CEESEN / Central Eastern European Sustainable Energy Network

Last Wednesday our CEESEU-DIGIT project coordinator Elis Vollmer gave an inspiring talk at the FEDARENE webinar on the role of #EnergyEfficiency in Just Transition in Eastern Europe⚡️. She spoke about importance of just and inclusive transition on local level and how co-operation between actors can amplify the results 💪 Thank you #Regio1st and #CEESEUDIGIT projects for co-hosting the even and initiating such an important discussion! #JustTransition #GreenTransition #LIFEproject #LIFEprogram

🎬 Join us already in few hours, as we organise a webinar with FEDARENE on the role of Energy Efficiency in Just Transition in Eastern Europe. where we look into good planning practices to boost the Energy transition in CEE. Get the link here: https://lnkd.in/dVjfURFh

Partners from 12 organizations have visited Tartu in September for #CEESENBENDER project meeting and training! Climate Alliance carried out an impactful training session at Tartu Loodusmaja on how to better engage homeowners affected by #energypoverty.💡 SmartEnCity Network - cities, experts and supporters organized an inspiring visit to a soviet time blockhouse in Tartu that was renovated into a smart building. These types of renovations have a lot of potential in all CEE countries ♻️ 🔜 Next step is implementing the trainings in 5 pilot sites in partner countries Croatia 🇭🇷, Slovenia 🇸🇮, Estonia 🇪🇪, Poland 🇵🇱, and Romania 🇷🇴. Thank you Društvo za oblikovanje održivog razvoja (DOOR), Medjimurje Energy Agency Ltd. , Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies, University of Tartu, Alba Local Energy Agency - ALEA, Alba Iulia Municipality, Local Energy Agency Spodnje Podravje, Tartu Regional Energy Agency, Mazowiecka Agencja Energetyczna, Climate Alliance, GP Stanorad Ltd. and Euroland Ltd. for coming! #Sustainability #SustainableMunicipalities #LIFEproject LIFE Programme

🌍 Climate change impacting water and health: urgent actions needed 🌡️💧 The latest European Environment Agency (EEA) report reveals alarming impacts of climate change on water quality and public health. Floods, droughts, and worsening water conditions pose increasing threats to lives and well-being across Europe, putting less developed nations even more at risk. Coordinated efforts from governments, water authorities, and healthcare providers are urgently needed. This reinforces CEESEN’s conviction to work with local governments and communities to support their adaptation to climate change. 🌱 📊 Key Findings: - Fatalities: Between 1980 and 2022, there were 5,582 flood-related deaths and 702 wildfire-related deaths across 32 European countries. - Vulnerable Areas: One in eight Europeans lives in areas prone to river floods. About 30% of people in Southern Europe face permanent water stress. - Health Risks: Rising air and water temperatures increase waterborne diseases, while heavy rainfall events double the likelihood of harmful pathogen concentrations in water. 🚨 Policy Imperatives: - Urgent Action: Immediate implementation of existing EU climate, water, and health policies is essential to mitigate health impacts. - Integrated Solutions: Strengthening resilience through coordinated action in healthcare, water management, and urban planning is critical. 🚀 Path Forward: - Public Awareness: Raising awareness about climate risks and promoting adaptive measures at all societal levels. - Practical Solutions: The EEA report highlights examples of effective responses implemented across Europe, showcasing pathways to greater resilience and well-being. Initiatives like the CEESEU-DIGIT partnership exemplify collaborative efforts to address these intertwined challenges. By bringing together academic research, policy expertise, and community engagement, these partnerships foster innovative solutions that prioritize equity and inclusivity. 🌍🤝 Institutions like University of Tartu, Lokalna Energetska Agentura Spodnje Podravje, Mazowiecka Agencja Energetyczna, Enviros, WWF Magyarország, Vidzemes plānošanas reģions / Vidzeme Planning Region, Društvo za oblikovanje održivog razvoja (DOOR), Climate Alliance, Međimurska energetska agencija MENEA, and Tartu Regiooni Energiaagentuur contribute valuable insights and perspectives, driving forward initiatives that aim to create a future where human rights and sustainability practices are mutually reinforcing. 🌱⚖️ 📄 You can read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/eVhgaf6w #ClimateChange #WaterQuality #PublicHealth #EEAReport #ClimateAction #Sustainability

