EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Reducing energy levels

Reducing energy levels – Hartberg, AT

Introduction

Local and regional administrations play an important role in energy policy, particularly in implementing measures seeking to increase the proportion of renewables, as they know their populations and administer public buildings (schools, leisure facilities, administrative buildings).

Problem

The proportions of renewable energy supply achievable in the future were calculated by means of scenario computations for the years 2005 and 2015. Assumptions were made for the share of biodiesel in vehicle energy consumption, as well as for the rates of increase of solar energy use and biomass use supplemented by individual units. These findings and the implementation planning were compiled for each municipality in an “energy pointer”.

Description

The energy policy foundations for the district of Hartberg are the 1995 energy action plan of Styria and the Styrian environmental protection programme (Landesumweltschutzprogramm – LUST).

The goals of the energy action plan are:

to reduce the specific energy levels needed for space heating and water heating,
to expand the share of renewable energy sources in energy supply for consumption in the province,
to reduce specific energy consumption in commerce and industry
and to reduce specific energy consumption in the transport sector.

Within the Styrian environmental protection programme, the catalogue of measures on “Energy and climate” comprises a 13% reduction in CO2 emissions in accordance with the Kyoto commitment, the pursuit of the goals of the Climate Alliance of European Cities, and the maximum reduction of energy consumption.

Approach

The Ökopark Hartberg eco-estate can be supplied 100% through renewables by 2005, and can in addition supply heat to nearby areas. Individual municipalities in the district can reach shares of up to 60% (2005) or 70% (by 2015). The “power villages” have the potential to increase their share to 39% (2005) or 54% (2015). The Naturpark Pöllauer Tal nature park can increase its share to 50% (2005) or 66% (2015). The Stubenbergsee lake area can achieve 42% (2005) or 57% (2015). The potential levels for the entire district figure 40% (2005) or 57% (2015).

Results

It can be expected that most of the projects for which implementation planning has been drawn up will indeed be carried out. The Ökopark Hartberg eco-estate, in particular, will contribute to raising public awareness through its use of advanced technologies and its approach as an “experience park”.

The process of information exchange and cooperation among municipalities within their regions initiated during the process of drawing up the regional energy action plan will have positive effects upon the increased use of renewables.

Contact info

Institut für Energieforschung
Mr Kurt Könighofer, tel. +43 316 876-13 24

Project start date

//1995

Links

Hartberg is a partner in the Energie Cités Network

Download the `Reducing energy levels – Hartberg, AT´ Report (PDF, Eng, 214 KB)

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Urban environment > Environmental sustainability

Keywords

Energy efficiency