Energy Management

Sustainable Cities Initiative - A Canadian partnership initiative aimed at enhancing sustainable economic development in cities, and helping citizens improve their quality of life without compromising their future.

Katowice, Poland
Energy Management Training

The City of Katowice, Poland, has been a member of the Sustainable Cities Initiative (SCI) since 1999. There has been a steady increase in awareness of energy issues in Poland by both the political and government decision makers. However, this awareness level is still less than that found in other European Union countries. Most Polish agencies responsible for bringing energy issues to the forefront of public and political agendas are relatively new, and they have had few resources or time to develop and distribute comprehensive energy management training programs. The City of Katowice has recognized the need for expert guidance to enable energy-based projects to proceed.

Project - The Energy Management Training program grew out of Polish concerns for lack of local knowledge and expertise in the field of energy management. TECH-MORE Operations Resources Ltd and the International Centre for Sustainable Cities introduced the local government to opportunities that are being realized in British Columbia for low risk, debt free capital projects based on utility reduction. TECH-MORE and the Polish Foundation for Energy Efficiency (FEWE) are developing an Energy Management Training program, which will teach the skills necessary to decrease energy consumption in the commercial, institutional and residential sectors. The program is based on the curriculum of programs already in place in Canada.

Outcome -The Energy Management Training program in Katowice will eventually pay for itself through savings generated by increased energy efficiency. This will allow for greater investment in infrastructure renewal, reduce environmental impacts, and increase employment opportunities, which will sustain long-term development.

For additional information the Sustainable Cities Initiative, visit www.sci.ic.gc.ca.