2003 community energy planning mission : the Netherlands

Municipal governments are always looking for ways to improve the quality of life within a community while reducing energy costs and emissions that cause climate change and low-level ozone or ozone depletion. According to Natural Resources Canada and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), the obstacles that prevent the implementation of community energy plans in Canada include engineering, financial and regulatory issues. The 2003 Community Energy Planning Mission, with its 42-person delegation, visited the Netherlands, a leader in integrated community design and development. The objective was to learn how urban design issues can help communities reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and improve the local environment. The Mission learned first hand how local governments in the Netherlands use policy and programs to stimulate technology development and renewable energy. The following topics were examined during the visit: energy and environmental policies and strategies; land use and sustainable urban planning practices; site planning and building design; infrastructure design and efficiency; renewable energy supply and community energy systems; and, sustainable waste management practices. This publication described the presentations and site visits. It also presented the 8 recommendations for Canada proposed by the Canadian delegates. refs., tabs., figs