The town of Bad Schussenried has set itself ambitious climate protection targets. The focus is on increasing energy efficiency, as well as the development of renewable energy sources. In this context, energy management is becoming increasingly important. To make further progress in this area, Bad Schussenried has joined the "European Energy Award®" (eea®) programme together with other towns and municipalities from Baden-Württemberg.

The eea® process involves the appraisal and the cataloging potential future energy-saving and climate protection measures in the following fields of activity:

• Communal development planning and regional planning
• Communal buildings and installations
• Supply and disposal
• Mobility
• Internal organisation
• External communication and co-operation

In the appraisal process, the involvement of the town of Bad Schussenried in the various fields of activity is analysed on the basis of the list of measures and evaluated according to a points scheme. To this end, it is necessary to commission an eea® advisor to conduct a performance review (internal audit) and to further adapt the energy Policy Programme to the new actual situation.

Based on the results of the internal audit (own score), the participant applies to the EEA Federal Office for certification (external audit). If the eea® federal office confirms that defined standards have been met and a sufficient score achieved, it recommends an award (the "European Energy Award®"" if at least 50 % of the maximum possible score is attained or the "European Energy Award GOLD®" if at least 75 % of the maximum possible score is attained). The award is presented by the federal ministry.

Experts estimate the potential savings for towns and communities through systematic energy management to be in the region of 30 percent. Nationally, this equates to energy costs of 100 million euros per annum.

If you have any further questions or need any information, please do not hestitate to contact Ms. Stadler, eea centre, Telephone: +49 (0) 7583 9401-51, E-Mail: stadler(@)bad-schussenried.de