Energy Sufficiency: The missing word

Energy plays a key role in the Commission’s European Green Deal roadmap. Its hard work on the updates of the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Directives is a testament to this. Although both texts go in the right direction with higher targets for energy efficiency and renewables, energy sufficiency is not yet acknowledged as a key instrument of decarbonisation.

Energy sufficiency aims to reduce energy and resource consumption (raw materials, water etc.) and GHG emissions through voluntary changes in behaviour, lifestyle and collective organisation. It is the first pillar of the energy transition before energy efficiency and the development of a clean, secure, and sustainable energy supply.

The 15 min city: a structural change solution

The 15 min city is a concept first defined by Carlos Moreno in 2015. It is based on the idea that people should have access to all essential services and daily needs within 15 minutes of active transportation (walking, cycling). Services that may be included in the 15 minute city encompass public schools, parks, libraries, grocery stores, retail, employment places, basic healthcare, and places for entertainment or recreation. The concept is proposed to create livable and walkable neighbourhoods, promote economic growth, support social cohesion and sustainability, and improve the health and well-being of residents.

In Utrecht, the fourth-largest city in the Netherlands, 100% of people can reach all city necessities in a 15 minute bike ride, and 94% in a 10 minute bike ride. In Paris, the city has included a similar yet different approach in its resilience strategy. Instead of setting up new facilities for each neighbourhood, Paris aims to transform existing spaces so that they can be used for several activities rather than just one. I see this transformation taking shape around three main themes:

• Schools: Renovated and greened – a project that has already begun under the name of “oasis courtyards” – they will be open outside school hours to welcome residents, who will be able to take part in recreational, sports, and cultural activities.

• Culture: developing local artistic platforms to bring culture closer to residents.

• Participatory democracy: Paris wants to roll out “citizens’ kiosks”, new local spaces where citizens can meet, help each other, ask for advice and have access to city staff or associations.

This will be facilitated by the development of a bicycle paths network and pedestrian streets.

By bringing people closer to their activities, sufficiency contributes to a better quality of life while helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

This editorial is extracted from our publication ‘Sustainable Regions in Action‘. Discover more here!