Gernika formulates 62 actions to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption
10/03/2023
- The actions are part of the municipality's Integrated Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Plan (PIMACC), which is currently under development and is aligned with the LIFE IP Urban Klima 2050 project.
Gernika has launched a roadmap with 62 actions as part of its commitment to achieving climate neutrality, which incorporates specific strategies aimed at saving energy by applying energy efficiency initiatives, implementing renewable energies and increasing its resilience to climate change.
This roadmap is the Integrated Plan for Mitigation and Adaptation to Climate Change (PIMACC), which will be used by Gernika-Lumo Town Council to align itself with the greenhouse gas emission reduction targets set for the region and internationally, and which is also in line with the LIFE IP Urban Klima 2050 project.
In 2022, as a step prior to drawing up the Action Plan, a diagnostic report was drafted describing the initial situation of the municipality of Gernika-Lumo in three areas:
- Gernika-Lumo Town Council's energy accounting and carbon footprint.
- Diagnosis of mitigation in the municipality.
- Diagnosis of adaptation in Gernika-Lumo.
A public participation process also took place when preparing the plan, with the main aim of encouraging citizen participation, exchanging ideas and getting input from different associations, entities and stakeholders. The document is still open for public participation until March 19 on the town council's website.
The plan proposes 5 goals:
- To reduce the municipality's GHG emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to the base year.
- To ensure that at least 32% of the energy (electrical and thermal) consumed by municipal buildings is self-produced from renewable sources.
- To reduce energy consumption by the public administration by at least 35%.
- To ensure that 40% of municipal buildings have a B energy rating.
- To reduce the risks arising from climate change and ensure the resilience of the municipality and its population.
The plan sets out a total of 62 actions to achieve these goals, structured in 16 programmes, which, in turn, stem from 7 strategic lines of action.
- Exemplary public administration: this includes actions to improve the lighting systems in municipal buildings and public lighting, and a commitment to 100% electric public transport.
- Transition towards a fair and sustainable energy model: actions include introducing energy efficiency criteria in new urban developments, promoting the energy refurbishment of private buildings, and developing local energy communities.
- Promoting sustainable mobility and zero emissions: this area includes actions such as drafting the Sustainable Mobility Plan, opening new cycle routes and pedestrianising urban spaces.
- Reducing waste generation and optimising waste management through recycling.
- Optimising the integral water cycle: programmes will be put in place to ensure efficient water management and uses, and solutions will be implemented to reduce the risk of flooding
- Conserving the urban natural environment and promoting a resilient urban fabric: climate change mitigation and adaptation criteria will be integrated into revisions of urban planning and building regulations, and actions will be promoted to restore degraded ecosystems and protect native species vulnerable to climate change, among others.
- Resilience and raising awareness on climate change and responsible consumption habits: the municipal emergency plan will be updated to include climate risks and climate threat warning systems will be implemented, and climate change mitigation and adaptation awareness programmes will be rolled out in different areas.
