EU local and regional authorities contributing to the
Mid-term review of Europe 2020
Assessment of the Resource Efficient Europe flagship initiative
Three years after its launch, the Committee of the Regions will take stock of the Resource Efficient
Europe flagship initiative at a conference to be held on 2-3 September 2013 in Vilnius. This
conference will be the sixth in a series of 7 CoR events and monitoring initiatives on the mid-term
review of Europe 2020 in 2014. More news on this conference may be found on the CoR's website1.
By participating in this survey, you will:
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ensure that your views are taken into account in the debate held during the conference;
contribute to the 4th CoR Monitoring Report on Europe 2020, to be published in October 2013;
contribute to the CoR's consultative activity in this area over the coming months;
contribute to the mid-term review of Europe 2020 in 2014.
IF YOU WISH TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS SURVEY, PLEASE COMPLETE THIS QUESTIONNAIRE IN ANY
EU LANGUAGE, USING THE SPACES PROVIDED, AND RETURN IT IN TEXT FORMAT TO:
europe2020@cor.europa.eu
by 28 June 2013
For more information on this survey and for details of how to join the
Europe 2020 Monitoring Platform, go to:
http://portal.cor.europa.eu/europe2020/
The questionnaire is available on this website in all official languages of the EU
You can find more information on Resource Efficient Europe, as seen from the local and regional
authorities' viewpoint, in the Committee of the Regions' publication Delivering on the Europe 2020
Strategy Handbook for Local and Regional Authorities2. General information on Europe 2020 may be
found on the strategy's official website3.
1
2
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http://cor.europa.eu/en/activities/europe2020/Pages/resource-efficient-europe.aspx.
The Handbook can be downloaded from:
http://portal.cor.europa.eu/europe2020/SiteCollectionDocuments/Europe%202020%20Handbook%20for%20Local%20and%20R
egional%20Authorities.pdf.
An e-book version is also available at:
http://bookshop.europa.eu/en/delivering-on-the-europe-2020-strategy-pbQG3112732/.
http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/europe-2020-in-a-nutshell/flagship-initiatives/index_en.htm.
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Contributor information4
Name of sender:
Contact details:
(address, telephone, email)
On behalf of:
(name of local or regional authority)
Type of organisation
Country:
Aníbal Reis Costa
Praça Comendador Infante Passanha, nº5, 7900571 Ferreira do Alentejo
Ferreira de Alentejo Town Council
City/Town/Municipality Region
County/Province
Association of local
and/or regional authorities
Other (please specify)
Portugal
Member of the EUROPE 2020
Monitoring Platform:
Yes
No
Covenant of Mayors signatory:
Yes
No
Covenant of Mayors Territorial
Coordinator
Yes
No
4
Privacy Statement: The follow-up to your contribution requires that your personal data (name, contact details, etc.) be processed
in a file. All the answers to the questions are voluntary. Your replies will be kept for a period of 5 years after the receipt of your
questionnaire. Should you require any further information or wish to exercise your rights under Regulation (EC) No 45/2001
(e.g. to access, rectify or delete your data), please contact the data controller at europe2020@cor.europa.eu. If necessary, you
may also contact the CoR Data Protection Officer (data.protection@cor.europa.eu). You have the right of recourse to the
European Data Protection Supervisor at any time (www.edps.europa.eu). Please note that the questionnaire with your
contribution and your contact details will be published online. Your questionnaire may be transmitted to CoR rapporteurs and
other EU institutions for information. Should you not agree to this, please inform us accordingly.
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Policy challenges and responses at regional and local level
BOX 1 – Resource Efficient Europe: basic information
Resource efficiency means using the Earth's limited resources — metals, minerals, fuels, water, land,
timber, fertile soil, clean air and biodiversity — in a sustainable manner. Increasing resource
efficiency can secure growth and jobs by stimulating technological innovation, boosting employment
in the fast developing 'green technology' sector and opening up new export markets. It can also benefit
consumers through more sustainable products.
The Resource Efficient Europe Flagship Initiative was adopted in 2010, as an integral part of the
Europe 2020 strategy under the sustainable growth pillar, to "help decouple economic growth from
the use of resources, support the shift towards a low carbon economy, increase the use of renewable
energy sources, modernise our transport sector and promote energy efficiency"5. It sets out a
framework to help ensure that long-term strategies in areas such as climate change, energy, transport,
industry, raw materials, agriculture, fisheries, biodiversity, water and waste management, land use and
regional development all deliver results in the area of resource efficiency6 in order to:
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boost economic performance while reducing resource use;
identify and create new opportunities for economic growth and greater innovation and boost the
EU's competitiveness;
ensure the security of supply of essential resources;
fight against climate change and limit the environmental impact of resource use.
