Regions in transition to a low carbon economy: some findings from Espon Siesta project

Cities are “energivorous” entities which require and consume a large amount of energy because host about three quarters of the total European population. Their energy-related emissions account for almost 80% of the EU’s total GHG emissions, although a great amount of individuals living in urban areas have per-capita GHG emissions rates lower than other individuals living in the countryside and suburbs and commuting to urban areas each day for work (Dodman, 2009). European regions are facing the crucial challenge to shift towards a low carbon economy cutting greenhouse gas emissions by introducing energy efficiency, supporting renewables, modernizing the transport sector and encouraging greener lifestyles. EU policies are clear with regard to climate and energy related objectives. It is believed that the Europe 2020 Strategy headline target of 20% consumption reduction through energy efficiency measures is the target that can potentially have the wider impacts on cities, city users and behaviours of households and people in general. The EU2020 Strategy is Europe’s blueprint for a smart, sustainable and inclusive future, providing a ten year roadmap for growth and jobs. EU2020S was designed as a European exit strategy from the global economic and financial crisis in view of new European economic governance. The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of the Espon Siesta Project focused on the territorial dimension of the EU2020 strategy. It does so through the discussion of the targets and indicators of the sustainable growth pillar able to show the performances of European regions towards a greener and more sustainable economy, focusing on energy intensity of the economy, reduction of GHG and share of renewable sources. Over 50 indicators have been elaborated at different territorial levels in order to determine a clear territorial picture of the EU-27 in many sectors (energy, waste, transport, ICT investment and many more).