Solar heating can make a significant contribution to meeting targets for CO2-emission reduction. The Soltherm Europe Initiative is designed to form the basis for a growth of the Solar Thermal market towards 100 million m2 of collector area in 2010, the EU White paper target for solar thermal applications. This means that solar thermal energy can reach an energy reduction of about 1.5% of the European energy consumption, which is a significant contribution (almost 20%) to the Kyoto goals. Solar heating technology is furthermore, like other renewables, a source of durable labour and new business opportunities.

Municipalities have an excellent position to play a role in the development of renewables by formulating and realising policy, facilitating the implementation of solar heating products and thus adding value to fulfilling policy goals on renewables. Also, municipalities have played important roles in awareness and sales campaigns of solar water heaters in several countries. Municipalities in some countries achieved a 20% reduction on their energy consumption through promoting and fostering energy saving and efficiency, both in municipal buildings and in the private sector. Solar heating supports actions to reduce costs and environmental impact of energy. It is a necessary component of a sustainable future.

Advantages of municipality involvement:

· Meeting climate targets
· Promoting renewable sources of energy
· Increasing the city / town's level of energy self-sufficiency
· Creation of new business and long lasting jobs
· Increased public awareness
· Saving tonnes of CO2

An example of how municipalities succesfully contribute to emission reduction is the Solar Ordinance in Barcelona.

The Soltherm Europe Initiative has the aim to become the central action network in which all parties participate who can contribute to the realisation of boosting the demand for solar water heaters. Soltherm inspires, informs and supports all parties that are involved in market enlargement of solar heating products. Municipalities are an important factor in this respect. Think about what you can do for your community! (for more information see policymakers)

On this website a database of campaign-/marketing tools is available which is also interesting for municipalities. Check it here.