European networks, experience and recommendations helping cities and citizens to become Energy Efficient
The European Union calls for action to combat climate change and to limit global warming to no more than 2°C above pre-industrial temperatures. A central role is ascribed to local authorities and their citizens in order to ensure the implementation and execution of European and national policies. EnercitEE seeks to practically implement the goals of the European Commission focusing on the objectives of INTERREG IVC by identifying, analysing and transferring best practices, fostering the exchange of experience in order to help local authorities and their citizens become energy efficient. 

In contrast to its INTERREG IIIC forerunner project enercy’regio, EnercitEE will move on to address a new but underestimated consumer target group: the citizens. Therefore it has a new but underestimated focus than the forerunner project but builds upon enercy’regio’s experiences and existing interregional networks which have been established. All regions stressed a pressing need that more innovative energy efficiency policies and instruments for citizens and the private sector need to be developed.

As a consequence of this, the already existing partner network has been extended in order to cover an even wider range of European regions. EnercitEE will include seven partners from six European regions. The project uses the existing experience and best practices to raise awareness, to build up knowledge and competences, to transfer and adapt already existing solutions and methods for interregional use and develop and improve policies in regional and local legislation. 

A long-lasting effect of the project activities will be ensured by directly involving public policy makers and private consumers in the activities of EnercitEE. Project results and achievements will be exchanged between the participating regions and presented to all interested European stakeholders. Practical guidelines and policy recommendations generated within EnercitEE will provide valuable assistance for
European regions aiming to improve their energy performance and policies. 

EnercitEE will be carried out as a mini-programme. The exchange of experience will be a core element of this mini-programme: the partners themselves compile policy instruments, best practices, case studies and organise training sessions and component seminars. In the sub-project component 4 ‘energy efficient citizens & local authorities’ a maximum of twelve sub-projects will be tendered in two open calls for proposals. It is expected that results of the sub-project component will help to improve local and regional policies and that the entire project will provide assistance in the transfer of knowledge on energy efficiency and sustainable transport in both the public and private sector. In particular, a change in energy patterns in the communities and their citizens is expected.