Climate Landscapes® – local and regional policy making for sustainability

Jan Schouw, CEA

Keywords

policy making, sustainable energy system, community, renewable energy, energy efficiency, rational use of energy

Abstract

Reconstruction and revitalisation of local/regional areas is high on the political agenda in Europe. In the Netherlands the concept of Climate Landscapes has been developed and put into practice, to integrate sustainability in the process.

Because those responsible for each policy see things from the perspective of their own priorities it is difficult to get everybody directed towards the common goal. In this respect, the concept of Climate Landscapes provides a binding focus. By establishing links that transcend policy areas, it emerges that apparently competing claims can be reconciled. It links the possibilities within the three themes of sustainability, profit, people and planet, for sustainable development.

Climate Landscapes is an appeal to firmly anchor sustainable energy in the actual plans for local and regional development. First practical experiences show that the concept really works and yields positive effects.