The Flagship Initiative was outlined in four long-term roadmaps with a 2050 horizon, respectively on
climate7, energy8, transport9 and resource-efficiency10, issued in 2011, and a number of other policy
initiatives with a 2020 perspective11, covering the following aspects:
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
COM(2010) 2020 final "EUROPE 2020 A strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth".
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2010:2020:FIN:EN:PDF.
COM(2011) 21 "A resource-efficient Europe – Flagship initiative under the Europe 2020 Strategy".
http://ec.europa.eu/resource-efficient-europe/pdf/resource_efficient_europe_en.pdf.
COM(2011) 112 final "A Roadmap for moving to a competitive low carbon economy in 2050".
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2011:0112:FIN:EN:PDF.
COM(2011) 885 final "Energy Roadmap 2050"
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2011:0885:FIN:EN:PDF.
COM(2011) 144 final "WHITE PAPER Roadmap to a Single European Transport Area – Towards a competitive and resource
efficient transport system".
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2011:0144:FIN:en:PDF.
COM(2011) 571 final "Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe".
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=COM:2011:0571:FIN:EN:PDF.
http://ec.europa.eu/resource-efficient-europe/.
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Promoting sustainable consumption and production by setting “appropriate” price signals,
providing consumers with relevant environmental information, establishing minimum
environmental performance standards and putting in place incentives to reward efficient
businesses;
Turning waste into resources through more targeted recycling and re-use, separate collection and
energy recovery, with landfilling to be virtually eliminated;
Supporting more research and innovation focusing on resource efficiency goals;
Phasing out environmentally harmful subsidies, getting prices right and shifting from taxation of
labour to environmental taxation;
Better valuation of natural capital and ecosystem services by public authorities and businesses;
Halting the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystem services;
Promoting better management of water resources;
Improving air quality standards;
Better management of land-use, soils and marine waters.
The Committee of the Regions adopted its opinion on "A resource-efficient Europe – flagship
initiative under the Europe 2020 Strategy"12 in October 2011.
A European Resource Efficiency Platform (EREP)13 has been set by the European Commission in
order to provide high-level guidance to the European Commission, Member States, local and regional
authorities, and private actors on the transition process towards a more resource-efficient economy.
In December 2012, the EREP issued its "Manifesto for A Resource-Efficient Europe"14, identifying
the following actions:
1. Encouraging innovation and accelerating public and private investment in resource-efficient
technologies, systems and skills, as well as SMEs;
2. Implementing, applying and adopting smart regulation, standards and codes of conduct that a)
create a level playing-field, b) reward front-runners and c) accelerate the transition, and d) take into
account the social and international implications of our actions.
3. Abolishing environmentally harmful subsidies and shifting the tax burden away from jobs to
encourage resource-efficiency;
4. Creating better market conditions for products and services that have lower impacts across their
life-cycles, and that are durable, repairable and recyclable, inspiring sustainable life-styles by
informing and incentivising consumers;
12
13
14
CdR 140/2011 fin "A Resource-efficient Europe – flagship initiative under the Europe 2020 Strategy"
http://toad.cor.europa.eu/corwipdetail.aspx?folderpath=ENVE-V/011&id=20970.
The EREP is a high-level group of personalities drawn from the European Commission, the European Parliament, national and
regional governments, relevant international organizations, business/industry, civil society (inter alia consumers, trade unions and
NGOs)
and
other
opinion
leaders,
e.g.
from
academia.
For
further
information:
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/resource_efficiency/re_platform/.
http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-12-989_en.htm#PR_metaPressRelease.
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5. Integrating wider policy areas, such as in the fields of transport, food, water and construction.
6. Adopting policy goals to achieve a resource-efficient economy and society by 2020, setting targets
that give a clear direction and indicators to measure progress relating to the use of land, materials,
water and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as biodiversity.
1)
What are the main challenges currently facing your region/city in terms of (i) the more
efficien²t use of resources, (ii) the shift towards a low carbon economy, (iii) energy efficiency
and use of renewable energy sources, (iv) the modernisation of the transport sector, (v) the
change in producers' and consumers' behaviour (see Box 1)?
Multiple answers possible.
more efficient use of resources X
shift towards a low carbon economy
energy efficiency and use of renewable energy sources X
modernisation of the transport sector
change in producers' and consumers' behaviour X
Please explain.
Only by combining these three challenges will it be possible to achieve visible results in this
area.
2)
Which of the aims of the Resource Efficient Europe flagship initiative (listed in Box 1) are
most relevant in view of the challenges currently facing your city/region?
Multiple answers possible.
