THE EUROPEAN ENERGY AWARD: QUALITY MANAGEMENT AND AWARDING SYSTEM
The European Energy Award (eea) is a quality management and awarding system for municipalities and regions. It supports local authorities in establishing interdisciplinary planning approaches and implementing effective energy and climate policy measures. The success of the eea is based on 4 pillars:
Accelerator of national and supranational energy strategies
The eea translates national goals effectively into local policy recommendations. These provide guidance for local authorities in allocating their resources to achieve optimum efficiency in their measures.
For municipalities by municipalities
The eea has been continually developed by municipalities and experts on the local level since 1988. Careful consideration of the regional context forms an integral part of the program.
Specific activity programmes
eea local authorities implement customised action plan with a long-term view. Action plans are evaluated and adjusted every 4 years with the assistance of accredited experts.
International benchmark
Local authorities‘ efforts are assessed with regard to their individual scope of action. This allows a comparison of different municipalities and the establishment of an international benchmark.
Accelerator of national and supranational energy strategies
The eea translates national goals effectively into local policy recommendations. These provide guidance for local authorities in allocating their resources to achieve optimum efficiency in their measures.
For municipalities by municipalities
The eea has been continually developed by municipalities and experts on the local level since 1988. Careful consideration of the regional context forms an integral part of the program.
Specific activity programmes
eea local authorities implement customised action plan with a long-term view. Action plans are evaluated and adjusted every 4 years with the assistance of accredited experts.
International benchmark
Local authorities‘ efforts are assessed with regard to their individual scope of action. This allows a comparison of different municipalities and the establishment of an international benchmark.
WHY DO LOCAL AUTHORITIES CHOOSE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE EEA?
The number of awarded local authorities has been constantly increasing over the past ten years. As per the end of 2018, 981 of a total of 1,596 participating municipalities had been awarded the European Energy Award, 131 of which the European Energy Award Gold. The participating municipalities and districts especially appreciate the following benefits:
An effect oriented management instrument that leads to benefits
The eea comprises an iterative management process that guides local authorities in continuously improving their energy and climate policies. The well structured process allows for energy targets to be met faster.
Quality increase through coaching by external energy experts
Each local authority is assisted by an external energy consultant, which provides technical and organisational support throughout the entire eea process. An accredited eea auditor reviews the local authorities' activities and rating to ensure the harmonised application of the certification system.
Access to a collection of national supporting tools
All national eea organisations have developed country-specific tools and checklists to facilitate the implementation of specific measures by local authorities. These national tools form an essential part of the eea process.
Awarding on two levels creates visibility
Labelling under the European Energy Award provides an incentive for local authorities to strengthen their activities and makes a strong point for location marketing purposes. The European Energy Award Gold further honours local authorities with exemplary energy policies for taking a pioneering role.
Regular exchange of experience and training
Best practice examples are regularly shared in national and in international exchange of experiences. Common identified weaknesses are addressed by the national eea organisations in specific trainings for local authorities.
An effect oriented management instrument that leads to benefits
The eea comprises an iterative management process that guides local authorities in continuously improving their energy and climate policies. The well structured process allows for energy targets to be met faster.
Quality increase through coaching by external energy experts
Each local authority is assisted by an external energy consultant, which provides technical and organisational support throughout the entire eea process. An accredited eea auditor reviews the local authorities' activities and rating to ensure the harmonised application of the certification system.
Access to a collection of national supporting tools
All national eea organisations have developed country-specific tools and checklists to facilitate the implementation of specific measures by local authorities. These national tools form an essential part of the eea process.
Awarding on two levels creates visibility
Labelling under the European Energy Award provides an incentive for local authorities to strengthen their activities and makes a strong point for location marketing purposes. The European Energy Award Gold further honours local authorities with exemplary energy policies for taking a pioneering role.
Regular exchange of experience and training
Best practice examples are regularly shared in national and in international exchange of experiences. Common identified weaknesses are addressed by the national eea organisations in specific trainings for local authorities.
