2010/doc/pdf/pgr_preli_june.pdf
 

NEXT ProSTO WORKSHOP

“Solar thermal ordinances: making a commitment to local sustainable energy”
29 October 2010, Committee of the Regions, Brussels

Solar Thermal Ordinances (STO) are legal provisions requiring the installation of solar thermal systems in buildings. The obligation is typically tied to the construction of new buildings or major renovation.

Many of the existing STOs are related to national or regional energy laws and implemented through the municipal building codes. A growing number of municipalities, regions and countries are already making use of solar thermal obligations. Already today, more than 150 million people in Europe are living in regions covered by a STO.

This thematic workshop aims at presenting the legislative framework conditions and the process for developing and implementing a STO at local level. It will also provide concrete examples from local authorities which have already set up solar thermal ordinances, including flanking measures (incentive schemes, information campaigns, etc.).

Project results and specific experiences from the organizations involved in the ProSTO project will be shared with the audience and this workshop will be used to find a common view point regarding STOs and to develop further ideas on how to promote best solar thermal ordinances at European and national level, the aim being to have even more local authorities setting up and implementing solar thermal ordinances.

02.06.2010

 Buildings are responsible for 40% of energy consumption and 36% of the EU CO2 emissions. Energy performance of buildings is key to achieving the EU Climate & Energy objectives, namely a 20% reduction in Greenhouse gas emissions and a 20% energy savings by 2020. Improving the energy performance of buildings is a cost-effective way of fighting against climate change and improving energy security, while also creating job opportunities, particularly in the building sector.

On 18 May 2010, a recast of the Directive on energy performance of buildings (2002/91/EC) was adopted by the European Parliament. The Directive is expected to be published in the Official Journal in June this year.

This Directive (2002/91/EC) is the main legislative instrument available at EU level to achieve energy performance in buildings. Under this Directive, Member States must set minimum requirements in connection with the energy performance of new and existing buildings, ensure the certification of their energy performance and require the regular inspection of boilers and air conditioning systems in buildings.

 01.06.2010

 Yes, In My Front Yard
Urban leadership can speed renewables deployment.

Local governments have significant power to influence the energy choices of their citizens. They administer and regulate water supply, waste collection, public transport, and infrastructure. They own buildings, land, waste treatment facilities and vehicle fleets and they have close proximity to citizens and businesses.
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Mayors to receive extra EU cash for energy projects
European Commission President José Manuel Barroso yesterday (4 May) pledged to divert unused EU stimulus cash into a fund to help regions and cities become more energy efficient.

To read the full article on Euractiv.com, please click here

New ProSTO leaflet available in several languages

Please click here for downloads

The ProSTO blueprint shows local authorities how to make a commitment to local sustainable energy by implementing solar thermal ordinances. The guide which provides first hands practical advice, case studies and best practices is deemed a tool for those in charge of introducing solar thermal ordinances at local level.

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Download the blueprint (PDF) >>> 

Solar thermal: building codes worldwide: world map + interview 
Please find further information on: www.sunwindenergy.com