Boost economic performance while reducing resource use
Identify and create new opportunities at local level for economic growth and greater
innovation and boost the EU's competitiveness X
Ensure the security of supply of essential resources
Fight against climate change and limit the environmental impacts of resource use
Please explain.
This is the key to overcoming the economic crisis in a disadvantaged, thinly populated
region, by using renewable natural resources in which the region is rich, fostering job
creation and encouraging the local population to remain in the region.
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3)
The CoR opinion15 on Resource Efficient Europe focuses on i) low-carbon, resource-efficient
transport and energy systems; ii) sustainable consumption and production; iii) zero-waste
economy; iv) efficient use of raw materials (minerals, forests and biomass); v) biodiversity,
ecosystem services and land use.
Has your city/region adopted policies in the following fields of resource efficiency? Which
actions has it applied (innovation/investments, regulations, modifying subsidies, others as
identified by EREP in box 1)?
Multiple answers possible.
low-carbon, resource-efficient transport
low-carbon, resource efficient energy systems
sustainable consumption and production
zero-waste economy
efficient use of raw materials (minerals, forests and biomass) X
biodiversity, ecosystem services and land use
Please explain.
Various projects and studies have been undertaken to implement energy-efficiency solutions
and reduce consumption.
4)
The Resource Efficient Europe flagship initiative recognises and promotes the
interdependency of environmental, economic and social policies.
Have the policies adopted by your city/region (as stated in your answer to question 3), been
interlinked as part of an integrated framework? If yes, please describe in brief, highlighting
their mutual interlinks and potential synergies.
Yes, the policies adopted form part of an overall programme entitled "Sustainable Ferreira", involving
the following measures:
- Implementation of Local Agenda 21;
- Municipal plan for replacing/modernising waste-water treatment plants;
- Public information campaigns to increase environmental awareness;
- Promotion of sustainable building techniques;
- Solar-energy parks;
- Guide to sustainable consumption;
- Efficient lighting;
- Collection of recyclable waste;
15
CdR 140/2011 fin "A Resource-efficient Europe – flagship initiative under the Europe 2020 Strategy".
http://toad.cor.europa.eu/corwipdetail.aspx?folderpath=ENVE-V/011&id=20970.
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- Eradication of the use of plastic in advertising material;
- Participation in the Europe/FEE Blue Flag Association's ECO XXI programme
5)
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The Resource Efficient Europe Flagship Initiative contributes to the process of reaching the
headline targets set under the sustainable growth pillar of the Europe 2020 Strategy for energy
and climate change:
Greenhouse gas emissions 20% lower than 1990 (or even 30% if the conditions are right)
20% of energy from renewables
20% increase in energy efficiency
To what extent are these targets feasible based on your local situation?
20% GHG
Highly feasible
Fairly feasible
20% RES
Highly feasible
Fairly feasible
20% EE
Highly feasible
Fairly feasible
Not feasible
Not feasible
Not feasible
Please explain.
A number of studies and measures have already been carried out, showing the council's
capacity for intervention and positive change.
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6)
The Covenant of Mayors16. – currently counting over 4,500 signatories - is a voluntary
commitment by local and regional authorities to meet and exceed the EU 20% CO2 reduction
objective through increased energy efficiency and the development of renewable energy
sources.
Beyond energy and climate change, regions and cities have an important role to play in
fostering resource efficiency. They can invest in green buildings, sustainable water and waste
management, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by promoting cleaner modes of transport and
oversee the protection of ecosystems.
Do you consider this type of dissemination and networking platform to be a useful initiative?
If yes, would your city/region be in favour of expanding the approach of the Covenant of
Mayors framework to other key areas of the Resource Efficient Europe flagship initiative,
such as biodiversity and land use, waste and water management or air pollution, provided that
relevant EU targets are identified?
Biodiversity and land use X
Waste management
Water management X
Air pollution
Others
Please explain.
These are strategic sectors whose management can only be undertaken in a global manner and in
partnership.
16
http://www.covenantofmayors.eu/index_en.html.
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7)
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The Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe (see Box 1) sets out the following milestones
to be reached by 2020 for the three key sectors which are responsible for 70-80% of all
environmental impact:
Food - 20% reduction in the food chain’s resource inputs,
Buildings – all new buildings to be nearly practically zero-energy and highly material efficient;
2% renovation rate per year for existing building stock; 70% of non-hazardous construction and
demolition waste to be recycled.
Mobility - an average 1% annual reduction in transport GHG emissions starting from 2012.
To what extent are these milestones appropriate to your local situation?
Food
Highly appropriate
Fairly appropriate
Not appropriate
Buildings
Highly appropriate
Fairly appropriate
Not appropriate
Mobility
Highly appropriate
Fairly appropriate
Not appropriate
Please explain.
Because they can be implemented by the local authority.
