1. Member News

Dublin bike scheme reaches record-breaking high

The public bike hire scheme in ICLEI member city Dublin (Ireland) has broken its record for the number of journeys taken in a day. On 13 July dublinbikes' members undertook 6,280 journeys, marking another milestone in its success story. The previous record was 6,043 journeys on 15 April 2011.

The scheme was introduced by Dublin City Council in September 2009 and over 2.3 million journeys have been taken since then. dublinbikes has attracted over 59,000 members – about two thirds of whom have taken long-term (one year) membership.

The city’s Lord Mayor Andrew Montague proposed the scheme and said, “dublinbikes continues to go from success to success. There are now 550 bikes in the scheme operating from 44 stations. This means each bike was used almost 11.5 times on 13 July which is absolutely wonderful to see. It also shows once again the demand for the scheme and expanding it.”

For further information, click here.

Living Life project encourages families to embrace sustainability

Eleven families in ICLEI member city Gothenburg (Sweden), have reached the end of their participation in Living Life, a project that aimed to make families more aware of the value of living sustainably. The project ran for one year and educated the families about the many ways they could make tangible changes to minimise their impact on the environment.

Living sustainably increases quality of life in a myriad of ways, including through better economy, better health and less stress. The project presented families with seven challenges concerning sustainability, focusing on food, waste, consumption, energy, chemicals, travel and recreation.

For each challenge the families received personal coaching from municipal experts. The results were followed up with simple measurements, such as each person's carbon and waste profiles before and after the project. An evaluation of the project will be implemented in autumn 2011.

For further information, click here.

Aalborg gets counting its growing number of cyclists

The City of Aalborg (Denmark) has installed a bicycle counter to record the number of passing cyclists and provide them with valuable information such as the time, temperature and their speed. The ICLEI member city installed the counter on a busy commuter route between the city centre and university.

The technology is based on so-called senso-lines that are placed in the asphalt of the cycle lanes. If the temperature is close to zero degrees, a snowflake icon will appear on the display to make cyclists aware of the risk of icy roads. Aalborg also recently installed two air pumps for cyclists.

These new services were introduced as part of Aalborg’s involvement in the CIVITAS Initiative. On 13 September, a workshop entitled Effective solutions for green urban transport - Learning from CIVITAS cities, will showcase more of its measures. The event runs in parallel with the ICLEI European Convention.

For further information, click here.

2. Countdown to ICLEI European Convention 2011 underway

With less than two weeks to the ICLEI European Convention, the countdown is well and truly on. More than 20 plenary and parallel sessions, with over 80 speakers will focus on the transformation needed to achieve smart, sustainable and inclusive cities throughout Europe. Taking place in Brussels, Belgium from 12-14 September 2011, participants have a diverse selection of sessions to choose from, with topics such as digital democracy, sustainable mobility and building design and construction.

They can also choose to visit exemplary buildings and sustainable neighbourhoods or take a stroll along the city’s Green Network. The European Green Capital cities will be involved in the Convention, providing a fantastic opportunity to meet and learn from representatives from Hamburg, Nantes, Stockholm, and Vitoria-Gasteiz among others. Highlights include the Hamburg Train of Ideas, an actual train housing an exhibition on best practice urban sustainability projects from European cities.

The Mayors Session, which is by invitation only, will gather local leaders to call for the recognition of local governments in the implementation of the Europe 2020 Strategy. Places are filling up fast so register soon to make sure not to miss out. Follow ICLEI Europe on Twitter for updates prior to and during the convention.

For further information, click here.

3. Committee of the Regions survey examines value of the Europe 2020 Strategy

The Committee of the Regions (CoR) is carrying out a survey to discover to what extent the Europe 2020 Strategy is adding value to local and regional policies and whether it is being implemented in partnership by all government levels (possibly through Territorial Pacts or other multilevel governance tools).

The survey is entitled Europe2020: what's happening on the ground. Its results will feed into the 2nd CoR Monitoring Report on Europe 2020, to be published in December 2011 as a contribution to the European Commission's 2012 Annual Growth Survey. All EU regions and cities are invited to participate and the questionnaire is available in a range of languages. Replies must be sent to europe2020@cor.europa.eu by 19 September 2011.

The survey is directly related to the ICLEI European Convention 2011, which provides the CoR and other European institutions with a political message on the role of local governments in the implementation of the Europe 2020 Strategy. On 14 September, the last day of the Convention, the political message as prepared by the Mayors Session will be presented to the CoR, as well as to the Polish Presidency of the EU.

For further information, click here.

4. Top experts line up to speak on green buildings at Local Renewables 2011

Local leaders, experts and the business community will converge on Freiburg (Germany), for Local Renewables 2011 to discuss the latest trends and developments from 27 – 28 October. This must-attend event will focus on sustainable construction, greening existing buildings or designing efficient new districts and ultimately improving the overall quality of life in cities.

