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Directorate General Environment, Unit E.4. LIFE

Ex-Post Evaluation of Projects and Activities Financed under the LIFE Programme

Final Report Part 4: Thematic analysis - Climate change

Julyl 2009

Directorate General Environment, Unit E.4. LIFE

Ex-Post Evaluation of Projects and Activities Financed under the LIFE Programme Final Report

Part 4: Thematic analysis - Climate change

July 2009

COWI A/S Parallelvej 2 DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby Denmark Tel +45 45 97 22 11 Fax +45 45 97 22 12 www.cowi.com

Document no. 7-4

Version 1

Date of issue July 2009

Prepared SBJ, JFRA, JEK, BIM, TIH, JELA

Checked JDCR, IL

Approved BIM

This report has been prepared as a result of an independent evaluation by COWI being contracted by the Directorate General Environment The views expressed are those of the Consultant and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Commission.



O:\A000000\A001146\Final Report for PDF\Thematic reports\LIFE_Final Report_Part 4 Climate change_1.doc

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Table of Contents

Thematic analysis - Climate change 2

1 Executive summary 2

2 Introduction 2

3 Background and policy overview 3 3.1 Status and trends of climate change in the EU 3 3.2 Overview of EU policy and legislation on Climate

Change 4 3.3 Objectives of the LIFE Programme on Climate

Change 5

4 Overview of LIFE projects concerning climate change, 1996-2006 5

5 Results and impacts of Climate Change projects 8 5.1 Environmental results and impacts 8 5.2 Awareness results and impacts 10 5.3 Demonstration results and impacts 11 5.4 Innovation results and impacts 12

6 Effectiveness 12

7 Sustainability 13

8 Utility 14

Table of Appendices

Appendix 1 Overview of LIFE Projects within the theme: Climate Change




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Thematic analysis - Climate change

1 Executive summary Climate Change has played a marginal role in the LIFE programme during the period 1996-2006. The terminology “Climate Change” did not appear in any of the LIFE regulations covering this period and the definition of the Climate Change theme remained a grey area. 40 projects were categorised under climate change for the period 1996-2006, representing 3.7% of all LIFE Environment projects for the same period. Projects objectives and achievements have remained very wide. The assessment of the Climate Change theme have proved to be a difficult exercise, mainly because of the few projects to draw conclusions from, and overlapping with other themes such as Air, Natural Resources and Waste, Strategic Approaches, etc.

In terms of their environmental impacts and results, the Climate Change projects have had limited effect, mainly projects addressing energy efficiency for cities.. However, most projects did not have the main objective as being to significantly improve the environmental conditions directly, but rather to develop methodologies, processes or technologies. Environmental impacts and results would therefore be derived from their wide adoption. Environmental management results and impacts were mainly achieved through projects by public bodies or NGOs, while private sector led projects had little environmental management focus. Awareness-raising through LIFE Environment Climate Change projects was limited. This is partly due to the fact that industrial projects did not aim to raise public awareness on climate change issues. Only projects aiming at developing strategies or methodologies on a wide scale included a significant awareness-raising component. On the whole, it was found that Climate Change projects were generally innovative. Techniques and methodologies were demonstrated on a case by case basis, but their wider dissemination potential still remains to be proven.

Climate Change projects have had shortcomings, but most of the projects were able to achieve their set objectives. The utility of projects have evidences largely in the area of development of industrial technologies or processes, proving it was possible to reach emission reduction targets. Strategies developed by public bodies also proved that reduction of GHG were possible. While the definition of the Climate Change Theme was a grey area, stakeholders agreed that care should be taken when refining its scope in order to avoid losing opportunities by over limiting the range of projects that could be supported by LIFE.

2 Introduction This thematic report on the implementation of the part of the Environment component of the LIFE Programme concerning climate change is part of the overall ex-post evaluation of the LIFE Programme. The evaluation was commissioned in July 2008 and covers all LIFE projects initiated in the period 1996-2006. The overall objective of the evaluation is to assess the relevance and impact of the activities and projects financed under the LIFE Programme. The evaluation covers country




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studies in all Member States1 and ten thematic studies of which this report constitutes one of the latter.

