NEW CHARTER FOR LOCAL ACTION ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY.

The European Commission launched a Charter for Energy Management Agencies at the annual Energy Management Agencies' Meeting on December 7/8. The 350 participants representing cities, regions and islands from all over the EU, signed the Charter and commit themselves to sustainable development through energy management, to promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy sources, directing their strategy to energy demand from consumers and disseminating examples of best practice and efficient technologies.

In its preamble, the Charter notes that "even though they may not be under any legal obligation, it is the civic duty of the public authorities at the (local and regional) levels to pursue a voluntary and responsible energy management policy". The Charter provides for the agencies to enjoy genuine autonomy and its own budget and administrative board. The latter...