About the REGIO1st Planning Framework

The REGIO1st Planning Framework provides a comprehensive, structured approach for regional energy planners in Europe to develop and implement sustainable, cost-effective energy strategies while prioritizing energy savings in buildings, system flexibilities and other energy efficiency solutions in line with the Energy Efficiency First (EE1st) principle.

The framework is designed to facilitate collaboration among stakeholders, align with broader national goals, and address the unique challenges and opportunities of each region.

By following the REGIO1st Planning Framework, planners can systematically address the complex challenges of energy planning, develop strategies that maximize the benefits of energy efficiency and renewable energy, and create a sustainable, resilient, and economically viable energy future for their communities.

How to use the framework

The REGIO1st Planning Framework is organized into eight stages, each containing specific steps that are key to the process. Planners are encouraged to follow the framework in a sequential manner, moving through each stage from preparation to implementation, monitoring, and review. Throughout the process, planners should engage with stakeholders and prioritize energy efficiency measures in accordance with the EE1st principle.

 

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The framework also includes a suite of readily available tools (Excel, PDF, etc.) designed to assist planners through different stages of the process. These tools aid in data collection, analysis, scenario modelling, multi-criteria analysis, and other essential tasks while emphasizing the importance of energy efficiency. By leveraging these tools, planners can streamline the planning process, ensure a thorough and accurate analysis, and make informed decisions that align with the EE1st principle.

The framework is organized into eight stages, each containing specific steps that are key to the process. The stages are:

 

In summary, the REGIO1st Planning Framework provides a comprehensive roadmap for regional energy planners to develop and implement sustainable, cost-effective, and energy-efficient strategies and plans that align with the Energy Efficiency First principle and contribute to a low-carbon, environmentally sustainable, and economically prosperous energy system in Europe.

Ultimately, the framework supports Europe's transition towards a low-carbon, environmentally sustainable, and economically prosperous energy system, in line with the region's climate and energy objectives, and the Energy Efficiency First principle.

 

The project

REGIO1st, a project co-funded by the EU LIFE programme, aims to raise awareness about the Energy Efficiency First Principle (EE1ST) among regional authorities and their agencies, as well as support them to incorporate this in decisions related to energy planning. It does so through the provision of appropriate guidance to regional authorities to embed the EE1st principle in their decisions and in the implementation of their energy plans. It starts from six participant regions and expands its reach to over 100 regions in the EU. Within the framework of the project a community of practice for EE1st is also being established, in cooperation with the Covenant of Mayors.

The specific objectives of the REGIO1st project are to:

  • Provide support to regional authorities to apply the EE1st principle in their energy-related planning practices
  • Establish a community of practice for EE1st to ensure political commitment and societal acceptance through the co-development of energy related scenarios
  • Support the incorporation of the EE1st princinple in the revision of National Energy and Climate Plans (NECP), Regional Operational Programs and foster the enforcement of Multilevel Climate and Energy Dialogue.

Coordinator: Institute for European Energy and Climate Policy (IEECP)

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Visit the REGIO1st website at https://fedarene.org/project/regio1st/

Use and follow the project hashtag #REGIO1ST on social media!