The evaluation aims to assess the effect of the LIFE Programme on nature and environment in the European Union through looking at results and impacts of the projects implemented under the Environment (ENV) and nature (NAT) components of the programme. The projects have further been assessed along four main evaluation criteria:

• Effectiveness, i.e. the extent to which planned objectives have been reached; • Efficiency, i.e. the extent to which costs associated with the interventions are reasonable; • Sustainability, i.e. the extent to which positive impacts have continued or are likely to continue; • Utility, i.e. the extent to which impacts address key environmental needs and priorities in the EU

and for the stakeholders concerned.

This thematic report follows the methodology described in Part 1 of this ex-post evaluation and is based on responses received to the e-survey; interviews with DG Environment staff;2 in-depth visits to projects in connection with the country studies;3 thematic information available via LIFE Unit brochures as well as project summaries and readily available written information on all projects under the Climate Change theme.

The structure of this thematic report follows from this approach. Firstly, a brief overview is provided of Climate Change issues in the EU, the main legislation and policies within this theme, and the projects supported by LIFE. The report then documents the main findings and conclusions with regard to the results and impacts of Climate Change projects in section 5. Sections 6, 7 and 8 provide the main findings and conclusions for effectiveness, sustainability and utility, respectively.

3 Background and policy overview

3.1 Status and trends of climate change in the EU In recent years, the Climate Change debate has moved rapidly from discussion among scientists and political decision-makers to a wider audience involving civil societies, and the general public. While still debated by some, scientific evidences of abnormally changing climate due to human activities, since the early industrialisation that started in Europe in the 18th century are getting stronger and stronger.

Overall GHG emissions in the EU fell by around 5 per cent over the period 1990 to 2004.4 This reduction does not reflect the trends in GHG emissions per sector, which vary greatly. Indeed, while emissions from energy, industry, agriculture, and waste sectors decreased, transport emissions, which

1 Except Bulgaria, that never had any LIFE projects. 2 Thematic correspondent for "Climate Change projects", LIFE Unit, interview 14 January 2009; and two policy officers from Energy & Environment Unit, Interview 21 January 2009. 3 2 Climate Change projects were visited. 4 Europe’s Environment - Fourth Assessment, p:148.




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increased, limited the overall GHG reduction. The main sectors which were sources of GHG emissions in the EU in 2004 were:5

• Energy industries – 30.4 per cent • Transport (excluding maritime and air transports) - 19.4 per cent • Household services and other energy services – 15.5 per cent • Manufacturing and construction – 13.2 per cent • Agriculture – 9.2 per cent • Industrial Processes - 7.6 per cent • Other – 4.7% (incl. waste – 2.7 per cent)

Among the many consequences of Climate Change, the most obvious include variations in average and extreme precipitations and temperatures patterns, rising sea levels (due to glaciers and ice cap melting and expansion of water bodies due to increase in temperatures), and water resources distribution, etc. These changes will result in modifications of the ecosystems equilibrium, social and economic systems, agriculture production, as well as the spatial and temporal distribution of extreme meteorological events, etc.

Levels of precipitation in Europe vary greatly geographically. While predictions reflect a high level of uncertainty, in the 20th century, precipitations have increased in Northern and Western Europe, while southern Europe has become up to 20% drier; this trend is likely to continue and be amplified during the 21st century. The same patterns apply to extreme precipitation and temperatures with more regular heat waves predicted to hit the whole of Europe in the coming decades.6 Rising sea levels have also been seen, the rate of increase has gone up from 1.8 mm (+ 0.5mm) over the period 1961-2003 to 3.1 mm (+ 0.5 mm) over the period 1993-2003. This is particularly important in light of the fact that one third of the EU population lives within 50 km of European coastlines.

3.2 Overview of EU policy and legislation on Climate Change Since 1991 the European Commission has taken several policy initiatives in order to limit CO2 emissions. In 1991, it issued its Community strategy to limit carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and improve energy efficiency.7

The European Climate Change Programme (ECCP) was established in 2000 by the European Commission with the aim of identifying the most environmentally effective and most cost-effective policies and measures to reduce European GHG emissions. The underlying rationale was to allow the EU to be able to meet its emissions reduction commitment under the Kyoto Protocol. In order to achieve this, it is estimated that EU 15 countries will need to reduce their emissions by 8% by 2012, compared to their base emissions of 1990.

