EURONET 50/50 MAX is aimed at mobilizing energy savings in public buildings through the implementation of the 50/50 methodology in 500 schools and nearly 50 other public buildings from 13 EU countries. The 9-step methodology increases energy awareness of the building users and actively involves them in energy–saving actions. Achieved financial savings are shared equally between the building users and the local authority which covers the energy bills. EURONET 50/50 MAX widely disseminated the 50/50 concept on the European and national levels to encourage more public authorities to implement the 50/50 methodology in their buildings.
EURONET 50/50 MAX is a continuation of the very successful EURONET 50/50 project which tested the implementation of the 50/50 methodology in over 50 European schools and won the European Sustainable Energy Award 2013. The awards are granted by the European Commission in order to give institutional recognition and to increase the visibility of the best sustainable energy initiatives implemented on the European level. 244 projects were submitted for the award; therefore the competition was very tough. The award ceremony was held in Brussels on the 24th of June, within the framework of the European Sustainable Energy Week. The award for the EURONET 50/50 was collected by the representatives of the Barcelona Provincial Council, who was the coordinator of the project, as well as of the project partners ALESA, UFU and Region of Crete.
The award proves that the EURONET 50/50 project was a great success and that the 50/50 methodology is worthy of further promotion among European public authorities, educational centers and managers of other public buildings. Thanks to the new project, the 50/50 network spread across Europe involving new schools and other public buildings. EURONET 50/50 MAX started in April 2013 and lasted three years. The project was supported by the European Commission through the Intelligent Energy Europe (IEE) Programme.
The successful participation of the Region of Crete for the Euronet 50/50max European Program "Unlocking Energy Savings in Schools and Other Public Buildings" took place with the participation of students and teachers in the Foundation for Research and Technology in Voutes. With the presence of the Governor of Crete Stavros Arnaoutakis, the students of elementary, high school and lyceums in Crete who are implementing the program, presented their activities during the school year, highlighting their environmental sensitivity and activation in terms of energy saving and environmental protection. Particularly important was the role of teachers who contributed effectively and methodically through the learning process and encourage students to implement daily, simple energy saving practices as users of school buildings.
Stavros Arnaoutakis awarded four schools in Crete that participated in the European Program, the 12th Elementary School of Heraklion, the 47th Primary School of Heraklion, the Kasteli High School and the Koutsouras Gymnasium. "I congratulate you on the excellent work you have done in the context of implementing the program, as we want the children to have the main role. This is an important program for energy saving, which protects the environment. I also commend the teachers and the staff of our services who coordinated the program. Our goal is to save energy and that message can go beyond the children. The region of Crete is glad that so many schools participated in European competitions. On our own side, the effort will continue with energy saving in road lighting and in more public buildings", said the Regional Governor of Crete, addressing students, teachers and parents.
