Energy Efficiency Measures in South-East European Municipalities and The Role of National Associations and NALAS

A network-wide assessment of the needs and potentials for joint activities of the member associations promoting Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the local level has been compiled within the framework of a NALAS study. A total of 13 member associations from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia and Turkey participated in the study group, which was working under the auspices of the NALAS Task Force on Energy Efficinecy. The study is available on the link below.  

Sustainable Energy Management in Public Buildings – from Policy to Local Action

 Regional Conference Sustainable Energy Management in Public Buildings – from Policy to Local Action took place in Budva, Montenegro on 27th-29th April. It was organized by the Ministry of Economy of Montenegro, German Development Cooperation – GTZ-ASE Project Montenegro, GTZ-Open Regional Fund on Energy for SEE, and the Energy Community Secretariat. The Conference aimed at information exchange between EU and SEE as well as among the SEE countries, promoting the networking between the German/local business sector and the national/municipal decision makers; information exchange about strategies to realize cost-effective energy-savings in different public buildings; contribution to raise awareness about energy efficiency. NALAS was represented by Mr. Kelmend Zajazi, Executive Director, who delivered a presentation of the First Draft of the Survey “Energy Efficiency Measures in South-East European Municipalities and the Role of National Associations and NALAS”.  

Energy Community Investment Conference on Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Energy Community Investment Conference on Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy took place in Vienna on the 18th of March. The event was organized by the Energy Community Secretariat in cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The objective of the Conference was to identify ways forward in terms of financing energy efficiency and renewable projects using innovative instruments, while drawing upon the experience of the European Union. Over 150 participants from 30 countries were represented at the forum. One of the discussion panels touched the aspects of the role of municipalities and the civil society in facilitating development of infrastructure and investments in renewable energy, but also protecting environmental and cultural heritage. NALAS presented to the conference the concept and first interim results of the currently ongoing multi-national cooperation study on “EE and RE measures in South-East Europe and the strategic role of NALAS and its member associations”, which is involving all 13 states of NALAS member associations and which is supported and co-financed by the GTZ Open Regional Fund Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energies.

Energy Community Investment Conference on Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Energy Community Investment Conference on Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy took place in Vienna on the 18th of March. The event was organized by the Energy Community Secretariat in cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The objective of the Conference was to identify ways forward in terms of financing energy efficiency and renewable projects using innovative instruments, while drawing upon the experience of the European Union. Over 150 participants from 30 countries were represented at the forum. One of the discussion panels touched the aspects of the role of municipalities and the civil society in facilitating development of infrastructure and investments in renewable energy, but also protecting environmental and cultural heritage. NALAS presented to the conference the concept and first interim results of the currently ongoing multi-national cooperation study on “EE and RE measures in South-East Europe and the strategic role of NALAS and its member associations”, which is involving all 13 states of NALAS member associations and which is supported and co-financed by the GTZ Open Regional Fund Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energies.

Climate Neutral Cities Forum

“Climate Neutral Cities” was the title of the international forum held in Geneva from the 23rd to the 25th of September, 2009. The forum was organised by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). The motivation behind the forum was the significant potential available for reducing housing related greenhouse gas emissions across Europe, but also the accrued benefits of improved comfort, employment opportunities and fuel security of supply that can arise. Guest speakers examined the multidimensional approach of “Climate Neutral Cities”. These included policymakers and authorities from various cities, who presented relevant policies as well as the challenges to governance posed by this concept. Experts from the public and private sectors addressed the technical hurdles and provided practical solutions for reducing urban GHG emissions (including land-use and transport planning, infrastructure, energy efficiency and overall building performance). NALAS was represented at this conference by Milena Garthley.

20th Session of the Steering Committee of the Energy Efficiency 21 Project

The Energy Efficiency 21 project is a region-wide project to enhance trade and co-operation in energy efficient, environmentally-sound techniques and management practices. It is the successor of the Energy Efficiency 2000 Project that was launched in 1991 and is guided and monitored by a Steering Committee composed of delegates from national participating ministries and institutions, international organizations and donor agencies. This Steering Committee gathered at the UN Palais des Nations between 3 and 5 of June 2009 and discuss the progress of the current activities and the development of future project.

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services for Local Sustainable Development in the Western Balkans

The first Steering Committee’s Meeting of the Project “Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services for Local Sustainable Development in the Western Balkans” was held on 18 May 2009 in Belgrade, Serbia. The project will be implemented by European Centre for Nature Conservation in cooperation with Regional Environmental Center and its offices in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Serbia and Kosovo. NALAS was represented at this meeting by Ms Sanja Zivkovic.