Expert speakers will examine the current political framework for sustainable building, as well as the latest technological trends and developments. These include William Gillet, Head of Unit of Renewable Energy at the European Commission (EACI), who will contribute his political expertise giving an outlook on the EU’s strategy on energy efficiency and Architect Rolf C. Buschmann, Prof at the Solar Info Center Freiburg who will share his hands-on experience in sustainable construction.

The programme has been filling up and showcases the broad spectrum of areas covered. Among the many highlights is a special session dedicated to the outcomes of the Sustainable Construction (SCI) Network. Online registration is now available so join the growing number of participants from across Europe today.

For further information, click here or contact lr2011@iclei.org.

5. ICLEI President Launches TEEB Manual for Cities

ICLEI President, David Cadman, has launched the latest TEEB tool for cities, The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) Manual for Cities: Ecosystem Services in Urban Management. This practical guide for cities highlights how a focus on ecosystem services and their valuation can create direct benefits for urban areas and can be performed even with limited resources. It was written in partnership between ICLEI, the TEEB for Local and Regional Policy Makers team and the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

The TEEB Manual builds on the 2010 TEEB for Local and Regional Policy Makers report and tailors the information specifically for an urban context. According to Cadman, cities depend on a healthy natural environment that continuously provides a range of benefits. He described healthy ecosystems as, “the foundation for sustainable cities, influencing and affecting human well-being and most economic activity”.

The TEEB Manual is a practical resource, outlining the step-by-step strategy introduced in the TEEB Report with real-life examples from cities around the world that have employed this approach. At a European level, the TEEB guidance needs to be translated into action through the development and review of National Biodiversity Strategies. Furthermore, ecosystem values need to be included in discussions about alternative financing and resource mobilisation.

For further information, click here.

6. SCI-Network reports on construction procurement investigations

As part of its work providing sustainable procurement solutions to European public authorities, the SCI-Network has established five working groups to investigate best practice in different areas related to construction procurement. The areas focused on include environmental assessment tools, innovative technical solutions, whole life/life cycle costing approaches, innovative financing and contracting approaches and procurement procedures which encourage innovation in construction procurement.

The SCI Network is seeking feedback from public authorities and other experts on the reports produced by these groups. An online forum facilitates further discussion and all comments are welcome. Other highlights include reports on innovative construction technologies and a series of good practice case studies.

The next phase for the working groups is to develop recommendations for public authorities on how to encourage sustainable innovation in construction procurement. These draft recommendations will be discussed at the Annual SCI-Network Meeting, taking place in Freiburg on 26 October, prior to Local Renewables Freiburg 2011, which takes place from 27 - 28 October.

For further information, click here.

7. Urban sustainability to take centre stage at Informed Cities Forum

The Informed Cities Forum 2011, taking place in Naples (Italy) from 26-27 October 2011, offers European local governments and researchers the opportunity to address issues related to urban sustainability at a local government level. Over the next 30 years, the world's urban population is expected to double to more than five billion making the long term viability of urban living a hot topic.

The Informed Cities initiative believes that information is key and aims to encourage interaction between researchers and policy makers regarding sustainable urban management. Renowned experts and representatives from a wide range of European institutions will look at the role of existing European urban monitoring schemes, as well as the central importance of research in achieving sustainability.

The benefits of initiatives such as the Covenant of Mayors, the European Green Capital Award, the Integrated Urban Monitoring in Europe and the Reference Framework for Sustainable Cities will be explored through interactive and dynamic dialogue.  The forum provides a unique opportunity to examine real challenges facing present and future generations. Attendance is free of charge, and participants may be eligible for financial support to cover transport and accommodation costs. To find out more, check the programme and register online. Alternatively, visit the Facebook page.

For further information, click here.

8. Second edition of Energy Communities newsletter now online

The second issue of the Sustainable Energy Communities (SEC) newsletter is now available in a number of languages including German, French and Polish. The newsletter features initial results from the five SEC projects co-funded by the Intelligent Energy Europe programme.

The newsletter is produced by Regions 2020 and includes activities connected to the Covenant of Mayors (CoM), like the Energy for Mayors project, which helps European cities to reduce their CO₂ emissions by at least 20 percent. Two tools providing practical support to CoM Supporters and Coordinators have been developed. The Support Package for the Covenant of Mayors offers guidance across the whole spectrum of the CoM process.

The Toolbox of Methodologies on Climate and Energy contains online resources for local climate and energy action. It was developed by ICLEI Europe to collect tools and material relevant to the development of Sustainable Energy Action Plans. The Toolbox will be presented on 11 October at the Open Days 2011 during a workshop entitled, Regions delivering on sustainable energy strategies – Good practice examples from regional players.

For further information, click here.

