EnMS + SEAP approach Joining the Covenant of Mayors

Chepelare Municipality

Area – 384 sq.km Number of settlements – 13 Population - 7115 inhabitants (as of 31.12.2015) Administrative centre – Chepelare (the only town in the municipality)

Chepelare municipality is a year-round tourist destination

Here you can enjoy beautiful nature, a ski resort with more than 60km of ski runs and meet friendly people.

You are always welcome!!!

WHAT IS A SEAP?

The Sustainable Energy Action Plan (SEAP) is a key document that uses the results of the Baseline Emission Inventory to identify the best fields of action and opportunities for reaching the local authority’s CO2 reduction target. It defines concrete reduction measures, together with time frames and assigned responsibilities, which translate the long-term strategy into action.

SCOPE OF THE SEAP The SEAP concentrates on measures aimed at reducing the CO2 emissions and final energy consumption by end users. SEAP should include actions concerning both the public and private sectors. The main target sectors are: Buildings Equipment/facilities Public transport local electricity production

local heating/cooling generation

SEAP should cover areas where local authorities can influence energy consumption on the long term (as land use planning), encourage markets for energy efficient products and services (public procurement), as well as changes in consumption patterns (working with stakeholders and citizens).

SEAP TIME HORIZON

The SEAP has to contain a clear outline of the strategic actions intended in order to reach the commitments in 2020 within the Covenant of Mayors. The SEAP may cover a longer period, but in this case it should contain intermediate values and objectives for the year 2020.

The local authority may distinguish between: a vision, with long-term strategy and goals until 2020, including firm commitments in areas like land-use planning, transport and mobility, public procurement, standards for new/renovated buildings etc.; detailed measures for the next 3-5 years which translate the long-term strategy and goals into actions.

Both the long-term vision and the detailed measures should be an integral part of the SEAP

MAKING THE COMMITMENT

Informing the leaders of the institution about Europe 2020 and 2030 targets, the Covenant of Mayors initiative as well as the 50 000 & 1 SEAPS project;

Making the mayor and municipal council recognize the importance and benefits of reducing CO2 /GHG emissions through reducing energy consumption and implementing adequate energy management;

Chepelare Municipality has already joined the Covenant of Mayors.

SEAP elaboration and implementation requires human and financial resources.

Local authorities may adopt different approaches:

using internal resources, for example by integrating the tasks in an existing department of the local authority involved in sustainable development;

setting up a new unit within the local administration;

outsourcing (e.g., private consultants, universities etc.); Chepelare municipality doesn’t have an energy manager.

sharing a common coordinator/s among several municipalities, in the case of small-sized municipalities;

getting support from regional energy agencies or Supporting Structures

Breaking down the tasks to be completed by each team member.

BUILDING A TEAM

SETTING THE BAR

Gathering energy consumption and CO2 emissions data from all public institutions (hospitals, schools, kindergartens, municipal buildings, lighting, public transport and others); Some of the institutions might not keep or might not be willing to provide data on energy use. Gathering data on renewable energy production; Systemizing the collected data for easy comparison, viewing and understanding; Putting the values in the same units. Using tables and charts for easy display. Assessment of the potential of energy saving and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction; Defining the energy savings and carbon emissions saving areas.

CHOOSING MEASURES TO REACH THE 2020/ 2030 GOAL

Collecting ideas on how to save energy and reduce CO2 emissions;

Specifying the obligations of the municipality according to the Bulgarian laws on energy efficiency;

Assessment of the idea’s potential and how much it will cost us. Certain measures can deliver significant energy savings but at a rather high cost for the municipality to undertake them.

In some cases urgent measures need to be taken.

Some projects are more likely to be financed by EU funds or national programs supported by the Government;

Final selection of the actions to be included in the SEAP

CHEPELARE MUNICIPALITY STRATEGIC DOCUMENTS

Chepelare Municipal Council has approved the following documents concerning energy management:

Municipal development plan;

Energy efficiency program;

Program for promotion of energy from renewable sources and bio fuels;

SEALING THE DEAL

Foreseen financing sources for the SEAP implementation. In order to be viable, the SEAP should include information on how each specific action will be financed.

Developing the SEAP itself, including data collection, measures for reducing CO2 emissions, Action plan with foreseen activates, deadlines, responsible persons, etc.

Approval of the SEAP by the Municipal council The SEAP will be proposed for approval to the city managers (mayor and deputy mayors) and then will be adopted by the Municipal Council.

SEAP IN ACTION

Involvement of the local community in the SEAP implementation;

Over 96 % of the housing in Bulgaria are privately-owned (over 97% in Smolyan region); People are not always willing to implement energy saving measures in their residential buildings. For example “The national program for energy efficiency in multifamily residential buildings”.

Legal and bureaucratic obstacles for implementing the actions;

Permits are required for the implementation of certain actions, according to the national legislation;

Working hard…

ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (ISO 50001:2011)

European Standard approved by CEN (European committee for standardization)

on October 25, 2011.

It replaces EN 16001:2009

The ISO is the tool that is used to make measurements and check-ups of the SEAP

ISO 50001

The process always has a positive end.

Once started, it has to finish with a Certificate.

The attitude of the Auditors is positive or should be positive.

The certification process always includes two parts:

Preliminary Audit - General Check up;

Certification Audit – Essential Check up;

Тhe certification process can have a different price. It usually depends from the following factors:

The certifying organization (collect more offers);

The scope of the certificate (physical boundary);

The number of the people in the organization;

FEW PRACTICAL TIPS FOR CERTIFICATION OF ISO 50001:2011

Thank you for your attention!

Lazar Karamitev, Chepelare Municipality, Bulgaria

mob: +359 882 421 110

e-mail: lazarkaramitev@abv.bg