In a global context, the EU is a leading actor with respect to the development and implementation of a firm and ambitious climate policy.8 The overarching objective is to limit global climate change to 2oC above pre-industrial level. On January 23, 2008, major steps were taken towards the

5 Adapted from Europe’s Environment – Fourth Assessment, p: 162. Data for EU 25. 6 Adapted from Europe’s Environment – Fourth Assessment, p: 149-151 7 Communication from the Commission to the Council. SEC (91) 1744 final, 14 October 1991 8 The EU strategy is guided by the Action Plan on energy and climate of March 2007, which is an annex to the European Council decision




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implementation of this strategy at the EU level as the Council adopted a climate and energy package, which is currently in the legislative process.

The main elements of the package were: • A 20% GHG emission reduction in the EU by 2020 compared to 1990, and a 30% reduction,

provided that other developed countries in a post 2012 agreement commit themselves to comparable emission reductions and economically more advanced developing countries contribute adequately according to their responsibilities and respective capabilities;9

• The review of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) which covers the energy sector and large industrial companies and which will be extended to include aviation;

• Promotion of renewable energy (target of 20% by 2020) including bio-fuels in the transport sector (with a target of 10% of vehicle fuels by 2020);

• National binding targets on GHG emissions in sectors not covered by the EU ETS;10 • A legal framework and demonstration projects for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS); • New guidelines for Environmental State Aid; • Initiatives to strengthen the internal market for energy; • A Strategic Energy Technology plan (SET-plan).

3.3 Objectives of the LIFE Programme on Climate Change No direct reference to Climate Change is found in regulations from LIFE, LIFE II. The LIFE II Regulation stipulated eligible project types in its annex. These included: “Actions (…) to establish and develop new techniques and methods of measuring and monitoring the quality of the environment (…) to establish and develop new clean technologies, i.e. which create little or no pollution and make fewer demands on natural resources” and “… to improve the quality of the urban environment both in central and peripheral areas”11,also, in the LIFE II regulations, a reference which could refer to climate change projects is found under article 2 (iii), under “Air Pollution, acidification, tropospheric ozone”.

Under the LIFE III12 regulation (and its extension), the first clear reference is made to Climate Change under Article 4 2. (a) through “(…) demonstration projects which further the objective set out in paragraph 1 and (…) minimise the environmental impact of economic activities, notably through the development of clean technologies and by placing the emphasis on prevention, including the reduction of emission of gases having a greenhouse effect”.

4 Overview of LIFE projects concerning climate change, 1996-2006

Under the theme Climate Change, the LIFE+ programme focuses on demonstration projects that improve energy efficiency, promote and develop renewable energy technologies and, more generally, contribute to reducing GHG emissions. Since 1992, 9% of the projects co-funded under LIFE-

9 The required GHG reduction compared to 2005 is less than 20%, because the EU’s GHG emissions in 2005 already were around 6.8% below the 1990 level. 10 The January 2008 proposal includes an "effort sharing” exercise. This later is being negotiated. 11 Council regulation (EEC) N° 1973/92, Annex A. 1 12 Regulation (EC) 1655/2000 of the European Parliament and the Council of the 17 July 2000 the Financial Instrument for the Environment (LIFE)




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Environment have specifically tackled energy efficiency. This proportion has risen to 24% for the year 2006.13 In addition to projects related to energy production and distribution, (hereunder renewable energy) projects co-funded by LIFE Environment focus on the improvement of energy efficiency in sectors such as: transport, industry, buildings (incl. lighting and equipment), and services.

During the period 1996-2006, the LIFE programme has co-financed 40 projects, which for the purposes of this ex-post evaluation have been categorised under the Climate Change theme. This corresponds to about 2.2% of all LIFE programme projects or 3.7% of all LIFE Environment projects. The total LIFE contribution to Climate Change projects amounts to EUR 33 million, while the overall budget of the projects was EUR 108 million. This corresponds to a LIFE co-financing share of 31 per cent. According to the DG Environment Policy Unit interviewees, this relatively small number of projects can be explained by the fact that Climate Change as a theme is not as clearly defined as other themes – e.g. Water or Natural Resources and Waste. All sorts of projects are therefore proposed under the Climate Change Theme, and proposals are considered, partly by external evaluators, to be of poorer quality than in other large themes – e.g. Water or Natural Resources and Waste. There are also other, more competitive financial instruments, with less strict rules and more attractive conditions – e.g. Intelligent Energy Europe, for which the work programme is revised on a yearly basis, thus thematically well defined every year.