9. World Water Week delivers call to action for Rio+20

2011 World Water Week in Stockholm (Sweden) closed on 27 September with a pledge by participants to support a Stockholm Statement to the 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development at the Rio+20 Summit. The statement calls on leadership at all levels of government that will participate at the Rio+20 Summit in June to commit to achieving "universal provisioning of safe drinking water, adequate sanitation and modern energy services by the year 2030.”

It also seeks to adopt targets to increase efficiency in the management of water, energy and food. Over 2,500 politicians, business leaders, representatives from international organisations, scientists, mayors and water professionals gathered in Stockholm for the event, which focused on Water in an Urbanised World.

On the opening day, Anders Berntell, Executive Director of the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), warned there is a risk we will lose the battle on water and sanitation in many cities around the world and must take action now. “Cities provide great economies of scale and offer excellent opportunities for effective infrastructure development, for increased re-use of water and waste, and for more efficient use of water and energy,” he added.

For further information, click here.

10. European Mobility Week Award 2011 now open

The European Mobility Week 2011 Award is open for submissions from now until 1 November 2011. Local authorities are invited to provide details of their events and activities, alternative transport modes, implemented permanent measures and contributions from local partners.

The 2010 winner was ICLEI member city Almada (Portugal), which was recognised for strongly promoting alternatives to private vehicle use. Commissioner for the Environment Janez Potočnik, who will present the winning city with the award says, “Too many Europeans rely on their cars even for short journeys. European Mobility Week shows how local authorities can encourage people to use other ways of travelling and in doing so improve their health and well-being.”

The winning local authority will be given a free three minute promotional video to highlight its achievements as a champion of sustainable urban transport in Europe. Registration is still open for the event, which runs from 16-22 September.

For further information, click here.

11. Book of the month

Sustainability in Austerity: How local government can deliver during times of crisis

Sustainability in austerity, local government battling back, cost neutral ways for council leaders to save the planet during an economic crisis - when have we needed Philip Monaghan’s invitation to experience the kaleidoscope of cost neutral ways towards sustainability more? The symptoms of a multifaceted crisis can be seen across the globe, yet local managers and political leaders remain paralysed, unprepared and lacking in inspiration. Many fear failure and seem reluctant to act.

Monaghan’s book is a call to action. He shows that it is completely possible for local governments to battle for sustainable development at low cost, or no cost, while creating win-win situations. By examining cities around the world, he has collected numerous practical examples that can now serve as blueprints for local leaders. As our economies begin to heal, it may become easier to adopt similar initiatives, bearing in mind the possibility of future economic difficulties and continuing environmental decline.

P Monaghan, Greenleaf, November 2010, ISBN 978-1-906093-57-0

12. New events

Momo car-sharing findings to be discussed at final conference

For further information, click here.

Urban foresight workshop looks to the future

As part of its work communicating local and regional points of view on EU legislation, the Committee of the Regions (CoR) has organised a workshop on Urban Foresight as a Tool for Territorial Governance. The event will take place on 15 September 2011 in Brussels (Belgium).

The workshop aims to identify major urban trends and future challenges to be faced by European cities over the medium and long term, making use of past experience and projects carried out at a local level. Moreover, it will examine the role of urban foresight within a broad range of European policies such as regional policy, research, environment and energy. The workshop closely follows the ICLEI European Convention, where CoR President Mercedes Bresso will speak. To register, contact planification-etudes@cor.europa.eu.

For further information, click here.

Eco-Region conference to present project successes

The Eco-Region final conference will be held in Gdynia (Poland), on 17 November 2011, and will showcase the progress made in regional sustainable development. The project, led by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, is a flagship project of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (BSR).

The many successes will be presented and discussed including the improvement of the sustainability management of local administrations and helping them to enact concrete sustainable development measures, documenting around 200 good practices from across the BSR as examples of sustainable development at a regional level, and publishing the EcoRegion Perspectives series. The Best EcoRegion Good Practice award will also be presented. Registration is available until 15 October 2011.

For further information, click here.

13. Event reminders

ICLEI European Convention
12 – 14 September 2011, Brussels (Belgium)

Street Space for Citizens: Car-sharing replaces car ownership
15 September 2011, Brussels (Belgium)

Changing the Energy System to Renewable Energy Self-Sufficiency (RESS)
15 – 16 January 2011, Freiburg (Germany)

Hamburg International Environmental Law Conference 2011
15 – 16 September 2011, Hamburg (Germany)

UITP - Urban Governance: Getting people on board
5 – 7 October 2011, Gothenburg (Sweden)

LAKs Final Conference
14 October 2011, Reggio Emilia (Italy)

CIVITAS Forum conference
17 – 19 October 2011, Funchal (Portugal)

Informed Cities Forum 201: Rio+20, local performance and the role of research
26 – 27 October 2011, Naples (Italy)

Local Renewables 2011: Green Buildings and Renewable Energy
27 – 28 October 2011, Freiburg (Germany)

Bonn 2011 Conference: Water Resources in the Green Economy
16 – 18 November 2011, Bonn (Germany)