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Stefan Tostman |
Head of Unit D2 Innovation and technological development in energy DG TREN, European Commission |
Dear Reader,
Climate change has an ever increasing impact on all our daily lives. Global warming is a major problem which reveals itself a little bit more every day. We are faced with a growing number of energy related challenges, and we'd better address them now.
About 80% of total energy demand is used in or around cities. The building sector consumes considerably more energy than the transport sector. Energy use in buildings throughout mature cities accounts for over 70% of the total greenhouse gas emissions. The building sector is thus a prime target for energy savings measures.
It seemed therefore almost obvious to launch CONCERTO as major initiative, harmoniously blending energy production from renewable energy sources with the application of energy savings measures on a local basis. |
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The strategic vision pursued by CONCERTO is to demonstrate through its dedicated forerunner communities how European communities can reach energy performance targets which are at least 30% above their existing national targets.
Success stories, best practice examples and already known results are essential to encourage the large scale replication of the CONCERTO concept in larger urban and built areas. This will improve the quality of life for citizens all over Europe.
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translate its results into adaptable and transferable recommendations for other cities and communities to easily use;
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facilitate authorities to take on board proven CONCERTO results as higher standards as part of their urban development plans;
- prove to decision makers that CONCERTO is a practical European solution for addressing the increasing energy challenges within the built environment;
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CONCERTO Plus is a network adding value to the individual CONCERTO projects by supporting and facilitating mutual relationships between all involved. We would like to create a common brand identity for all CONCERTO Projects as a benchmark for excellence in the built urban environment.
CONCERTO Plus has to deliver the knowledge and understanding to promote the CONCERTO initiative as a first class reference point.
As the CONCERTO initiative has now nearly 50 participating communities it will continue to gain the essential credibility to be regarded as a force of conviction. As new Head of Unit, I would like to congratulate the existing communities and warmly welcome the new ones. I will have the chance to meet you all at the CONCERTO event during the EU Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) or the CONCERTO II Opening event on 19th February 2008.
Without doubt, through CONCERTO we are one step closer to reaching a completely integrated energy policy to improve the quality of citizens’ lives.
Yours sincerely,
Stefan Tostmann
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