Details on the individual projects are provided in Appendix 1, together with overview information on distribution on years, beneficiaries, etc., Key data for climate change projects are shown in Table 4.1 below.

Table 4.1 Overview of LIFE projects categorised as climate change projects (budget and contribution in million EUR)

Generation No. of projects Total Budget (million EUR)

Total LIFE contribution (million EUR)

Average project duration (years)

Average LIFE contribution per project (million EUR)

LIFE II 8 9.4 2.3 3.1 0.3

LIFE III 16 34.5 10.1 3.4 0.6

LIFE III-ext 16 64.5 21.0 3.4 2.0

Grand total / average 40 108.4 33.3 3.4 0.8

Source: Data from BUTLER

Based on the legal description and generic theme, as well as the project title and content,14 the Environment Climate Change projects have been grouped in five main categories (see also number of projects and percentages in Table 4.2).

13 From LIFE and Energy: Innovative solutions for sustainable and efficient energy in Europe - 2007 14 As nine projects from 2005 were not categorized according to a generic theme in BUTLER, these have been included under the existing themes by cross-checking the legal description, project title and content with the generic themes of the other climate change projects.




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Table 4.2 Overview of sub-categorizes of LIFE climate change projects (based on generic theme in BUTLER)

Generic theme Grand Total % of total

Air quality management and noise abatement 6 15%

Clean technologies 3 7.5%

Eco-friendly products, eco-design, green financial products 4 10%

Reduction of emission of greenhouse gasses 24 60%

Sustainable building 3 7.5%

Grand total 40 100%

The main findings of the data presented in Appendix 1, as well as the tables above, are:

• The greatest number of projects falls in the sub-category reduction of emission of greenhouse gasses, related to e.g. the Regulation "Towards a European Climate Change Programme (ECCP)".15

• Climate change projects are much better represented in EU-15 than in EU-12. Only two projects were approved in "new" Member States (both in Slovenia16). Over 60% of the projects were carried out in Italy, Germany, Netherlands and Denmark.

• Overall, there is a tendency towards increasing numbers of climate change projects from LIFE II to III to the extension of LIFE III. The budget of the projects has also increased, while the duration has remained more or less the same.

• With respect to beneficiary type, public and private enterprises, especially small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), make up the largest category with 53% of the projects.

• In a sample of projects studied in-depth, for more than 75% of the projects there was no international collaboration meeting the requirement that part of the project work also had to take place in another country, than the one in which the project was registered.

The theme Climate Change is still evolving and encompasses a wide range of topics and very varied projects. This is reflected in the categorisation of projects for the evaluation. For instance, only one out of the 12 projects selected as Best Projects under the category Energy and Climate on the LIFE website17 was categorised for the evaluation purpose as a Climate Change project. For the purpose of this evaluation many of these Best Projects were categorised under other themes, for example: Air (two projects); Natural Resources and Waste (four projects); Strategic Approaches (five projects) and Water (one project). The Best Projects, although categorized under other themes, are still considered in the analysis for this particular report, but are not included in the statistical data and counts in appendices and tables. The impression that the scope of the Climate Change theme was not clearly defined was also confirmed by both DG Environment Policy Unit interviewees and the LIFE Unit 15 COM (2000) 88 final, dated 08.03.00 16 The two projects in Slovenia (LIFE00 ENV/SLO/000966 and LIFE03 ENV/SLO/000559, both entitled Thrifty Energy Master) were never realised because the local community withdrew participation. 17 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/themes/energy/best.htm




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climate Change thematic correspondent. In addition, the theme overlaps with others such as Air (pollution), Natural Resources and Waste, etc.

5 Results and impacts of Climate Change projects In the following, the results and impacts of climate change projects are described based on the indicators: environment and management, as well as awareness, demonstration and innovation. The assessment of the results and impacts is primarily based on readily available project information of the 40 Climate Change projects, including Layman’s reports and project’s websites when available. In addition, information from two in-depth project studies18 was used as well as information from stakeholders’ interviews.

