Summary of Webinar - Involving citizens in community heating projects

Summary of Webinar: Involving Citizens in Community Heating Projects

Main Ideas and Concepts:

Importance of Citizen Involvement:
- Community heating projects are critical for reducing urban emissions from heating and cooling, which constitute a significant portion of city emissions.
- Engaging citizens in these projects is essential due to the complexity of heating and cooling issues and the challenges they present to both municipalities and citizens.
Project Overview:
- The webinar was organized by RESCO and Energy Cities, focusing on how municipalities can effectively involve citizens in community heating projects.
- Key presentations included discussions on European legislation, citizen engagement in heating planning, and real-world experiences from various cities.
European Legislation and Policy Framework:
- The "Ready for Heat" project aims to support the implementation of heating and cooling policies at the European level.
- Municipalities with populations over 45,000 must draft heating and cooling plans, which should consider community needs and the role of energy communities.
Case Studies:
- Valencia, Spain: Focused on energy communities to achieve climate neutrality, emphasizing governance structures that include civil society and various stakeholders.
- Rotterdam, Netherlands: Adopted a neighborhood approach for integrating citizen input into heating and cooling planning.
- Karditsa, Greece: Developed a biomass energy community that engages local citizens and utilizes residual biomass for energy production.
Tools and Resources:
- Various tools and resources were discussed to assist municipalities in developing community heating projects, including a toolkit for energy communities and a mapping tool for local resources.
Challenges and Solutions:
- Common challenges include financing, public acceptance (NIMBY attitudes), and the need for strong national support to empower local authorities.
- Solutions involve raising awareness about the benefits of community heating, creating inclusive governance structures, and engaging younger generations.

Methodology and Instructions:

Engagement Strategies:
- Involve citizens early in the planning process to gather input and foster ownership.
- Use community events, awareness campaigns, and interactive tools to educate and engage the public.
- Collaborate with local organizations and social services to reach vulnerable households.
Funding and Support:
- Explore various funding sources, including municipal funds, cooperative contributions, and European grants.
- Utilize national federations of energy cooperatives for knowledge sharing and support.
Implementation Steps:
- Assess local resources and needs before deciding on specific technologies for heating solutions.
- Develop a governance structure that includes diverse stakeholders to ensure transparency and community buy-in.

Speakers:

Nicola - Policy and Project Manager for Energy Cities
Alison - Communication Officer for Energy Cities and Coordinator of the Covenant of Mayors Europe
Felix - Representative from RESCO
Anar - Representative from the City of Utrecht
R - Member of the Energy Community of Karditsa

Conclusion:

The webinar highlighted the significance of involving citizens in community heating projects to achieve sustainable urban energy solutions. By sharing experiences, tools, and strategies, the speakers emphasized the need for collaboration among municipalities, citizens, and various stakeholders to overcome challenges and enhance community engagement in energy transitions.

Notable Quotes

— 12:30 — « The idea is healthy drinks that mix nutritive and healthy ingredients for you to refresh, rejuvenate, and start from zero. »

— 12:41 — « Cities heating systems that mostly rely on fossil fuels also need this kind of detox to rejuvenate and refresh and be healthier. »

— 17:46 — « The first cooperatives were in the 1700s, and district heating goes back to the times of Pompeii. »

— 28:21 — « If we want this transition to work and to be long-lasting and to have social acceptance, we all need to work together. »

— 40:01 — « Their goal was to generate economic, social, and environmental benefits. »