The first Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan in Hungary developed for Sárvár

The Municipality of Sárvár, as a pioneer in Hungary, decided to develop a local Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP), and assigned this task to Energiaklub.

The methodology of the already known SEAP (Sustainable Energy Action Plan) was revised and amended by the new Covenant of Mayors in 2016. Now, local action plans are required to contain the most important steps of climate adaptation, besides the mitigation actions. Furthermore, municipalities now are obliged to cut local greenhouse gas emissions at least by 40% by 2030.

The aim of the action plan is to support decision-makers by providing an evidence base for the energy-related investments of the municipality. In order to achieve the targets set up for 2030, the plan contains measures in energy efficiency, renewable energy sources and climate adaptation.

The total energy consumption of Sárvár has decreased by 10% compared to the base year in 2007. In the initial year, the largest energy consuming sectors were the residential sector (34%), followed by the service and industrial sector (40% together). Figure below shows the rate of CO2 emission by sectors. 

 

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Carbon-dioxide emissions of Sárvár city in 2007, by sectors

 

Numerous investment and development has been already started or planned in the city since 2007. The public lighting system was almost fully refurbished in Sárvár, resulting in a modern, energy efficient LED-based lighting system. The renovation of school and nursery buildings do not only provide energy savings, but offer good examples for the children visiting them every day – and the energy conscious next generation is the best way for long-term emission reductions.

The biggest energy emission reductions, however, can be realized by photovoltaic and wind power investments, as well as energy efficiency measures. Besides these, it is important to highlight the importance of awareness raising of the citizens, green public procurements, and increasing green surfaces, as these are all crucial to achieve success.

The Action Plan regarding climate adaptation was based on the city’s vulnerability analysis. The recommended adaptation measures focus mostly on the intensive rains and heat waves, that are expected more and more frequently and heavily in Sárvár in the future.

The Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan helps the city of Sárvár to successfully cope with the challenge of climate change in a more efficient way, decreasing energy consumption in the local economy, reducing utility costs in institutions and households, and making the city most energy independent by using its own renewable energy sources.

Energiaklub wishes the best for Sárvár to realize these goals, and we encourage other municipalities too to follow their example!


If you have any comments or questions, write to the authors!
Pej Zsófia [email protected]
Sáfián Fanni [email protected]