Implementation of Energy Strategies in Communities – Results within the Context of IEA Annex 63

Cities are responsible for more than 70 % of global greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, cities can play a major part within the CO₂ emission reduction goals of the Paris agreement. Lack of technical knowledge and solutions has often been seen as major challenge for energy efficiency implementation. However, findings of the International Energy Agency (IEA) Annex 51 – Case Studies & Guidelines for Energy Efficient Communities – showed that the primary challenges result from inefficient organizational processes and unsupportive framework for implementation. Thus, solutions have to be found how the energy and urban planning can act more efficiently to successfully support the implementation of energy strategies within urban areas. Within the IEA Energy in Buildings and Communities (EBC) Program, the Annex 63 – Implementation of Energy Strategies in Communities – aims at giving recommendations for an optimized energy and urban planning process to support decision makers as well as planners. Therefore, existing legal frameworks, processes and case studies within energy planning in communities were analysed. This paper shows first results of the Annex 63 to serve as orientation for decision makers and other interested persons in the field of urban energy planning.