Seven project managers for climate change projects19 responded to - and completed the e-survey carried out in connection with this evaluation. In answering, what was the main objective for the project one answered: Environment and management, two answered: Management and awareness, one answered: Demonstration, two answered: Innovation and one answered: Combined management, awareness and demonstration.

5.1 Environmental results and impacts Responding to the e-survey with relation to environmental indicators, five respondents indicated that the project resulted in a reduction of CO2 emissions, while one answered: "no", and one: "did not know". One project manager estimated that the CO2 reduction, as a result of the project was 250.000 tonnes CO2/year and that the project has a continuous positive effect on CO2 reduction in the long term.

With respect to ozone depleting substances (ODS), two project managers answered: "no" to the question "did the project result in a reduction in the emission of ODS", while four did not know (or did not find the question relevant) and one did not answer (blank). However, project ZEOLITE20 developed a new refrigeration system based on the physical properties of natural zeolite particles, allowing refrigeration without the use of compressors and keeping the Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) at zero. However, the project has found that the system is far more expensive than the available mainstream technology, and that the new system will only find a niche market in situations where infrastructures are poor (for example in connection with the military, humanitarian aid, etc.). Also, the project LIFE05 ENV/NL/000020,21 which has recently been completed, aimed at (among other objectives) switching the use of refrigerant in cold stores from HCFC to CO2.

18 LIFE06 ENV/S/000517 - Innovative method for reduction of emissions of green house gases and waste from the agriculture sector and LIFE02 ENV/GR/000362 - Climate Alliance for Mediterranean Cities. 19 The respondents categorised their project in connection with the submission of their response to the e-survey; the category therefore may not match the categorisation utilised in BUTLER or as detailed in this thematic report. The respondent have assessed that their project was relevant for climate change, but the project category could well be air or strategic approaches. 20 LIFE04 ENV/LU/000829 - ZEOLITE 21 LIFE05 ENV/NL/000020 - HM de Jong -Energy- efficient by Innovative Geometry and HFC-replacing Technology




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Of the 40 projects categorised under Climate Change, only 17 were found to have had some environmental results or impacts, all of which were at the local level22. The LIFE unit thematic correspondent for Climate Change confirmed that environmental results and impacts were generally very local. This relatively limited number of projects with environmental results and impacts can be explained by the fact that most projects were demonstration and/or innovation projects, and did not intend to have, on their own, a direct significant impact on emissions, or energy consumption. The greatest impact was usually achieved by projects aiming at improving energy efficiency at city scale.23

Only future commercial success, or wide dissemination and application of approaches developed, would have a significant environmental impact. For instance, project LIFE06 ENV/D/00047924 is currently demonstrating the advantages in terms of fuel savings by using wind kites to pull ships. Current tests have shown an average reduction of fuel consumption of around 15%. Only the commercial success of the new system will result in any significant environmental impact.

In responding to the e-survey with relation to management indicators, one project manager of an unidentified project indicates that the project led to the development of a new management system at the local level. The project manager assesses that the long-term impacts of this system are highly significant (5 on a scale of 1 to 5) in terms of increasing the management capacity of relevant user. Two project managers indicate that their project led to the development of a new monitoring or assessment system, both at the local level. The project managers assess the long term impacts of this system as significant or highly significant in terms of increasing the management capacity of relevant users (score of 4 and 5 on a scale of 1 to 5).

