In 2008 the EU adopted its Climate and Energy Package (CEP). CEP calls for cutting CO2 emissions, and increasing energy efficiency and use of energy from renewable sources, all by 20% over 1990 levels (20-20-20). In order to achieve these goals on a larger level, it is important that ENPI countries and local authorities (LAs) commit and contribute to common values and principles. In the ENPI Eastern countries, artificially low energy prices have resulted in a poor culture of energy efficiency.

As prices rise, the user needs to be able to avoid discomfort (and unaffordable costs) by having more control over the amount of energy they use, and implementing energy efficiency practices. The EU is now looking to extend to ENPI countries the Covenant of Mayors, a voluntary initiative of local authorities committed to helping achieve the 20-20-20 targets.

However, for ENPI countries to be involved in such processes, there is a prior need to build greater energy management capacities and levels of awareness both within local authorities, and in the wider communities. The MODEL project seeks to address this need, and in doing so will also look to develop easily replicable pilot projects that will enhance the energy efficiency of public buildings at reasonable cost and so demonstrate the savings potential.

More information is available on the MODEL-website.