🌿 A big thank you to everyone who joined our discussion at the Opinion Festival! Exactly one week ago, we held an inspiring discussion on "How to Become a smart green community?" at the Opinion Festival. Together with experts and engaged participants, we explored how to make our communities more sustainable and smarter. 💚 We are incredibly grateful to everyone who attended, shared their insights, and participated in the conversation! Your contributions are invaluable and help us move closer to our shared goal of creating greener and more resilient communities. Read more about our discussion here: https://lnkd.in/dPfyJiys #OpinionFestival #SmartGreenCommunity #CEESEN #SustainableFuture

🌏  What are the unique challenges in heating summer cottages? In the recent article for #CEESEUDIGIT project, Ülo Kask - an expert from Tartu Regional Energy Agency, highlighted the peculiarities of heating summer cottages which often face long breaks between heating periods. This topic is crucial given that these properties are predominantly used seasonally and require specific attention to minimize environmental impact and enhance fire safety. Ülo's tips for efficient heating 1. Ensure good ventilation: When heating, make sure there's adequate airflow to facilitate complete combustion and prevent soot buildup. 2. Regular maintenance: Clean chimneys and stoves regularly to avoid the buildup of soot and potential fire hazards. 3. Use dry wood: Wood should be air-dried with a moisture content of around 20% to ensure it burns efficiently and cleanly. 👉  Read the full advice on efficient and safe heating methods here (in Estonian):  https://lnkd.in/dbB_mfja The aim of the CEESEU-DIGIT project, funded by the European Union and involving experts from #CEESEN, is to address the lack of awarenes, capacity, and resources in the CEE region, to contribute towards EU's climate goals. 👉  Learn more about the CEESEU-DIGIT project and its initiatives here: https://lnkd.in/drYv-6wp #ClimateGoals #JustTransition #GreenTransition #LIFEproject #LIFEProgramme

🌍 President of #CEESEN joins ECE-RCEM to strengthen civil society engagement in the 2030 agenda In a key move to enhance civil society's role in sustainable development, CEESEN President Elis Vollmer has joined the ECE Regional Civil Society Engagement Mechanism (ECE-RCEM). ✨ ECE-RCEM institutionalizes civil society participation in the 2030 agenda, leveraging diverse expertise to improve policymaking and advocacy. This engagement ensures civil society voices contribute to sustainable development at all levels. By joining, CEESEN aims to share best practices from the CEE region globally, enhancing regional and global efforts toward sustainable development. 🔑 Key Aspects of ECE-RCEM: 📜 Formalized participation: Provides a structured platform for civil society in the 2030 Agenda, fostering collaboration between CSOs and UN agencies. 🤝 Coordination and support: Coordinates regional contributions to the 2030 Agenda as per UNGA Resolution 67/290. 🌐 Cross-constituency coordination: Ensures diverse voices are heard in UN ECE sub-regions and global processes. 🎯 Goals and Objectives: 1. Promote inclusive societies: Advocate for justice, equality, and human rights. 2. Strengthen agenda implementation: Ensure meaningful CSO participation. 3. Link global and local agendas: Increase ownership and knowledge of the 2030 agenda. 4. Increase accountability: Foster robust monitoring and evaluation. 5. Enhance partnerships: Build collaborations between CSOs, UN bodies, and governments. 🏛️ Principles of Engagement: - Human rights: Central to all positions. - Non-discrimination: Address structural barriers. - Inclusiveness: Promote diversity and equality. - Sustainability: Commit to environmental justice. - Mutual responsibility: Ensure CSO participation in the 2030 agenda. ECE-RCEM is an inclusive mechanism covering 18 constituencies and 4 sub-regions, aligning with CEESEN's principles of local engagement. #CEESEN #ECE_RCEM #SustainableDevelopment #2030Agenda #CivilSocietyEngagement

