Iași is the first Romanian municipality to receive the energy-efficient Sustainable Community certificate in accordance with the European Energy Award system; the distinction was presented during a ceremony attended by ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to Romania, Arthur Mattli. “I congratulate the Municipality of Iași for being able to complete all the steps to become a sustainable city. I also congratulate you for signing the mayor’s convention at European level, which means a commitment to reducing energy consumption by 25 %," said Arthur Mattli.
The European Energy Award is a quality management and certification system established by the EU to support local authorities in planning and achieving energy and climate protection policy goals and measures. The system consists of a process of continuous improvement of energy efficiencies, renewable energies use, and sustainability processes.
This is in the footsteps of two projects established by the Romanian Green Building Council, which made it possible to obtain the Energy Efficiency Certificate. The project "Institutionalisation of the European Energy Award in Romania", funded by the Switzerland-Romania Cooperation Programme, aims to reduce economic and social inequalities within the European Union.
The other project harmonises the European Energy Award with other community assessment frameworks funded by the European CoME EASY programme. The CoME EASY project elaborates and provides municipalities with all-inclusive, comprehensive, user-friendly and effective supporting tools for developing, monitoring and achieving their energy and climate goals.
′′It's an honour for all the Iasians that, starting today, we have joined the energy-sustainable cities. It's a long work, hard work, related to the desire to leave those who will come after us a clean city, in every way. All of our investment programs have a must and sustainable part of each project. It is the moral duty we have to those to whom we will bequeath this city," commented mayor of Iași Municipality Mihai Chirica on the occasion.
Receiving this award confirms the local community's efforts to incorporate the steps in the Energy Efficiency Action Plan and serves as the foundation for an integrated concept of project packages aimed at increasing energy efficiency in spheres, such as public lighting, local transportation, centralised heating system, and local household services.
Congratulations Iași!!
Source: The Mayor EU
