Support Local Governments in Low Carbon Strategies
SUPPORT tackles the difficulties encountered by many cities and towns of partner regions in the implementation of sustainable energy policies. Since the adoption of the Climate and Energy Package, the EU has been supporting local authorities in the implementation of sustainable energy policies. Within the framework of the Covenant of Mayors, more than 4700 municipalities have issued a Sustainable Energy Action Plan (SEAP) to promote energy efficiency. Nevertheless, the implementation of energy efficiency actions is often hindered by  lack of funding, “critical mass” and qualified human resources; obstacles in making financial strategies work; poor involvement of the private sector; scarce integration of energy policies in the regulatory/programming framework (including Structural Funds programmes); lack of a site-specific, integrated approach.
SUPPORT aims to improve the coordination and performance of policy instruments intended to implement national and regional energy efficiency programmes at local level, through the reduction of the implementation gap and a more effective use of available funding opportunities (including Structural Funds), reinforcing the coordination and support role of regions and focusing on the development of more cost-effective and wide-range actions. To achieve these aims and contribute to achieve EU  objectives on energy efficiency and RES, SUPPORT combines different kinds of interregional learning activities, to foster exchange among partners and between partners and stakeholders. Partners will work both separately and jointly (and with the collaboration of key regional stakeholders and the technical support of the advisory partner) to analyze their regional backgrounds in the field of energy policies, identify and transfer good practices, and define Action plans to improve the performance of their energy policy instruments and the spending of Structural Funds in their regions, also through a more effective implementation of local plans.