24 October 2014: The 6th Local Renewables Conference, organized by ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, gathered more than 30 experts to discuss the role of cities and regions in transitioning to sustainable energy. During the conference, which convened from 22-24 October, in Freiburg and Lörrach, Germany, the experts shared their views on how regional development can drive energy efficiency and renewable energy transitions.
The event took place in plenary sessions and workshops. Plenary sessions focused on: local climate and energy action supporting regional economic development; changes in the political, legal and economic frameworks for a transition to energy-productive cities and regions; intelligent financing mechanisms and models for renewable energy; and cooperation in financing solutions for energy-productive cities and regions. In addition, participants had the opportunity to participate in study tours on the sustainable model district of Vauban and the ‘Green Therm Cool Center’ in Freiburg.
During the conference, participants exchanged views on how sub-national entities can optimize collaboration with local stakeholders, and sought to evaluate the potential for integrating technological innovations, such as solar cooling, and waste-to-energy and water-food-energy nexus solutions. Delegates also examined the costs and benefits, and public and private financing options for local action, and ways to develop meaningful financing partnerships.
The conference concluded with a summary session that explored future opportunities and ways to establish “productive cities.” A call for regional economic development perspectives that are driven by regional resources, capital and actors, was issued, and participants stressed the importance of a participatory and transparent approach, and the need to ensure quality of life for all citizens.
Wolfgang Teubner, Regional Director for ICLEI Europe, described energy as a “positive driver of investment, jobs and local economic development,” and stressed the need to enable citizens to become both energy consumers and producers by lowering the threshold to investment.
The annual Local Renewables conferences, organized since 2007, provide an international forum for discussion and exchange among policy-makers, energy services providers, energy experts and researchers, and business representatives under a specific theme. ICLEI is an international association of local and metropolitan governments that seeks to build capacity, share knowledge and support local governments in implementing sustainable development at the local level. ICLEI members comprise 12 mega-cities, 100 super-cities and urban regions, 450 large cities, and 450 small and medium-sized cities and towns, in 84 countries. [ICLEI Press Release] [Local Renewables Conference 2014 Website]