Search

An increasing number of cities and local governments adhere to transnational initiatives on climate change mitigation, but quantification of their contribution to the Paris Agreement commitments is lacking. To address this, the climate mitigation trajectory to 2050 of Covenant of Mayors (CoM) signatories has been studied. As of October 2017 there are more than 7600 signatories covering 238 million inhabitants, mainly from European cities. Of these 533 have already reported on the implementation of their climate action plans and 207 signatories have declared a long term target beyond 2020. We examine the aggregated effort of the CoM signatories in terms of geographical distribution, mitigation ambition and achievements, and also discuss whether the projected emissions reductions are in line with pathways to limit global warming to 2 °C or 1.5 °C. Given the currently limited number of signatories presenting long-term visions, an extrapolation method has been applied to estimate of the individual trajectories to 2050. For this purpose the CoM dataset was divided in clusters on the basis of three factors: climatic features, degree of urbanization and the level ambition in pursuing CO 2 emissions reductions. Results confirm the large potential of the CoM initiative to contribute to ambitious mid-century climate change mitigation targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, there are an increasing number of transnational networks on climate actions driven by non-state actors. There is a wealthy literature analysing models of multilevel governance of climate change focusing mainly on the engagement of cities and local governments. To a lesser extent research has focused on the collaboration between regional administrations and local governments. Against this backdrop, we introduce the multilevel-governance model observed in the Covenant of Mayors (CoM) framework, named Covenant Territorial Coordinators (CTCs). The CoM initiative has more than 7600 signatories as of October 2017, covering 238 million inhabitants from European, Central Asian and South Mediterranean cities. The peculiarity of CoM compared to other transnational initiatives, is the engagement of small and medium cities (less than 10,000 inhabitants) in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with almost 66 % of signatories, mainly small cities, supported by CTCs. In this article we present, analyse and discuss the role of regions and provinces acting as CTCs in supporting smaller local authorities for energy-climate planning, presenting examples of successful collaboration between different levels of government. Finally, we identify and discuss in which EU countries the multi-level governance model based on CTCs as observed in the Covenant is likely to be successful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the Global Covenant of Mayors (GCoM) initiative, cities present their action plans committing to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and/or adapt to climate change. One concrete objective consists in setting a reduction target, by which cities commit to reduce their baseline GHG emissions for a chosen target year. In monitoring their emissions, cities report inventories for any arbitrary year(s), making available only discrete readings in what can be considered a very sparse yearly time series. Examining the performance of the cities for the target years of 2020 and 2030, the actual measurements are usually not available. Therefore, a machine learning methodology is proposed to predict the GHG emissions inventories for each city on their target year, enabling the assessment of the cities' performance inside a common reporting framework. Using the reported inventories, the methodology identifies a model for each city, minimizing the error for the last known reported value. As a result, the proposed method allows predicting GHG emissions for cities from their yearly inventories, controlling the uncertainty associated to the estimations and extracting reliable information that can be updated as soon as new emissions inventories become available. • A methodology is proposed to forecast the GHG emissions of cities monitoring their actions on climate change. • Forecasting models are validated by the novel Leave Last Known Value Out technique. • The proposed method predicts GHG emissions for cities from their yearly inventories. • The methodology is illustrated for a group of 1950 cities and local administrative units in the EU-27. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decarbonising the energy sector is crucial to reach future climate and energy goals. As established by the Energy Performance of Building Directive recast, Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (NZEBs) are the mandatory building target in Europe for all new buildings from 2021 onwards. In the light of the approaching deadline, this paper assesses the development of NZEBs in Europe based on the most recent collected data and information. This paper provides an overview of the implementation of national definitions and energy performance values for new, existing, residential, and non-residential buildings in Member States. It evaluates the differences with the established European benchmark and cost-optimal levels. An overview of the most commonly implemented technologies in NZEBs is given together with costs and the relative projections over next decades. Finally, quantitative data on the NZEBs diffusion in Member States are given as recently assessed. The evolution of the NZEB concept and the future NZEBs role is also forecasted. The results assume a strategic value in the light of future targets for the