Special initiatives

As part of its drive for more energy efficiency and renewable energy sources, the European Commission has launched a number of special initiatives to create momentum and speed up progress in particular areas. The following initiatives are all part of the Intelligent Energy – Europe programme.

Build Up Skills

The Build Up Skills initiative helps train craftsmen, on-site construction workers and systems installers to work with sustainable energy solutions in buildings. In 2011 funds were made available to set up national qualification platforms and roadmaps to 2020 in all EU countries. This work will continue in 2012 with focus on supporting the introduction of qualification schemes. Find out more in the 'Call for proposals' section.

Find out more on the Build-up website

Covenant of Mayors

The EU Climate Action and Energy Package commits Member States to curb their CO2 emissions by at least 20% by 2020. Signatories of the Covenant of Mayors have taken a formal commitment to go beyond this target. Almost 3 000 local authorities have already signed up to this initiative.

Find out more on the Covenant of Mayors website

Sustainable Energy Europe Campaign

This unique campaign showcases European activities dedicated to energy efficiency and renewable energy. The focus is on spreading best practice, building alliances and taking new ideas further. More than 1 000projects participate in the campaign.

Check out the Sustainable Energy Europe Campaign's website

EU Sustainable Energy Week

The biggest event to promote greater energy efficiency and more renewables world-wide. Hundreds of events show, promote, discuss and celebrate sustainable energy in all parts of Europe each year. Be a part of it!

More information on the week is available online

U4Energy

Primary and secondary level schools across Europe are invited to participate in this exciting competition to demonstrate their achievements by saving energy in an effort to move towards a more sustainable future.

See what schools are doing on the U4Energy website

Concerted actions

If all EU Member States need to act on sustainable energy, why do it alone? Concerted Actions bring together and allow exchanges between Member State organisations in charge of putting the EU legislation into practice:

• the Directive on the energy performance of buildings;
• the Directive on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources;
• the Directive on energy end-use efficiency and energy services

Co-operation in these areas is particularly beneficial and adds value compared with isolated efforts.