Seventh ManagEnergy Annual Conference

Roadmap and Overview of the Local Energy Actors Cluster Events
          Introduction | Roadmap | Further Information about each event

Video Recordings of EUSEW Events

How to email VideoCards or add them to your website

In addition to the ManagEnergy Annual Conference, there were numerous events during EUSEW that were of interest to local and regional energy actors. To assist EUSEW attendees in identifying the events most likely to interest local and regional energy actors, a number of EUSEW events were grouped together to form the Local Energy Actors Cluster. Below you will find a Roadmap listing all the relevant events on each day, followed by further information giving an overview of each event, as well as links to further information about the organisers and the events.

A number of these events were recorded and are available to view online - further details can be found in the section - Video Recordings of EUSEW Events.

Plenary Event: The Covenant of Mayors: The Contribution of Local Actors Towards a Sustainable Europe

Tuesday 29 January 2008 - Charlemagne Building, Room S3 - 09:15-13:00 - EN FR IT ES DE PL

Programme & Presentations | Video Recordings available soon...

Event Organiser: ManagEnergy, European Commission Directorate-General for Energy and Transport The Seventh ManagEnergy Annual Conference on Local Energy Action takes place in the Charlemagne Building, Brussels from 29 January to 31 January 2008 as part of EUSEW 2008: The Second EU Sustainable Energy Week. We are pleased to announce that Andris Piebalgs, Energy Commissioner will formally present and endorse the launch of the Covenant of Mayors, together with elected representatives of key European cities including London, Milan, Helsinki, Riga and Berlin. The Covenant of Mayors is a new, ambitious initiative of the European Commission that will bring together the mayors of Europe's most pioneering cities in a permanent network to exchange and apply good practices across these cities and beyond to improve energy efficiency significantly in the urban environment. The Covenant of Mayors is the response of the most active cities to global warming: a formal commitment by the cities to reduce their CO2 emissions even beyond the EU 20% objectives. Almost 100 cities throughout Europe, including 15 capitals, have expressed their willingness to join. Further information about the Covenant of Mayors The top two finalists in the ManagEnergy Local Action Award 2008 will present their projects and the winning energy action will be presented with its award by Commissioner Piebalgs. In addition, the event will include a presentation of the new tools and support facilities introduced by ManagEnergy during 2008, including the Sectoral Advice Facility, Sectoral Information Kits, ManagEnergy Network and Training for Energy Agency Directors and Deputy Directors.

Programme and Video Recordings

Boosting Sustainable Energy Communities across Europe

Tuesday 29 January 2008 - Committee of the Regions Building, Room 52 - AM

Event organisers: FEDARENE and Energie-Cités FEDARENE, the European Federation of Regional Energy & Environment Agencies, is a network of regional and local organisations that implement, co-ordinate and facilitate energy and environment policies. Energie-Cités is an association of European local authorities. The network extends over 20 European countries and represents about 500 municipalities. Energie-Cités promotes energy efficiency, renewable energy and distributed generation. Each community, with its own vision and specificities, has the capacity to adopt the more convenient strategy for its territory but also to give a local answer to its own stakes in sustainable energy development. The Seminar Boosting Sustainable Energy Communities across Europe will give to decision makers, stakeholders and the civil society at local and regional levels a testimony of sustainable energy development in Communities drawn from SEC-Tools and BELIEF, two projects supported by the Intelligent Energy - Europe Programme.

Boosting efficiency in electricity use - action on regional and local level

Tuesday 29 January 2008 - Committee of the Regions Building, Room 52 - PM

Event organisers: FEDARENE and O.Ö Energiesparverband FEDARENE, the European Federation of Regional Energy & Environment Agencies, is a network of regional and local organisations that implement, co-ordinate and facilitate energy and environment policies. O.Ö. Energiesparverband works to promote energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources and new energy technologies. The agency's main objective is to help energy consumers use energy more effeciently, thereby reducing the environmental load. O.Ö. Energiesparverband is a focal point for energy issues in Upper Austria. Electricity consumption is rising, in some areas with alarming speed, and there is a risk that the increase in electricity consumption will overcompensate the growth in electricity production from renewable energy sources. Now is the time to take action and stop the growth in electricity demand! In addition to European and national efforts to increase end-use efficiency, the regional and local level also has an important role to play - mainly because of its proximity to end users, but also because of legal and financial instruments available on regional level. The workshop aims to discuss how regions and municipalities can take a strategic approach and develop strategies to tackle the increase in electricity consumption in private households as well as in the public and in the business sectors. It will try to provide answers to the following questions: Which are the most promising potentials? Where is scope for regional and local action? Which instruments work best? The workshop will present successful examples for regional strategies, local campaigns and support programmes. The workshop is held in the framework of the EL-EFF region project, supported by the Intelligent Energy Europe Programme.