building sector, showing the progress made by Member States in relation to different NZEBs aspects. They provide a comprehensive analysis of the European NZEBs implementation depicting a positive overall progress improvement for NZEBs definitions, uptake, technology development, and energy performance levels. Next challenges and barriers are outlined and appear mainly related to NZEBs retrofit. • The progress of the NZEB development is assessed in Europe. • 23 Member States have in force a full NZEBs definition. • NZEBs requirements are 50% lower than cost-optimal levels. • An overview of NZEBs technologies and costs is provided. • The main challenges around NZEBs are presented and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• More than 12 000 policies reported in 315 MEIs of signatories to the CoM have been assessed. • An aggregation process for harmonizing the policies submitted in the MEIs has been conducted. • Policies have been classified according to two policy criteria and correlated with the grouping of signatories according to contextual drivers. • The methodology provided in the study can be further used to assess potential differences with submitted SEAPs. The Paris agreement recognises the key role of local authorities in reaching the 1,5 °C target. The Covenant of Mayors (CoM) has been an unprecedented phenomenon in the arena of transnational initiatives in climate action at local level. The initiative has expanded tremendously over the past 10 years, covering more than 9 600 local authorities and 327 million inhabitants as of June 2019. This study analyses policies and measures adopted and implemented by local authorities, signatories to the CoM, as reported in their Monitoring Emission Inventories (MEI). More than 12 000 policies reported in 315 MEIs have been assessed. The policies adopted in municipalities across Europe have been classified according to two criteria: (1) the type of policy tool and (2) the field of action. The aggregated policies have then be correlated with the grouping of signatories according to three "contextual" drivers. The contextual drivers allow identifying the factors that may influence the distribution of climate and energy policies and successful examples and methodologies that may be replicated in other cities with comparable characteristics and similar contexts. Overall, results show that the most common policies cover municipal assets and structures. The policies adopted by local governments do change with the population and, therefore, the focus on municipal assets changes with the increase of population, while local authorities' Gross Domestic Products and climatic conditions have limited influence on the selection and distribution of policies in the framework of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses historical energy consumption trends of the EU road transport sector and examines the role of key determinants, such as economic and population growth, fuel prices, passenger and tonne-kilometres and vehicle fleet characteristics. In light of the EU 2030 and 2050 energy and climate targets, the paper assesses the energy efficiency and decarbonisation progress from 2000 to 2018. A detailed analysis is carried out using a balanced panel dataset from 1995 to 2018 and a test for causality between energy consumption and the selected explanatory variables. The results suggest that the declining trend of the normalised energy consumption of cars, trucks and light vehicles, which both dropped significantly in 2018 compared to 2000, can be related to energy efficiency and decarbonisation policies adopted by the EU and its Member States over the studied period. Decomposition analysis based on the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index technique confirms the role of energy efficiency gains in curbing energy consumption of road transport, even with the strong upward force exerted by motorisation and population effects, especially in passenger transport. It also suggests that during the recession years (2008–2013), road transport consumption fell due to a sharp drop in the mileage but not in the motorisation effect, which continued to drive up consumption even in this period. Despite some positive developments, the increased demand for road transportation has led to continued energy consumption growth. This has been further compounded by differences between real-world and vehicle certification fuel consumption data. The article highlights the need to strengthen the current policy framework at the EU and MS levels in the next decade to reach the long-term decarbonisation targets. In the context of these targets, a more in-depth investigation of the real impact of energy efficiency and decarbonisation efforts will also become increasingly important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although a substantial economic energy saving potential exists in the residential sector of the European Union, the energy efficiency service (EES) market is much less developed in this market segment than in other demand sectors (e.g. the industry or the public/service sector). This paper presents an analysis of the current situation and existing potentials for future expansion. A specific analysis methodology has been developed and applied by a research consortium in 18 EU countries. This methodology has mostly built upon an extensive review of the existing literature and on interviews of a large number of acknowledged experts. Its application has allowed identifying encouraging development trends in specific market segments where the possibility of aggregating the EES demand or of exploiting good relationships with customers have