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Context

Being situated close to Lisbon, Almada is affected by major urban transport problems. In 1993, the municipality launched a programme to measure and assess the impact of transport on air pollution, greenhouse gases and noise levels. The results obtained were used to develop a public transport policy aimed at reducing private car use. Pursuing the same logic, Almada joined several international networks that combat air pollution and greenhouse gases (Iclei, Cities for Climate Protection). The municipality is also preparing a Local Agenda 21.

In March 1999, the municipality created, with the support of the European Commission (SAVE programme), a Local Energy Management Agency called AGENEAL which is a member of Energie- Cités. One of the first objectives of the agency has been to define an energy municipal plan and a renewable energy development strategy aimed to reduce CO2 and NO2 emissions. The actions carried out by AGENEAL are varied: building energy certification (underway), implementation of a local strategy on thermal regulation, energy management programmes in schools, including awarenessraising actions, raising public awareness of environmental issues, notably those related to mobility problems, or the "better without my car" programme that will be presented in more details in the present case study.

This case study was prepared by Energie-Cités in co-operation with AGENEAL officers. It has received the financial and technical support of the French Energy for Environment and Energy Management (ADEME)

Keywords: Local energy management agencies; Air quality; Public transport; Information/Awareness Raising/Education