Asia Pro Eco (Archived Project)

Supported by the European Commission Asia Pro Eco Programme

Partnership Support for Renewable Energy between European and Asian Towns.

Aims and Objectives

The project aims to develop a framework for minimising energy-related contributions to climate change and air pollution, while improving the quality of life and developing partnerships through the use of renewable energy in towns in India, Portugal and the UK. This project aims to meet long term increasing energy consumption, to preserve natural resources and to integrate efforts to include relevant actors, not only in the final stages of the development process but in the course of selection of alternative views, projects and strategies of action. The project also aims to strengthen relations between participant countries.

In the project, it is intended:

1. To develop an appropriate framework to undertake renewable energy initiatives
2. To promote sustainable development through partnerships, public involvement and local business
3. To reduce negative energy-related environmental impacts through good practice, developing awareness of alternative paths and promoting energy efficiency.
4. To increase awareness and provide the tools to allow businesses, local authorities and residents to develop programmes together, and to have representation at all levels in the strategic planning of solutions affecting all the actors.
5. To look for alternatives:
   1. To overcome existing social barriers to renewable energy projects and to create new areas where, through new partnerships, sustainable initiatives are possible.
   2. To engage local communities in decision making processes where energy requirements can be met through renewable energy sources.
   3. To create, develop and sustain local partnerships (between residents, businesses and local institutions), engaging local and national decision-makers and promoting local employment. Local awareness and employment are two potential results. It is very important to use existing ‘Social Capital’ and networks of knowledge.
   4. To create through best practice, ‘Social Knowledge’ and develop standards, which can help to comply with international targets on climate change, and energy reduction targets.
   5. Develop local energy strategies, which can show the holistic view of the region to climate change and environmentally sustainable practices.
      

This document has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Community. The views expressed herein are those of the Leicester Energy Agency and can, therefore, in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Community.