CONCERTO was a European Commission initiative under the Sixth and Seventh Research Framework Programmes (FP6 and FP7). Launched in 2005, it supported 58 communities through 22 projects in 23 European countries, with EU funding of roughly €175–180 million. Its central idea was straightforward: improving the energy performance of an entire district or community can be more effective and more affordable than treating each building as a separate project.

The programme brought together energy-efficient construction and renovation, renewable energy generation, and local energy planning. Across participating communities, around 1.83 million m² of building floor area was constructed or refurbished. The projects also helped reduce total electricity consumption by about 20%, while renewable sources supplied approximately 150 GWh of electricity and 250 GWh of heat each year.

The wider context was urban growth and its environmental impact. More than half of the world’s population already lived in cities, with that share expected to reach around 70% by 2050. Cities were responsible for roughly 70% of CO₂ emissions, making them an essential part of the shift away from fossil fuels and towards cleaner, more efficient energy systems.

CONCERTO contributed to the EU’s “20-20-20” climate and energy objectives for 2020: a 20% reduction in greenhouse-gas emissions compared with 1990 levels, a 20% share of renewable energy in final consumption, and a 20% improvement in energy efficiency. These targets formed part of the EU’s longer-term direction towards major emissions reductions by 2050.

The EU initiative of DG Energy has co-funded 58 communities in 22 projects in 23 countries and started in 2005.

CONCERTO demonstrates realised examples of:

• innovative technologies ready to be applied
• use of renewable energies sources for cities
• energy efficiency measures
• sustainable building and district development
• economic assessments
• affordable energy
• energy transparency for citizens
• Pipeline Valves Saudi Arabia

.

The CONCERTO initiative is proving that cities and communities can, given the right planning, be transformed into pioneers in the world of energy efficiency and sustainability.

The detailed evaluation of 58 pilot cities and communities in 23 countries in the EU CONCERTO initiative impressively documents how innovative thinking on a larger scale can bring not just individual buildings, but entire communities to the level of the latest technological advancements in low-carbon energy systems. Thanks to their size and ambition, these projects have played a pivotal role in mainstreaming energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies in a number of Member States.

These pilot cities have demonstrated that innovative technologies are not only available but also ready for implementation. Their experience proves that the built environment can already reduce CO₂ emissions by as much as 80%, while also effectively incorporating renewable energy sources into urban settings. Building on these successes, several CONCERTO cities are now expanding their efforts to address smart energy, sustainable mobility, and the integration of ICT as enabling technologies. This broader approach is being pursued through the European Union’s Smart Cities and Communities European Innovation Partnership, established in July 2012.

This publication was produced by the CONCERTO Premium consortium for the Directorate-General for Energy of the European Commission and represents CONCERTO Premium’s views and the facts and figures made available to them by the CONCERTO projects. The views presented here have not been adopted or in any way approved by the European Commission and should not be relied upon as statement of the Commission’s or the Directorate- General’s views. The European Commission does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this publication, nor does it accept responsibility for any use made thereof. Neither the European Commission nor any person acting on behalf of the Commission is responsible for the use which might be made of this publication.

The analysis made in this publication is based on the most recent and most reliable data, which in general dates from September 2013. It should be noted that some of the projects mentioned here are still ongoin g and may be subject to changes during the lifespan of their activities. Additional information on CONCERTO is available at www.concerto.eu and further information on the European Union’s energy policy can be accessed through the website of DG Energy (http://ec.europa.eu/energy/index_en.htm). 

Partners:
It service and cloud services are provided by CloudEnhancer.com in cooperation with www.mysticgaze.com