European Regions for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Sources - "Regions for RES"

Aim of the declaration

The aim of this "Declaration of the European Regions for Development of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Sources" is to:

• increase the visibility of the commitment and of the actions of European regions in the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy sources
• encourage and motivate regions that have not defined quantitative objectives to take action.

The initiative was launched O.Ö. Energiesparverband in the framework of the "RES-e Regions" project and in cooperation with FEDARENE, and with the support of the Assembly of European Regions.

Text of the Declaration

Recognising the crucial role of energy for economic development and the environmental situation in Europe and

Understanding the important contribution sustainable energy production and use can make to a positive economic and environmental development and

Acting out of responsibility for future generations and in partnership with other regions across Europe,

We, the undersigned regional and local governments, have made a commitment to increasing our share of renewable energy and to boosting energy efficiency in our regions. We acknowledge that energy efficiency and renewable energy sources are most important cornerstones of sustainable development because they contribute to environment and climate protection, to local job creation and economic growth, to security of energy supply, to independence from energy price fluctuations as well as to social cohesion and innovation.

Recognising the importance of local and regional action in making sustainability happen, we are actively promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy sources in our own buildings, installations and sites as well as to the citizens, municipalities and businesses in our regions.

Deeply concerned about climate change and the increasing dependency on imported fossil fuels and their impact on our environment and economies, we call upon other European regions, but also upon local and national governments as well as the European institutions, to join forces for a better and more sustainable energy future!