Three project managers have scored their projects 3 to 5 on a scale of 1 to 5 for both questions when assessing the long-term impacts of their projects in relation to 1) capacity building of stakeholders and 2) the long term impacts of their projects in relation to facilitating continued improvements in environmental management or planning. Few projects were found to have led to results or impacts in relation to the management indicators.25 Out of 40 projects under the Climate Change theme, only eight were found to have had significant management results; and an additional two had management results to some extent. It should be noted that none of the projects had management results or impact within the indicators set in the methodology.26 Of the 40 projects, only 13 to 15 did aim to improve 22 Examples of such projects include LIFE05 ENV/IT/000874 - Greenhouse effect reduction from landfill gas, LIFE00 ENV/IT/000054 - GIS-based planning tool for greenhouse gases emission reduction through biomass exploitation, or LIFE03 ENV/NL/000474 - LNG Tanker, Demonstrating the effective and safe use of liquid natural gas as fuel for ship engines for short-sea shipping and inland waterway transport. 23 Examples include LIFE05 ENV/IT/000870 - Centre for Eco-Friendly City Freight Distribution; LIFE04 ENV/IT/000594 - Sun and wind; LIFE00 ENV/IT/000054 - GIS-based planning tool for greenhouse gases emission reduction through biomass exploitation; LIFE04 ENV/IT/000547 - Demonstrating the reduction of greenhouse gases and air pollution through a homeostatic mobility planning aiming at road traffic balancing; LIFE02 ENV/F/000289 - Cities program for greenhouse gas reduction (Chalon sur Saône); and LIFE04 ENV/IT/000453 - Realization of Rome's Action Plan to achieve the Kyoto's Protocol objective of Green House Gas Reduction. 24 LIFE06 ENV/D/000479 - Demonstration of an innovative wind propulsion technology for cargo vessels. 25 Indicators as set in the methodology are: 1) Climate strategy model used for early warning; 2) Number of European Emissions Trading Schemes established; and 3) Monitoring system implemented. (Nb, yes at national level, yes at international level) 26 Preparatory projects were not considered for this evaluation, however, one preparatory project LIFE05 PREP/UK/000012 - LIFE Environment Preparatory Project for the EU emissions trading scheme update, aimed at assessing the ETS first phase and providing recommendations for future phases of the EU ETS. Also LIFE06




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environmental management as a main objective. Of these only 7 were found to have been succsful in doing so. All projects with significant management results and impacts were led by public bodies (usually local authorities) or NGOs.

An example of a project with management results and impacts is project LIFE 00 ENV/IT/00005427 which developed a GIS-based land management system in order to allow local authorities in Tuscany to optimise land management for effective exploitation of biomass. The system was developed, tested and validated, and, in 2005, two power plants were planned using the new system.

Once again, the management results and impacts of Climate Change projects have been quite thin and only few projects had improved management as a main objective. The extent to which environmental management has been improved by LIFE Environment Climate Change projects could only be assessed against the spread of methodologies developed. And this is not sufficiently documented.

5.2 Awareness results and impacts E-survey responses in terms of awareness indicators are inconclusive28.

The level of awareness created through the Climate Change projects depends on the nature of the beneficiary and the objectives of the specific project. Often, projects aiming at developing cutting edge processes or products have good, but very general information, usually aimed at the general public.29 The Thematic correspondent for Climate Change in the LIFE Unit confirmed that “private sector beneficiaries showed reluctance to disseminate (detailed results)”. On the other hand, more integrated projects aiming at general energy efficiency improvements usually have more detailed awareness components. For instance, project LIFE97 ENV/D/000480 developed a “Municipal Climate Protection Compendium”. The dissemination of the project results was an important activity of the project, which specifically targeted European local authorities. Awareness activities were central to the project LIFE02 ENV/F/00028930, which successfully developed a municipal plan for greenhouse gas reduction, which led to a 20% GHG reduction within its administration over the

PREP/A/000006 - European Consortium for Modelling of Air Pollution and Climate Strategies (still on-going) has emissions trading components. In addition, project LIFE03 ENV/GR/000219 - Applying European Emissions Trading & Renewable energy support mechanisms in the Greek electricity sector was categorised under the Air Theme. 27 LIFE 00 ENV/IT/000054 - GIS-based planning tool for greenhouse gases emission reduction through biomass exploitation 28 In responding to the e-survey concerning awareness indicators, one project manager has estimated that a total of 200 people were exposed to awareness-raising activities in connection with the project, while one project manager has indicated that the number of people is not known. Two project managers have scored the degree to which awareness was reached via the local, national and international media as respectively 3-4, 3, and 2-4 on a scale of 1 to 5. A majority of the respondents to the e-survey indicated to a certain or high degree that the level of awareness achieved in their project has been sustained after the termination of the project 29 Examples: LIFE06 ENV/DK/000226 - Development and demonstration of Manufacturing and Operation of clean and efficient power generation based on Solid Oxide Fuel Cells; LIFE06 ENV/L/000118 - Development and validation of ultra low rolling resistance tyre with environmentally friendly resources; or LIFE06 ENV/D/000479 - Demonstration of an innovative wind propulsion technology for cargo vessels 30 LIFE02 ENV/F/000289 - Cities program for greenhouse gas reduction (Chalon sur Saône)




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project period. The municipality also partnered with local industries, but results in that sector were far less significant with a 1.5% reduction of GHG emissions.

