Follow in Région Rhône-Alpes’ footsteps – utilise eeef Technical Assistance

Case study Région Rhône-Alpes: school and public infrastructure improved by SPL OSER created added value for students/citizens and is leading the way for further refurbishment projects in the public sector

In 2013, Région Rhône-Alpes launched a comprehensive refurbishment programme for public buildings in the region. The programme follows feasibility and preparation works financed by the European Commission Technical Assistance Facility, offered by the eeef. Eight schools, a city hall and a library were upgraded in four different locations in the region by SPL OSER, a regional energy service operator created for that purpose. A total investment of €20m was realised in three years with an additional €5m to be finalised in 2017. eeef provided a project loan for the construction. The project is expected to achieve 58% of carbon savings compared to the baseline.

For more information watch the project story: Video: Building retrofit in the Région Rhône-Alpes

As voiced in the video, Mr Éric Fournier (Vice-président délégué à l'environnement, au développement durable, à l’énergie et aux Parcs Naturels Régionaux) stated: “the support and advice from eeef and the strong political desire at the regional level to create better prospects for the energy refurbishment of public buildings were crucial. The eeef played a key role in getting this important energy refurbishment programme off the ground.”

Based on eeef’s involvement and experience in numerous TA projects, the Fund set up the eeef TA Facility (eeef TAF) to support ambitious public beneficiaries in developing bankable sustainable energy investment programmes.

The eeef TAF, which has received funding from the ELENA Facility under Horizon 2020 Programme of the European Union, is supporting two projects to date: City of Gijón (Spain) and Ferrara Province (Italy) - for public building renovation and street lighting upgrade. Both TA beneficiaries are developing the projects with support from the eeef and its consultancy team to deliver around €35m worth of green investment programmes. The preliminary data screening for energy audits and the validation of street lighting infrastructure have been commenced with the first tender expected to be published in November 2017.

eeef is welcoming other European public authorities to follow suit the above mentioned case studies in launching comparable projects – the new eeef Technical Assistance is available for further applications. Please visit: eeef Technical Assistance - How to apply