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Because of intensified co-operation brought about by the Biosphere park, the townships decided to take part in the Vorarlberg e5 programme together. The work done for the first certification of the region could be easily integrated into the newly started LIFE project, EcoMonte in 2001. The Vorarlberg Energy Institute was also a partner in the region.
The aim of the Biosphere park project is to bring man, nature, economy and the environment in tune with each other and especially to facilitate the careful handling of resources. The promotion of bio mass utilization for indoor heating and warm water, which is already at a high level, creates a central field of action. In this way, half of the indoor heating that is distributed over four local heating networks is generated by bio mass. In the meantime, solar energy and photovoltaic heating are the front runners when measured against the number of inhabitants in the Biosphere park.
An important role is also played by the numerous hydro electric power plants run by private citizens. Together with the electricity generated by the photovoltaic facilities, this green electricity covers 82% of all the electricity used in the valley.
The strong networking between the communities opens up new possibilities for coordinating sanctions. Visible results of this co-operation are the integrated delivery of electricity, the common building authority and the construction of an energy information centre for the valley. The regional e5 team, promotes the development and layout of this process.
Many projects have been developed and realised, working together with the communities. The e5 team is developing a programme for comprehensive public relations work which includes the involvement of schools, the energy and timber festival, versatile energy saving tips and the 1st Walser energy -saving championship. These measures should set impulses for the switch to regional resources, where the inhabitants are intensely involved in planning and implementation. The high number of citizens that are participating shows on the one side, a lot of interest in the subject matter and on the other side creates a basis for other targeted activities.
Comments from the Jury
„The measures that were carried out place the focus on accelerated utilization of renewable energy sources. The jury applauds the participation of the citizens in the implementation and recognizes the effectiveness of the measures as well as its contribution to securing work, income and quality of life. The role model function is highly esteemed, whereby the potential for further implementations is limited due to the very specific situation of a functioning, intact de-centralized infrastructure.“
The Great Walser Valley Biosphere park is thus considered a shining example for renewable energy.
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