End of the Line - the Energy Challenges and Opportunities for Peripheral Areas

Tuesday 29 January 2008 - Charlemagne Building, Room S5 - AM

Event organiser: Cornwall Sustainable Energy Partnership Cornwall Sustainable Energy Partnership (CSEP) was established in 2001. CSEP's aim is to create a sustainable energy future for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly by actively integrating sustainable energy into public, private and community sector strategies. This invitation only event is being organised within the context of the ASPIRE (Achieving Energy Sustainability in Peripheral Regions of Europe) project (, which is supported by the Intelligent Energy Europe Programme. ASPIRE brings together a partnership of 12 organisations representing 10 communities across the EU, and aims to develop a replicable model for creating 'Sustainable Energy Communities' in peripheral areas of the EU. A key objective of the ASPIRE project is to increase awareness of the specific energy challenges that peripheral regions face, such as security of supply, as well as the opportunities that exist to increase energy sustainability, in particular through the exploitation of renewable energy resources. Exploitation of these opportunities however frequently relies upon strong political leadership and requires a policy framework that supports the development and implementation of sustainable energy technologies.   The seminar aims to facilitate discussion and exchange of knowledge on the opportunities that exist for peripheral regions to increase energy sustainability (e.g. 'from importer to exporter'). Invited delegates are from the European Parliament and the European Commission and it is hoped that sharing information and generating discussion between the two institutions will help ensure these key issues will be considered during the development of future European policy and legislation.

Sustainable energy activities in European islands communities

Tuesday 29 January 2008 - Committee of the Regions Building, Room 51 - PM

Programme & Presentations | Video Recordings available soon...

Event Organiser: ISLENET - European Islands Network on Energy & Environment ISLENET is a network of European Island Authorities which promotes sustainable and efficient energy and environmental management. It actively promotes the adoption of local energy saving strategies and renewable energy projects. These involve a well-balanced approach to environmental management and could have a significant impact on local economic development. The event aims to demonstrate the achievements and discuss the challenges faced by island communities and coastal regions in designing and implementing sustainable energy community (SEC) plans. These plans are designed to promote and maximise penetration of renewable energies and energy efficiency in communities that are often fragile eco-systems.

Energy education, bringing the energy awareness to schools

Wednesday 30 January 2008 - PM - EN FR DE

Programme & Presentations | Video Recordings available soon...

Event Organiser: ManagEnergy, European Commission Directorate-General for Energy and Transport Intelligent energy education has become a major tool for changing peoples' behaviour in the rational use of energy in their homes, education and workplaces. This event follows on from the success of the Education Today for Tomorrow's Energy Users conference during EUSEW 2007, in which actors working on energy education initiatives gathered experiences regarding the drivers and barriers for undertaking successful projects. It is recognised that teachers often lack the training in adequately responding to questions related to energy efficiency, renewable energy sources and the rational use of energy. School curricula often do not offer the flexibility to integrate such subjects in teaching. Although many local authorities and private entities employ well trained energy advisors, they often lack the access to the education sector to offer their knowledge and experiences. The energy education conference during the EUSEW 2008 with the slogan "bringing energy awareness to school" primarily addressed those barriers. The participants discussed the opportunities for introducing energy education into national curricula and the role of a pan-European exchange between authorities, schools and energy experts for enhancing teaching capacities. The aim was to develop strategies that will help actors in the field of energy education to get the subject to the children. The keynote speaker, Günther Franz Pfaffenwimmer, as the representative of a national education authority, introduced the participants to the challenges of integrating intelligent energy concerns in national curricula. In his capacity as President of the ENSI network he also reflected on trends and guidelines for future-orientated teacher education. ManagEnergy and the Eco-Schools International Coordinator presented practical examples of how to motivate and involve school children in energy education in a fun way. The second part of the conference offered the opportunity to exchange experiences on successful energy education projects which are tackling such barriers. Co-ordinators and actors of Intelligent Energy - Europe projects interactively discussed with the participants how their expertise and the outputs of their projects help teachers to educate children. During the break, the participants were invited to build their own sustainable community using the interactive Ecoville game.

