In the context of the Mediterranean Implementation of the European Energy Award project, financed under the MED Territorial Cooperation programme, seven Maltese local councils are in the process of European Energy Award (eea®) certification.

This is being done with the support and guidance of the Malta Intelligent Energy Management Agency (MIEMA) – one of the nine partners from seven countries involved in the MEDEEA project. The project’s main goal of fostering widespread and systematic integrated energy planning in Mediterranean municipalities and regions is being pursued through the adaptation and implementation of the eea® methodology in the Mediterranean.

The methodology, which to date has only been adopted in Northern Europe, is being recognised at EU level as a best practice for energy sustainability in municipalities, particularly supporting the achievement of the Covenant of Mayors’ aim of going beyond the 20-20-20 energy policy objectives.

As part of the project, MIEMA is offering free technical assistance in the implementation of the eea® certification and Covenant of Mayors processes, as well as experience sharing and networking opportunities that increase the visibility of local councils throughout Europe. The Maltese local councils participating in the eea® process are those of Birgu, Isla, Floriana, Gћarb, Marsaskala, Pembroke and Pietà.

The project is currently just entering the phase of eea® implementation, in which MIEMA advisors will work with the municipalities and guide them towards being ready to receive the European Energy Award®.

Local councils and other parties interested in learning more about MEDEEA or other projects and activities of MIEMA are invited to visit its stand at the Open Weekend being held yesterday and today from 9am to 5pm and during the NSTF Science Expo being held between 23 and 27 April at the Xrobb l-Għaġin Nature Park and Sustainable Development Centre in Delimara. More information is available from the project’s website at www.interregmedeea.eu.