One of the key objectives of the NEST project is to collect a series of best practice examples based on the needs of the local government partners. These examples help the partners to learn from other European local governments and benefit from their experiences. In total a series of 20-25 best practice examples will be discussed and presented within the project reflecting key areas of environmental management.
Planning and programming
In 1999 the city of Vienna (Austria) launched its climate protection programme (KliP), which has turned into a highly ambitious and committed environmental project. The objective is to make Vienna a model city in terms of climate protection by 2010. With the KliP measures launched to date a total of 2.2 million tons of CO2 emissions annually have been avoided.
Waste management
At the end of 1999, the city of Stuttgart (Germany) investigated how the biomass growing within the city could be used to heat municipal buildings. Every year around 60,000 m³ of waste material (cut trees and bushes) is collected from the parks and green areas in the city of Stuttgart. This waste is chopped and subsequently either disposed of or used in municipal parks. Therefore by using the wood as an energy source, the costs of disposal can significantly be reduced.
Development and sustainable construction
A European scheme called SunCities has encouraged the creation of a solar village in Primrose Hill. As a part of an overall regeneration scheme, 121 solar powered homes were planned with the aim of providing 20% of the electricity needs and 50-60% of the hot water needs of the tenants. The project reduces both the tenants’ fuel bills and the carbon dioxide emissions. The project has already created social and economic benefits: enthusiasm within the tenants, new local jobs and skills in photovoltaic (PV) installation.
The School Council Renewable Energy Committee at the Spen Valley Sports College took the initiative to install a wind turbine with a 15 m mast and a 9m blade to the School. The wind turbine produces around 29 000 kWh of electricity per year; this accounts to 10 % of the school’s electricity need. The wind turbine makes the Spen Valley Sports College not only a driving force in promotion of alternative forms of energy, but also educates the school and community about renewable energy.
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