Sustainable Transport and Mobility - Challenges and Approaches

Wednesday 30 January 2008 - Charlemagne Building, Room S4 - PM

Event organisers: B.&S.U., Energikontor Sydost AB, Energy Agency of Plovdiv For more than 10 years, B.&S.U. mbH has worked to promote and create sustainability at the local, regional and international levels. B.&S.U. functions as an initiator, supporter and manager of ecologically, economically and socially oriented projects and programmes. The transport sector plays an important role in the European economy and as such accounts for around 30 percent of the energy consumption in Europe. Moreover transport is also the fastest growing sector in terms of energy use, and in this sense it is essential to realise the potential for energy efficiency gains in this sector. Against this background, the aim of the event is to: Show potential contributions of transport to reduce energy consumption Provide information about the SUMO approach to plan and monitor results of activities in the field of energy-efficient transport and mobility Present contents and training options of the e-learning platform e-TREAM - e-learning for training Energy Agencies in mobility management and alternative fuels as a source to gain additional knowledge for the preparation and implementation of initiatives in the framework of energy efficient transport Present successful local actions in both MOVE and e-TREAM projects

EU sustainable energy policies in the peripheral and maritime regions of Europe

Wednesday 30 January 2008 - Committee of the Regions Building, Room 52 - 14:00-17:00

Event organiser: Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions of Europe (CPMR) The Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions of Europe (CPMR) brings together 159 regions from 28 Member States, both members and non-members of the European Union. The CPMR is sub-divided into 6 Geographical Commissions centred around the Union's seas (Islands, Atlantic, Mediterranean, Baltic, North Sea, Balkans/Black Sea). The CPMR campaigns in favour of a more balanced development of the Community territory. The CPMR regions have been working together for thirty years to propose an alternative to the spontaneous concentration of people, activities and infrastructures in the centre and above all to develop the peripheral areas. In its dealings with national Governments and EU institutions, the CPMR targets its action towards ensuring the needs and interests of these territories are taken into account, especially in respect of policies with a high territorial impact, e.g. Energy, sustainable development, fisheries, regional policies. In 2005, the CPMR Energy working group was created and, since then, has been chaired by the Navarra Region, Spain. It is composed of 50 Regions. The working group is looking into broad issues which are of direct interest to the peripheral and maritime regions, such as: How can these regional authorities contribute to the Community's objectives in the field of sustainable development? How can the implementation of sustainable energy policies in these territories be reconciled with other economic, social and environmental priorities? Is EU legislation suitable for developing the renewable energy potential of peripheral maritime regions?

Renewable Energies and Territorial Sustainable Development

Wednesday 30 January 2008 - Committee of the Regions Building, Room 51 - 14:00-17:00

Event organiser: AGECAM - Energy Regional Agency of Castilla-La Mancha In the current context of ever-increasing demand for energy, it is increasingly necessary to reduce our dependency on energies from non-renewable sources and to switch to alternative energies. The European Union is looking ahead and going forward with the development and actual use of energies of that kind. In this framework, the main aim of this seminar is to inform the public about the situation of the renewable energies in Castilla la Mancha, a leading region for in the field of energy efficiency and use of renewable energies, one of the top-10 European region in this regard.

ManagEnergy Cocktail Reception

Wednesday 30 January 2008 - Charlemagne Building, Reception Area outside Room S3 - 18:30-20:30

Event Organiser: ManagEnergy, European Commission Directorate-General for Energy and Transport The ManagEnergy Cocktail Reception was hosted by the European Commission, Directorate-General for Energy and Transport. It took place immediately after the end of the Education Workshop and offered an invaluable opportunity for local and regional energy actors throughout Europe to meet and discuss project, opportunities and other subjects of common interest.

Intelligent Energy - Europe Info Day 2008

Thursday 31 January 2008 - Charlemagne Building, Room S3 - AM - DE EN ES FR IT PL

Programme & Presentations | Video Recordings available soon...

Event Organiser: Executive Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation (EACI) Intelligent Energy - Europe: the power to innovate There are many untapped opportunities to save energy and encourage the use of renewable energy sources in Europe, but market conditions are not always helping. The Intelligent Energy - Europe programme is the EU's tool for funding action to improve these conditions and move us towards a more energy intelligent Europe. The 2008 call for proposals: up to 75% funding for your intelligent energy projects The 2008 call for project proposals will be published in late February 2008. Some €50 million will become available to co-finance European projects for the promotion of energy efficiency and renewables, and the setting up of local or regional energy agencies. Up to 75% of the eligible project costs will be supported. The European Info Day: essential information to help you apply for funding Applying for Intelligent Energy - Europe funding is a competitive process, and only the best project proposals will be selected for funding. The European Info Day 2008 will give you essential information and advice on how to develop a good project proposal and apply successfully. It also offers the chance to find project partners from across Europe. Who should attend? Anyone who wants to set up a project and apply for funding. More than 400 participants are expected, including local, regional and national authorities, private companies, European and national trade associations, non-governmental organisations, European institutions, current IEE project partners, and future applicants.