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How is the Resource Efficient Europe relevant to your city or
region?
8)
Which of the policies of the Roadmap to Resource Efficient Europe (presented in Box 1)
are most relevant to your specific local/regional situation?.
Multiple answers possible.
Promoting sustainable consumption and production
Turning waste into resources X
Supporting more research and innovation in the area of resource efficiency
Phasing out environmentally harmful subsidies, getting prices right
Better valuation of natural capital and ecosystem services
Halting the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystem services
Promoting better management of water resources
X
Improving air quality standards
Better management of land-use, soils and marine waters
Please explain.
These are two areas where the town council needs to act because so much farmland is under
irrigation, and because of the waste generated by intensive cultivation of olives.
9)
Which of the actions under the European Resource Efficiency flagship initiative, as
identified in the EREP's manifesto (set out in Box 1), are the most difficult to achieve in your
city/region?
Multiple answers possible.
Innovation and investment
Regulation
Subsidies X
Products and services
Policy integration
Targets for policy goals
Please explain.
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In this way investment is made more directly at the local level, in accordance with local needs.
10)
Overall, what are the strong and weak points of the Resource Efficient Europe Flagship
Initiative, as seen from your regional/local standpoint?
Strong points: Placing the topic on the local and regional agenda.
Weak points: Insufficient involvement of local players.
Would you recommend any specific changes to the Resource Efficient Europe Flagship
Initiative, in the context of the mid-term review of the Europe 2020 strategy in 2014?
Please explain
11)
No.
Are your country's policies relevant to your city or region?
12)
Does your country's 2013 (current) National Reform Programme17 (NRP) for Europe 2020
adequately respond to your regional/local needs in the policy areas covered by the Resource
Efficient Europe flagship initiative (e.g. environmental taxation, phasing-out
environmentally harmful subsidies, pricing mechanisms)?
Yes
No
Don’t know
Please explain
.......................................................................................
13)
Would you suggest any changes in your country's National Reform Programme for 2014
in the area of resource efficiency?
Yes
No
Don’t know
Please explain
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17
All available here: http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/making-it-happen/country-specific-recommendations/index_en.htm.
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Policy and funding issues
What sources of funding are used to finance your actions under the Resource Efficient
Europe flagship initiative? In particular: what is the role of the EU Structural Funds and
programmes (e.g. ELENA, LIFE, Intelligent Energy-Europe Programme, JESSICA) in
funding actions related to Resource Efficient Europe? Are any other policy/financial
instruments involved?
14)
Multiple answers possible.
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Structural Funds
ERDF X
Cohesion Fund X
ESF
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Other EU funding programmes
ELENA
LIFE
Intelligent Energy-Europe Programme
JESSICA
Others: .........
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Public Private Partnership
.........
Please explain.
.......................................................................................
15)
Are any of the actions you have undertaken to implement the Resource Efficient Europe
flagship initiative (as stated in your answer to question 6) carried out in partnership with
different tiers of government? If yes, please state (a) which administrative levels are
involved and (b) which practical arrangements are taken to manage these actions jointly.
No.
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16)
Do you consider that the existing EU policy framework has established sufficient links with
local level in order to achieve the targets of the Resource Efficient Europe flagship initiative?
Do you have any suggestions in this respect?
Yes.
17)
The policy goals under Resource Efficient Europe require an integrated, multi-sectorial
approach, however they are often more effective if relevant stakeholders are also involved.
Do you have a strategy for involving these various actors, such as the different institutions,
economic operators (especially SMEs) and citizens? If yes, what kind of involvement have
you pursued (e.g. information campaigns, dedicated events, assistance to citizens on resource
efficiency investments, PPPs)?
Please explain.
Yes. The strategy is deployed through implementation of the "Sustainable Ferreira"
programme mentioned above.
18)
Please add any further comments you wish to make on the issues covered in this
questionnaire.
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SHARE YOUR GOOD PRACTICE
As part of the preparations for the CoR conference to be held on
2-3 September 2013 and to showcase good practices in areas covered by the
Resource Efficient Europe flagship initiative (e.g. energy efficiency,
renewable sources, buildings, transport and mobility, air quality, water and
waste management, spatial planning and land use, biodiversity, agriculture),
you are invited to submit examples of good practice from your local area.
Please complete the form available on our website:
http://portal.cor.europa.eu/europe2020/MonitoringFlagships/Pages/Welcome.aspx
JOIN THE EUROPE 2020 MONITORING PLATFORM
To help convey the voice of EU cities and regions in the implementation of
Europe 2020 at EU level and in your country, join us. For more information,
visit:
http://portal.cor.europa.eu/europe2020/Knowledge/Pages/BecomeaMember.aspx
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION!
_____________
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