created interesting investment opportunities. These trends have been observed in particular in Germany, Denmark, France, Flanders (BE), Hungary, Romania and UK. The assessment performed has also allowed discussing a series of strategies and policy measures that can be adopted to overcome existing barriers to market development. The general conclusion drawn in the paper is that energy efficiency policies supporting EES markets in the residential sector are highly needed. Although EU policies have typically a limited direct impact, they can increase trust into EESs and EES providers. At the national level, a stronger collaboration of governments or local administrations with banks to finance EESs is still very necessary in many EU countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By asking how renewable energy sources (RES) prosumerism, integrates sufficiency and inclusivity concerns and/or practices, the study presents the results of a narrative literature review of RES prosumerism research. The review focuses on how these concerns and/or practices emerge across the socio-technical narratives that characterise RES prosumers' research. The study takes stock of a machine-learning topic model and a qualitative thematic coding to identify and discuss key topics, themes, and narrative elements related to sufficiency and inclusivity in RES prosumerism. The results show a crosscutting narrative from early discussions (2005–2018) on energy citizenship, grassroots initiatives, and collective prosumer initiatives, to regulated and institutionalised energy communities (2019–2023). The narrative highlights the relational and systemic dynamics of prosumer projects, embedded in local socioeconomic, sociopolitical, and cultural contexts, and shows that inclusivity and sufficiency have not always been major concerns. However, there are exceptions found in research into "energy commons" and "grassroots innovations". These findings are discussed in relation to the role of new policy options for sustainable RES prosumerism. The study's conclusions offer therefore policy directions for sustainable energy systems, guided by sufficiency and inclusivity principles. [Display omitted] • RES Prosumerism is analysed through a relational and systemic lens. • Sufficiency and inclusivity concerns are not central to RES prosumer research. • Prosumer models such as "energy commons" focus on inclusivity and sufficiency. • "REScoops" offer examples of inclusivity practices, but less of sufficiency. • Collaborative sharing models are relevant for sufficiency and inclusivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cities representing more than one third of the EU population have already developed their mitigation action plans with the support of the Covenant of Mayors initiative. This study digs into the drivers leading European cities in setting ambitious GHG reduction targets by 2030. A total number of 246 local action plans, accepted in the Covenant of Mayors initiative, were evaluated, and ambitious municipalities (with reduction targets over 50%) were compared against those committing to regular targets (40–50%). Results show that the key factor enabling a higher climate ambition in cities is to develop local mitigation actions in line with the results of the baseline emission inventory, focusing on implementing actions in the most emitting sectors of activity. Furthermore, the study reveals the abilities of specific cities to set highly ambitious mitigation targets: to municipalise energy facilities increasing renewable energy production, and to be able of developing mitigation actions even tackling highly emitting sectors (e.g., transport) that traditionally are not under the competence of local governments. The study also shows other easy-to-reach solutions that every local authority can take into account to increase its ambition such as developing in-house action plans and conducting a deep stakeholder engagement and participatory processes from the initial stage of the action plan development. • To develop local action plans aligned with the baseline emission assessment. • To increase the share of renewables by signing agreements with energy utilities. • To develop in-house action plans and to conduct participatory process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper shows how electricity is used by electric motors in both the industrial and the services’ sectors in the European Union, as well as the potential electricity savings by the year 2015 with the application of Energy-Efficient Motors and Variable Speed Drives. Additionally, the main barriers identified in the field characterization study and the measures to overcome those barriers are presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

It is central for climate policy to understand, monitor and forecast greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, generating insights on the key factors and actions with a greater impact to mitigate and adapt to global warming. Focusing on the leading role of cities, it is relevant to build robust and reliable GHG emissions prospects for every city committing to mitigate and adapt to climate change. In this paper, a novel methodology is proposed to build those prospects, presenting a case study with 6231 EU-27 cities and local municipalities taken from the Global Covenant of Mayors (GCoM). Key GHG emissions predictors for the target years of 2020 and 2030 refer to the baseline energy consumption and associated GHG emissions, as well as the population and the national emissions per capita trend. Additionally, other informative predictors are the baseline inventory year, the reduction target, the