Training for Local & Regional Energy Agency Directors

Thursday 31 January 2008 - Charlemagne Building, Room S5 - 09:30-16:00 - EN

Event Organiser: ManagEnergy, European Commission Directorate-General for Energy and Transport An interactive training day for Local and Regional Energy Agency Directors and Deputy Directors. Participation in this event is by invitation only. The Managenergy Support Team will send invitations by email at the beginning of December. Contact training@managenergy.net for further information or to confirm you participation.

Further information about ManagEnergy Training

Sustainable Energy Management in Cities and Towns - The European Energy Award®

Thursday 31 January 2008 - Breydel Building - PM

Event organiser: B.&S.U. Beratungs- und Service-Gesellschaft Umwelt mbH For more than 10 years, B.&S.U. mbH has worked to promote and create sustainability at the local, regional and international levels. B.&S.U. functions as an initiator, supporter and manager of ecologically, economically and socially oriented projects and programmes. This event aims to address, in particular, local authorities, energy agencies and everyone interested in saving energy, efficient use of energy and renewable energies. The focus of the presentations will be experiences of the various stakeholders that are involved in the European Energy Award®. Municipalities, advisors and energy agencies will report on the successes that they have achieved through the implementation of the European Energy Award®. European Energy Award® is a qualified instrument for steering and controlling communal energy policy in order to review systematically all energy-related activities. By this, the activities concerning climate protection in a municipality are collected, benchmarked, calculated, planned and controlled, so that the potentials for sustainable climate protection can be identified and used. This process is controlled by an energy team and supported by an accredited advisor. As a mark of appreciation for the improvement of climate protection, the cities and municipalities become certified and are awarded with the European Energy Award®. Above a certain level the best communities receive the European Energy Award Gold®.

The Launch of the Susta-Info Initiative

Thursday 31 January 2008 - Charlemagne Building - PM - EN

Susta-Info is an initiative that supports local authorities in attaining sustainable development, by establishing a portal and web based database, making knowledge on local sustainable development accessible to a large group of targeted users. Susta-Info provides validated access to European Commission funded projects on urban management, sustainable land use, water treatment and management, and urban mobility. Additionally, it provides access to urban research projects supported by UN-HABITAT and case studies from the UN-HABITAT best practices data base. On January 31, 2008 Susta-Info will be fully up and running - come and celebrate with the Susta-Info team! Programme 14:00-15:00 The Future of Susta-Info: Presentation by the present and future Partners 15:00-15:30 Presentation of Susta-Info: What is in Susta-Info for future users? 15:30-17:00 Opportunity to get a guided try out of the Susta-Info system Q&A with the Susta-Info Team See the Susta-Info website for further information: www.susta-info.net or send an e-mail to Pascal van den Noort at: Urbania@xs4all.nl

Local Energy Actors Cluster Stand

Monday 28 January 2008 - Friday 1 February 2008 - Charlemagne Building

The organisers of events for Local Energy Actors had a Stand in the Charlemagne Building exhibition area throughout the week, where attendees were able to view the ManagEnergy and KidsCorner websites, find out more about the organisations listed on this page and pick up literature and publications, including the ManagEnergy Energy Agencies Map and Directory and Good Practice Brochure, both updated for 2008. The stand also included a Partner Search Board allowing those looking for partners for Intelligent Energy - Europe projects to post their ideas. Prospective partners added their contact details which were compiled at the end of the week and will be sent to the contact for the project idea in early February. It was also be possible for those looking for partners to present their project or hold an informal discussion in the ManagEnergy Help Desk room (see below). After the event, details of the projects were added to the Partner Search Request section of the ManagEnergy website.

ManagEnergy Help Desk: Services and Tools for Local Energy Action

Monday 28 January 2008 - Friday 1 February 2008 - Charlemagne Building

ManagEnergy, European Commission Directorate-General for Energy and Transport The ManagEnergy team manned a Help Desk and Stand in the Charlemagne Building throughout the EU Sustainable Energy Week, where local and regional Energy Actors were able to obtain advice and information about ManagEnergy facilities and services. The HelpDesk room had space for 20 people and was also be available to local and regional energy actors for short meetings/discussions, for example to discuss an idea for an Intelligent Energy - Europe project.