Abstract
The changes observed in a municipal or local energy system over a period of time is due a number of concurrent dynamics such as the local social and economic trends, higher-level policies (e.g., national), and the local policies. Thus, a thorough identification and characterization of the many factors of change is key for an adequate assessment of the effectiveness of policies adopted at the local level, as well as for future planning. Such thorough identification and characterization of the factors that are determinant for the evolution of the local energy system is the content of this paper. The identification is performed through a systematic literature review, followed by a synthesis process. The factors identified are grouped into the categories of local context, local socio-economic and cultural evolution, higher-level governance framework, and local climate change mitigation actions. They are represented through a set of measurable variables. The factors and respective variables can be used to improve the disaggregation of changes in the local energy system into individual causes, leading to a better assessment of the evolution over time.
Highlights
Local actions are crucial for the achievement of global climate change mitigation goals
The evaluation of the effects of local climate change mitigation actions will not lead to accurate results unless the remaining factors of change are taken into account
This paper is dedicated to a comprehensive and systematic identification and characterization of the factors that are relevant for the assessment of the observed changes in GHG emissions associated with local energy systems
Summary
Local actions are crucial for the achievement of global climate change mitigation goals. Both the physical characteristics of the local energy systems and the regulatory competences of local authorities prompt local level as an appropriate level for action [1]. Local actions are becoming more common, due to the increasingly active role of local authorities and to the recognition of their importance by policy makers at higher governance levels. There is an increasing need to assess their contribution towards climate change mitigation, and to the achievement of global targets. The assessment difficulties are amplified by the fact that local policies and actions are implemented as a part of a complex multi-level governance framework
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