🌿 Join the discussion "How to Become a Smart Green Community?" at the Paide Opinion Festival! 💡 We invite you to an inspiring discussion hosted by the University of Tartu and CEESEN (Central and Eastern European Sustainable Energy Network) on Friday, August 9th, from 16:00 to 17:30 in the Sustainability Area! Smart green communities aren't just a trend—they're essential for improving our future and the quality of our everyday lives. Discover how we can grow sustainably and intelligently. This discussion is a fantastic opportunity to share and gather ideas, explore best practices, and address the challenges and solutions associated with the green transition. Speakers: 🌱 Marten Saareoks – Founding member of CEESEN and expert at the Tartu Regional Energy Agency 🌱 Kristi Klaas – Deputy Secretary General for Green Reform at the Ministry of Climate 🌱 Age Poom – Associate Professor of Urban Environment at the University of Tartu Moderated by: 🟢 Kertu Vuks – Head of Urban Development at Tartu City Don’t miss out on this opportunity! Mark your calendar and join us in exploring how our communities can become smarter and greener. Don’t miss out on this opportunity! Mark your calendar and join us in exploring how our communities can become smarter and greener. Join the discussion Paide Arvamusfestivali arutelu "Kuidas saada targaks roheliseks kogukonnaks?" ____ 🌿 Liitu Paide Arvamusfestivali arutelu "Kuidas saada targaks roheliseks kogukonnaks?" 💡 Ootame sind reedesele inspiratsiooniküllasele arutelule, mida korraldavad Tartu Ülikool (University of Tartu) ja CEESEN (Kesk- ja Ida-Euroopa Säästva Energeetika Võrgustik), 9. augustil kell 16:00-17:30 Jätkusuutlikkuse alal! Rohelised kogukonnad pole pelgalt moesõna – need on hädavajalikud meie tuleviku ja igapäevaelu kvaliteedi parandamiseks. Tule ja uuri, kuidas saame targalt ja jätkusuutlikult kasvada. See arutelu on suurepärane võimalus jagada ja ammutada ideid, parimaid praktikaid ning käsitleda rohelise üleminekuga seotud väljakutseid ja lahendusi. Esinejad: 🌱 Marten Saareoks – CEESEN-i asutajaliige ja Tartu Regiooni Energiaagentuuri ekspert 🌱 Kristi Klaas – Kliimaministeeriumi rohereformi asekantsler 🌱 Age Poom – Tartu Ülikooli linnakeskkonna kaasprofessor Arutelu juhib: 🟢 Kertu Vuks – Tartu linna ruumiloome osakonna juhataja Ära jäta seda võimalust kasutamata! Pane kuupäev kalendrisse ja tule kaasa mõtlema, kuidas meie kogukonnad saaksid targemaks ja rohelisemaks. Ära jäta seda võimalust kasutamata! Pane kuupäev kalendrisse ja tule kaasa mõtlema, kuidas meie kogukonnad saaksid targemaks ja rohelisemaks.

🚀 CEESEN-BENDER Project in Alba Iulia! 🌏 We're excited to announce that Alba Iulia, Romania, is one of the pilot regions for the #ceesenbender project, focusing on enhancing the energy efficiency of buildings. This initiative targets 700 buildings in the region, with a specific focus on 4 buildings (150 apartments) constructed in the 1970s and 1980s. Some of these buildings have been partially retrofitted by the owners. The main objective of the project is to empower and support vulnerable homeowners and renters in multi-apartment buildings through renovation. This involves identifying key obstacles and creating trustworthy support services for homeowners, their associations, and building managers.   📍 Geopolitical Highlights: Located in the heart of Romania, Alba Iulia is known for its rich history and cultural significance, serving as a major historical city in the Transylvania region. 👥  Socio-Demographic Insights: Population: ~63,000 residents. Economy: Dominated by services, tourism, and small-scale manufacturing. Community: A diverse mix of families, professionals, elderly residents, and recent Ukrainian migrants. Key Stakeholders: Private building management companies Tenant associations Municipal Government (landlord) Low-income residents Elderly residents Ukrainian migrants Join us in building a greener, more sustainable future! ✨ 🌱 #ceesenbender #sustainability #EnergyEfficiency #albaiulia #greentransition

🌟 Introducing Medjimurje Energy Agency Ltd. (MENEA) – our partner in the #CEESENBENDER project Meet MENEA, the energy agency established in 2008, dedicated to promoting sustainable energy development and combating energy poverty in Medjimurje County, Croatia, and beyond. As a key partner in the CEESEN-BENDER project, MENEA brings extensive expertise in energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives tailored to the unique needs of the region. 💡 MENEA’s participation in the CEESEN-BENDER project is pivotal in addressing energy poverty and promoting sustainability. Their role includes implementing targeted interventions for private households and multi-apartment buildings, raising awareness, and fostering strategic partnerships to alleviate the socio-economic impacts of energy poverty. 🔗 Learn more about MENEA and their impactful work: https://lnkd.in/dZDrUq5Z #EnergyEfficiency #SustainableMunicipalities #EnergyPoverty #CEESEN #MedjimurjeEnergyAgency