​An energy saving toolkit will help you reduce energy consumption – and your energy bills, ahead of the heating season while contributing to the EU’s independence from Russian fossil fuels in solidarity with Ukraine

​ On 19 May, the European Commission, the Covenant of Mayors – Europe and the European Committee of the Regions launched The Cities Energy Saving Sprint , a joint initiative for cities to immediately reduce energy consumption and be better prepared for next winter by using a simple energy saving toolkit. The “Sprint” will last for 4 months, until the European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW), to be held from 26 to 30 September 2022. ​

On the launch of the initiative, the President of the European Committee of the Regions and Governor of Central Macedonia region, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, said: “ Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine has exposed Europe's dependence on energy imports. With soaring inflation, millions more Europeans now face unaffordable rises to their energy bills. We must urgently accelerate energy efficiency and cut energy use. I therefore urge every EU local and regional government to join the Cities Energy Saving Sprint which will help cut costs and protect our people.”

Kadri Simson, EU Commissioner for Energy said: “Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, speeding up the energy transition has become even more urgent. Cities and regions are a vital partner to urgently reduce energy consumption. They manage a large stock of public buildings such as schools, hospitals, sports centres, municipal offices and social housing. They have a direct and trusted relationship with residents and local businesses and can reduce energy consumption in solidarity with Ukraine.”

Kata Tüttő , Deputy Mayor of Budapest, chairwoman of the ENVE commission and of the Green Deal Going Local working group, said: "Putin's war on Ukraine has made it absolutely clear that we need to accelerate our clean energy transition and phase out our dependency on fossil fuels. Due to high energy prices, millions of vulnerable households were forced to choose between heating or eating, while micro-and-small enterprises were forced to stop their activities. I call on our local and regional communities to join the Cities Energy Saving Sprint which will increase our energy sobriety and sufficiency."

Rafal Trzaskowski (PL/EPP), Mayor of Warsaw and Member of the Political Board of the Covenant of Mayors calls all local and regional leaders to join the Cities Energy Saving Sprint in this video message.

The Cities Energy Saving Toolkit gives local and regional authorities simple and quick measures to reduce energy consumption and prepare for next winter. The toolkit is composed of practical short-term energy saving actions by sector, including transport, lighting, heating and cooling and engaging with citizens and local stakeholders. Inspiring case studies in different areas are available here .

The campaign is open to all local governments across the EU and beyond. Cities willing to take part can register here. The Cities Energy Saving Sprint Toolkit is accessible here . You can also use the Cities Energy Saving Sprint’s communication kit to promote your local actions and be part of an EU-wide movement #EUCitiesSaveEnergy. Cities can seize the opportunity of the EU Sustainable Energy Days to hold discussions with their residents, staff and local stakeholders to take emergency energy-saving measures.

For more information, you can visit the Sprint page on the Covenant of Mayors – Europe website.

Contacts:

Covenant of Mayors Office: floriane.cappelletti@eumayors.eu
CoR: david.crous@cor.europa.eu