Novel roles of regional and LOcal authorities in supporting energy consumers’ behaviour change towards a low CARBOn economy
Many of Europe's local/regional actors struggle with developing targeted, implementation-oriented policies addressing low carbon challenges. This holds particularly for energy wasting buildings irrespective of their ownership or use. Since buildings are responsible for 40% of energy consumption in the EU this is a highly relevant issue in the European context. The challenge to involve and motivate stakeholders (especially energy consumers) is perceived broadly as a major problem for public authorities. Motivation and awareness of consumers are of high significance to influence their behavior and support more conscious energy decisions. 

The overall objective of LOCARBO is improving policy instruments targeting demand-driven initiatives to increase energy efficiency related to the built environment. This is to be achieved by finding innovative ways for regional/local authorities to support energy consumers’ behaviour change. LOCARBO is unique in focusing its activities on bottom-up initiatives and mainly because of the approach to handle 3 thematic pillars (services, organizational structures and technological solutions) in a fully integrated way. The 7 partners from Hungary, Italy, Lithuania,Portugal, Romania and the UK are aware that regional policies on energy efficiency can only be successful if pieces of the puzzle are brought together.  

The expected result is the development of 7 fully feasible Action Plans with the focus on improving 7 policy instruments (6 ERDF, 1 other funds) influencing EUR 100M of funds. This is achieved through inter alia intense local stakeholder group involvement, 3 interregional site visits and the compilation of a good practice inventory. By implementing the action plans an enlarged circle of end-users will benefit from making conscious decisions on energy efficiency and implementing investments using smart technologies. They will be assisted by new-type of services and innovative cooperation models promoted by local authorities.