On 6 October 2008, Skive municipality together with Kolding and Copenhagen, were appointed as Denmark's first designated "energy towns".
Project description
To be considered for the title, the municipality has to show that we are the front runners on climate and energy, and that we have been able to show results, while there is a continued and sustained commitment to renewable energy.
With the title follows an obligation to make efforts in the future, where Skive will be an inspiration for other municipalities and cities in and outside Denmark. The three energy cities will be highlighted in connection to the Climate Summit in Copenhagen in 2009.
Skive has a vision to be self-sufficient in heat and energy within 20 years. Sun, wind and new energy technologies must – for the low energy costs – increasingly help to maintain a high quality of life for everyone in Skive municipality. It is not new in Skive. We have been focused on new energy solutions through more than 30 years.
Skive Municipality marked early in the energy sector by three low-energy construction exhibitions in 1977, 1979 and 1984. Implemented activities/initiatives since include:
- From 1983 to 1985, we introduced the energy system in all buildings. Heat, electricity and water are reported on a monthly basis via the Technical Advisor to Technical Management
- From 1988 to 1992, we set up motion sensors in all classrooms in schools
- From 1989, we recorded heat, electricity and water consumption in public buildings daily
- In 1992, we replaced all oil combustion with district heating and condensing natural gas
- In 1994, we built the first solar panel. The reward as two best facilities in Europe. By the end of 2008, we have 32 solar panels, or approx. 2450 m2 of solar installations. More than 20 solar panels are planned for 2009 and 2010
- In 1998, we introduced energy labelling in large buildings. Smaller buildings joining in 2001
- In 1999, we introduced automatic detection of heat, electricity and water. Consumption is measured daily, the system can record hourly.
- In 2002, we introduced new energy-saving projects, a minimum return of 6%, but not when it comes to alternative energy. Since there is no requirement to return, but the requirements on the calculation of profitability. While it is decided that all new buildings and renovated buildings must have maximum solar installed. Furthermore, it was decided a general prohibition of electric heating in own buildings. The buildings inside and outside the collective supply shall, if requested, temporary use of electric heating, electricity generation, with a heat pump or solar cells
- Skive's new green town hall involved in 2005 extra 5 million DKK for energy-saving projects. All energy measures have payback in 6-12 years. The Town Hall energy equivalent to a 130 m2 houses
- In 2008, we allocated 6.1 million DDK to energy-saving measures at 15 schools
- In 2008, the Committee for Technology and Environment gave building permit to 4 (a 2 MW) large wind turbines. Two of the turbines shall make public buildings and institutions self-sufficient in electricity, and 2 other turbines will be sold in shares to citizens of Skive Municipality.
- At the current budget negotiations, the Committee on Engineering and Environment allocated 6 million DDK at the 2009 budget and allocated 4 million DKK at the 2010 budget to projects for energy-saving measures
- In 2009-2010, a large number of m2 of solar cells will be configured in collaboration with EnergiMidt
Financing
Most CO2 and energy-saving measures im Skive municipality are funded through annual appropriations. The principle has been that all investments have given similar or higher energy-savings on the account. In all projects financed through loans, the repayment and interest is paid by savings. These principles will also be followed in the future.
Status and results
From 1983 to 2008, Skive Municipality has totally invested 38.6 million DDK in energy-saving measures. The economic savings of the measures are estimated at approx. 54 million DKK. Overall, it have reduced the CO2 emissions of Skive by 28,728,000 kilogrammes.