Best practices guide on adaptation to climate change for vulnerable sector energy

Description

The energy sector is vulnerable to climate change. Therefore, this report describes a methodology to support municipalities in making strategies and plans to reduce the vulnerability of the energy sector. The report also provides some best practices. 

The methodology includes the implementation of a SWOT analysis on the sector, which provides the basis for the selection of objectives and measures to adapt the energy sector.

In the initiation phase, this method includes the selection of relevant stakeholders to be involved in strategy and plan development.

In the preparation phase, the existing situation of the energy sector is analysed and how weather and climate change can impact energy production and consumption is assessed. Risks and opportunities are identified as well as actions and opportunities. Risks are analysed and a SWOT analysis is applied. Based on this information, the objectives and measures to adapt the energy sector are determined jointly with the stakeholders. The actions and alternatives are evaluated and summarized in an action plan.

The implementation phase includes setting up an implementation mechanism, communication and dissemination scheme, and a monitoring and review framework.

The best practices covered in the report include:

• climate resilient retrofit of a Rotterdam building;
• seawater keeps Copenhagen buildings cool;
• adapting to reduced equipment thermal ratings in Canada;
• storm hardening in a climate change context in New York; and
• awareness campaigns for behavioural change in EU.

The report was produced within the scope of the "Green path towards sustainable development" project, funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Apart from the energy sector, this project also considers best practices for the transport sector, infrastructure, and ecosystems.  

Reference information