Objectives

The 3% per annum objective for energy-efficiency should be continued well beyond the life of the project, both among participating cities and other cities that see Minus 3% cities as Shining Examples and wish to follow. Energy management practices will continue as economic, social and environmental benefits from energy savings will bring strong motivation for further action, coupled with increasing energy costs. Municipalities have a chance to build their own energy agenda and link it to political targets of municipal councils. This proposal can contribute significantly to the medium-term target of 30% energy-efficiency for the EU by 2020.

Another key strategic objective is to influence the senior city administration and politicians, encouraging them to be leaders in the field of energy-efficiency and energy services.

An additional objective of this action is to contribute to legal and institutional changes within local and national governments which will enable energy-efficiency and energy services. It is ultimately hoped that ambitious targets for energy efficiency which exceed current national and EU targets will be set by Member States. more