[ Visit the event website for presentations and background information. -Ed. ]

Local Renewables 2007
Freiburg, Germany 13 – 15 June 2007

Freiburg, 18th June 2007 - Last Friday the conference Local Renewables 2007 drew to a close in Freiburg. From the 13th to 15th June, at the invitation of Lord Mayor Dr. Dieter Salomon, local decision-makers and politicians, representatives from utilities, businesses and the research and development community from 34 countries discussed in detail ideas and solutions for future urban development and energy supply. Experts agreed that measures to curb the dramatic impact of climate change must be carried out immediately, and that the local government level plays a crucial role in this. Along with energy saving and improved energy efficiency, renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy, geothermal energy, small hydropower, and biomass will play a central role.

The Lord Mayor opened the conference, jointly organised by the City of Freiburg and ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability. Founded in 1990, ICLEI is a growing association of more than 600 towns,cities, districts and local government associations worldwide. Its members strive for global improvements in environmental and climate protection, with sustainability as a basis for action.

Numerous examples - from over 60 initiatives in Europe and abroad - clearly show that renewable energy sources are an indispensable part of a secure and sustainable energy supply. At the same time their use provides an incentive for local innovation and job creation, supporting local economic development.

In a comprehensive and far-reaching presentation, the State Secretary of the German Federal Environment Ministry, Michael Müller, gave an account of the current status of climate change. He particularly welcomed initiatives from ICLEI to tackle climate protection at a community level. Typically, two thirds of possible initiatives for climate protection lie within the competence of local governments: these include urban planning and development, infrastructure, transport, the provision of numerous services, and the local energy supply. The remaining third of potential action depends on supportive framework conditions which have to be defined on a national or European level.

The host city Freiburg, known for its environmentally friendly energy concept, has consistently addressed these aspects over the last thirty years. It has developed a unique portfolio of reference projects, which regularly attract lay persons and specialists from all over the world. Within the conference programme several excursions gave participants the opportunity to study a diverse range of practical examples on implementing innovative, sustainable energy concepts.

Throughout the conference, proven concepts, financing models, suitable conditions and concrete options for local governments were at the fore. According to State Secretary Müller, the driving force for climate protection comes from communities, and through decisive action and the creation of sustainable, local infrastructures, they can also secure economic advantages for the future. “No responsible local politician can afford not to use all the local energy resources,” said ICLEI Europe’s Director Gino Van Begin.

Local authorities that implement sustainable energy solutions early and actively not only make a fundamental contribution to climate protection, but also have a head start in securing their future energy supply. A large number of local authorities all over the world have already set course in this direction.

The Local Renewables conference also sent a message to national governments and to the European Union, urging the prompt establishment of the necessary framework conditions - such as laws, building regulations and financial mechanisms - needed by communities to provide the maximum possible contribution to climate protection and meeting EU and national targets.

In closing the conference, the Lord Mayor Dr. Dieter Salomon called for a programme of “100 solar communities by 2010”. These 100 exemplary towns, cities and regions throughout Europe must lead the way, showing how effective solutions can lead to the reduction of CO2 emissions to sustainable levels. A further 100,000 local authorities throughout Europe should then follow suit. The Swedish city of Växjö shows that this is more than a vision: the town council had already formulated the goal to make the town completely CO2 emission free as early as 1993. They are confident that they will reach the goal of reducing CO2 emissions by 50% in 2010, in comparison to the levels in 1993, having achieved a 25% reduction in 2005.

The patron of Local Renewables 2007 was Federal Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel, in his capacity as president of the EU Environmental Council. The conference was financially supported by the European Commission programme “Intelligent Energy Europe” and the state of Baden-Württemberg. Other sponsors included the L-Bank Baden-Württemberg, the Thüga energy group and Sparkasse Freiburg Northern Breisgau.

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Renewable Energy -- Arguments for local decision-makers

1. Renewable energy sources are available and ready for use, e.g. active and passive solar energy, wind – and hydro power, biomass, biogas, and geothermal energy.

2. Using local resources to produce energy locally establishes a foundation for a decentralised secure energy supply, making communities more resilient (less dependent on imported fossil fuels).

3. Money can be saved over the short to long-term by using energy more efficiently and replacing increasingly expensive fossil fuels and nuclear energy with sustainable energy solutions.

4. Implementing renewable energy creates jobs and stimulates the local economy.

5. Local Renewables give impulses to urban development and encourage technical and social innovation.

6. Moving away from fossil fuels will reduce CO2 emissions and support climate protection.

7. Local action is critical in achieving targets - national and international - on sustainable energy and climate protection.

8. The local community is key to reaching and involving various stakeholders, including citizens, business, industry, local researchers, NGOs, etc.. – a driving force for innovation and change towards sustainable energy.