disaggregated baseline emissions by type of fuel (fossils or renewables), the heating and cooling degree days and the NUTS urban/rural categorization. The proposed methodology allows assessing the cities' achievements based on their expected performance, and it could be further implemented to support new cities willing to commit to a significant reduction of their GHG emissions. • A robust methodology is proposed to predict GHG emissions for cities committing to climate change mitigation and adaptation. • Key predictors refer to local, regional and national sources of information. • A case study is performed with 6231 European cities: 2030 commitments are expected to achieve a 40 % GHG emissions reduction. • The models described in this paper provide useful information to urban policy makers in the climate action planning process. • The results are replicable in the context of transnational initiatives involving cities in the fight against climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motors systems are a major electricity consumer (about 70% of the industrial electricity consumption and about 35% in the non-residential buildings sector). Several studies showed the very large energy saving potential deriving from motor improved efficiency. After a period of Voluntary Agreement with a somehow limited impact, the EU introduced in 2009 Minimum Efficiency Performance Standards (MEPS) with the Commission Regulation 640/2009, which specifies requirements regarding Ecodesign of electrical motors and the use of electronic speed drives (VSD). The Regulation is based on the findings of the first Energy using Products (EuP) study on motors (Lot 11), which highlighted the importance of introducing Minimum Efficiency Performance Standards (MEPS) relating to these products in the EU. A new Ecodesign preparatory study (European Commission - Lot 30 on special motors and drives) has since then been carried out to evaluate the possibility of extending the scope of the Regulation to motors outside the current power range and to technologies other than three-phase induction motors. Six policy options (PO) were identified, as well as their possible implementation timelines, that will lead to the reduction of environmental impacts taking into consideration the Life Cycle Cost and the best available technologies in the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How to ensure success for climate change mitigation policies? For the past decades, local climate action has been amongst the main global priorities. The Covenant of Mayors initiative is a major example of bottom-up climate initiative gathering municipalities of all sizes towards GHG reduction under a harmonised framework. Now, after the end of the first phase of the initiative in 2020, would be the time to assess the impact and effectiveness of the planed actions, based on the results of the monitoring exercise. However, the level and quality of monitoring reported by participating municipalities was not as expected and required an initial deep analysis. This study investigates the reasons behind this low number by comparing statistically the action plans of the 1643 CoM municipalities monitoring their emissions against the 3411 municipalities not doing it. The paper describes how, despite technical and financial barriers, key factors such as the direct involvement of local staff, stakeholders in participatory processes from an early stage, accurate budget allocation, or the development of the plan and deployment of actions as soon as possible, enabling municipalities to track and monitor their progress towards their climate target. • Assessing CoM impact is challenging due to the lack of monitoring/progress reports. • The lack of monitoring is explained by technical and financial barriers. • Direct engagement of local staff and stakeholders is key for successful monitoring. • Barriers and drivers found are a valuable guidance for global climate actors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Evaluation of air pollutant emissions corresponding to locally reported CO 2 emissions. • Methodology applied to over 1600 Covenant of Mayors signatories. • Most changes correspond to co-benefits for both climate and air pollution. • The role of technological improvement to limit emissions is highlighted. The Covenant of Mayors (CoM) is a successful European initiative which encourages local authorities to be proactive in fighting climate change. Recently, it expanded to cover adaptation and energy access/poverty and became a global initiative. In this study we investigate an additional perspective: synergies and trade-offs between climate and air quality. Signatories pledge to reduce their Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and voluntarily report their emissions, energy consumption and the measures that they carry out to reach their goals. We develop a methodology to estimate air pollutant emissions corresponding to CO 2 emissions CoM signatories report, using information they already submit and national estimates of air pollutant emission factors. The methodology is applied to over 1600 signatories in Europe, representing over 80 million inhabitants. Results show that, in general, signatories are reducing both types of emissions. However, there are also cases where emissions increase. We explore the reasons behind these changes and highlight the role of technological improvement. This work calls for an increased coherence between climate and air quality plans at the local scale and provides a first step and a tool to support signatories, even the smallest ones, to move in this direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]