engleski

Energy management in cities: learning through change

In an EU country, on an average, more than 50 % of the total population is located in cities, contributing more than a 50% share in the total energy consumption. In the current context of climate change issues, increasing energy costs and concerns for energy security, effective management of energy in cities is compulsory. In Croatia, introducing energy management is based on human, organizational and technical aspects which have the potential to stimulate learning and behavioral changes amongst citizens. First, a focus on the development of the skills at the level of city councils is made which includes organizational changes and the introduction of an IT infrastructure as a basis for continuous energy performance monitoring and improvements in city buildings and services. Second, reaching out to citizens and supporting them in reducing their own domestic energy consumption through behavioral changes is considered with special attention to educational and promotional materials. Success is envisaged through a gradual process of learning and change and is aimed at reducing the overall energy consumption by a scale of 20-30% in cities. In this paper we demonstrate the methodology and preliminary successes of the approach in Croatia through the results of a pilot project that was undertaken in the city of Sisak in Croatia.

energy management; energy efficiency; energy policy; people management; change management; Croatia; energy education; public awareness; energy management information system

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