Guidebook for Energy Efficiency in Municipalities

Chances and roles for municipalities in managing energy
Why take action on energy efficiency
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Energy use is one not only one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions from municipal activities, it also causes significant costs for the budget of
municipalities. To reduce energy costs, it is therefore important for municipalities to look
at the ways in which they use energy. In many cases, they may be consuming more
energy than they need, which is leading to unnecessary costs. By focusing on ways in
which the municipalities can increase the efficiency of their energy use, they are likely to
reduce their operating costs and will also set an example for the community by
demonstrating ways in which activities can be done better.
What other benefits are there
Apart from lowering the municipalities’ energy bills and reducing GHG emissions,
strategies to improve energy efficiency have many other benefits, including:
Generating additional revenue: The energy use reduction initiatives and expertise
developed can generate additional revenue for the municipality—through running
training programs, offering new services, etc.
Supporting new sustainable industries: Directly supporting energy efficiency through
municipal policy and operations will help develop new markets and industries,
providing local employment and business opportunities.
Improving air quality: Relying less on fossil fuels for energy can reduce local air
pollution and subsequent public health costs.
Creating social benefits: Action on energy use reduction can also produce many other
benefits such as reduced traffic congestion and more efficient and therefore
competitive local industry.
Demonstrating local leadership: Municipalities have a legitimate and vital role in
articulating their communities' views and acting upon their concerns.
Creating opportunities for partnerships with industry, community, and government at a
local, regional, national and international level.
The citizens can experience right in front of their eyes the use of progressive
technologies. Politics, administration, economics, and agriculture can reach together with
all improvements concerned in the municipality and region.
The role of municipalities in managing energy
The Commission of the European Union has determined a very important role for
municipalities in the future. This is underlined by the implementation of different programs
which aim at the structure of regions and hence the municipalities as the organizational
entities. The supply and consumption of energy is one of the key-issues in this context.
The implementation of strategies of sustainability needs to be supported by municipalities
as major players in the supply and consumption of energy.
The roles of municipalities can be summarized as follows:
municipality as consumer of energy (e.g. heating, lighting, office equipment) for
public buildings (e.g. schools, event locations, sports facilities, hospitals) and
infrastructure (e.g. vehicle park, public transport, street maintenance and lighting)
municipality as producer and distributor of energy (e.g. ownership of energy
supply companies and power supply systems)