Committed to local sustainable energy
The Covenant of Mayors is the mainstream European movement involving local and regional authorities, voluntarily committing to increasing energy efficiency and use of renewable energy sources on their territories. By their commitment, Covenant signatories aim to meet and exceed the European Union 20% CO2 reduction objective by 2020.
After the adoption, in 2008, of the EU Climate and Energy Package, the European Commission launched the Covenant of Mayors to endorse and support the efforts deployed by local authorities in the implementation of sustainable energy policies. Indeed, local governments play a crucial role in mitigating the effects of climate change, all the more so when considering that 80% of energy consumption and CO2 emissions is associated with urban activity.
Actions speak for themselves
In order to translate their political commitment into concrete measures and projects, Covenant signatories notably undertake to prepare a Baseline Emission Inventory and submit, within the year following their signature, a Sustainable Energy Action Plan outlining the key actions they plan to undertake.
Beyond energy savings, the results of signatories’ actions are manifold: creation of skilled and stable jobs, not subject to delocalisation; healthier environment and quality of life; enhanced economic competitiveness and greater energy independence. These actions serve as examples for others to follow, notably through referring to the “Benchmarks of Excellence”, a database of best practices submitted by Covenant signatories. The Catalogue of Sustainable Energy Action Plans is another such unique source of inspiration, as it shows at a glance the ambitious objectives set by other signatories and the key measures they have identified to reach them.
Download the Covenant of Mayors text PDF
