GovernEE
The specific objective of the project is to improve the energy efficiency (EE) in public buildings in general and historic buildings in particular. The special focus on historic buildings is important as (1) little progress has been made in this respect although it is a crucial problem in most European cities; (2) it is often the case that public institutions are located in historic buildings; so it is of high relevance for responsible decision-makers; (3) the task is demanding and requires special expertise as there are very specific regulations to be fulfilled complicated by the fact that generating energy from fossil fuels to heat these buildings is rather expensive; (4) there are also social implications e.g. inhabitants moving out of historic building blocks due to high energy costs although for the proper maintenance of these buildings it is crucial for them to remain inhabited.
The project does not focus directly on technological innovations or mere development of networks and exchange of experience. It approaches the problem from the point of view of good governance. By laying emphasis on improving decision-making and planning competences as well as strengthening policy-makers’ responsibility (the key elements of good governance), sustainable development in the energy field through responsible energy-conscious policy-making can be achieved. Project activities are organized in 4 Work Packages. Besides project management and communication, the 2 technical Work Packages work towards producing tangible core outputs of transnational relevance.
The purpose of the technical Work Packages is to develop a transnational cross-sectoral strategic toolkit and to establish a Knowledge Network as a framework for successful implementation and sustainability, as well as to test the strategic toolkit by implementing pilots all linked to the respective elements of good governance. Jointly prepared, implemented, monitored and evaluated pilot activities are ICT tool development to measure EE, boosting EE in historic buildings by using renewable energy sources and coaching and training policy-makers on the topic.
Partnership:
The project is implemented with the participation of 7 partners from 5 EU countries:
Budget: The project is financed through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in the frame of the CENTRAL Europe programme. The total budget is € 2 250 485.
Duration: June 01 2010 – May 31 2013
Our assignment: participation in the development of project application as subcontractor of HBH Euroconsulting, assisting in the tasks linked to the start-up phase and communication.