Climate change projects funded by the LIFE programme over the period 1996 – 2006 had little impact on the awareness of the general public. Except for a few cases they generally lacked communication which was supposed to aim at raising awareness of the general public.

5.3 Demonstration results and impacts Only two project managers responded to the e-survey question "has the project contributed to demonstrate new or improved technologies or approaches within the scope of the project"; one answering "yes" and one answering "no". The project manager answering "no" had previously indicated that one of the main objectives of the project was demonstration. The project manager answering affirmatively explained that he considers the project was successful in the demonstration of technologies/approaches to a high degree (5 on a scale of 1 to 5). However, the technology/approach has not been implemented by others based on the results of the particular project, and the project manager believes that the project has had an impact in terms of wider adoption of the technology/approach to some degree (3 on a scale of 1 to 5).

Of the 40 projects that were classified as Climate Change projects, 27 could be assessed using the indicators for results and impacts concerning the demonstration. Of these 17 were found to have a high demonstration potential. An additional six were found to have some demonstration potential.

An example of successful technological demonstration is the project LIFE03 ENV/NL/00047431 which demonstrated the viability of a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) powered small size tanker. The vessel uses “boil-off” methane (CH4), a by-product of the LNG cooling process, to run engines that then run an alternator. Without this system, the methane is usually vented off and therefore released directly to the atmosphere. This project was awarded the EU Clean Marine Award in 2004.

But demonstration projects are risky, and demonstration is not always possible. Several projects have failed to demonstrate what they intended to within the LIFE project’s timeframe. Reasons for not reaching objectives can be grouped into two main types: either technical or economic. For instance, under the project LIFE05 ENV/S/00040532 the company Volvo intended to demonstrate the use of Di-methyl-ether to power heavy lorries. The project did not achieve its objectives because of problems encountered with the fuel injection equipment (FIE). However, lessons learned through the project failures have increased knowledge and will be useful to future developments. This however, is likely to remain limited to the project’s beneficiary, as a “secret industriel”, thus limiting the demonstration potential.

Another example is the project LIFE04 ENV/SE/000775,33 which, while having indications that the technological solution was sustainable, it failed to secure a liquid bio-fuel supply at an economically viable rate. This jeopardised the entire venture, and the plant could not be build, and the project was therefore terminated.

31 LIFE03 ENV/NL/000474 - LNG Tanker, Demonstrating the effective and safe use of liquid natural gas as fuel for ship engines for short-sea shipping and inland waterway transport. 32 LIFE05 ENV/S/000405 - Demonstration of Di-methyl-ether Vehicle for Sustainable Transport 33 LIFE04 ENV/SE/000775 - Rollsbo Enlightenment Project




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Climate Change projects are therefore usually demonstrative on their own. However, the level of dissemination of the demonstrated results (technological processes or methodologies) is not sufficiently documented to draw conclusions.

5.4 Innovation results and impacts Only two project managers responded affirmatively to the e-survey question "Did your project contribute to the development of technological innovations?" Both previously indicated that one of the main objectives of the project was "Innovation". One of the two projects was assessed to contribute to the development of new process innovations, while both projects' technologies were assessed to be technically and commercially feasible. The developed technology was "vegetable oil-related production and use in engines, turbines and heat generators". Both project managers reported that the technology is still in use on the project site and has been implemented elsewhere.

From the 40 projects categorised as Climate Change projects, 27 could be assessed using the indicators for results and impacts concerning innovation. Of these 14 were found to be highly innovative and an additional 11were found to be somewhat innovative.

An example of an innovative project is LIFE05 ENV/IT/00087434 which developed a technology to reduce the GHG emissions in emissions from a municipal solid waste landfill. The system developed was basically a packed column where an aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide (KOH) comes into contact with the CO2 contained in the landfill gas. KOH and CO2 react, forming potassium carbonate (K2CO3), which can then be recovered in solid form. The potassium carbonate can be sold for use in the chemical industry. Also, project LIFE99 ENV/D/00045235 developed a miniature block-type thermal power station, based on a durable Stirling engine. This technology permits reduction of CO2 emissions through a more efficient power production, and is highly robust with a competitive price and reduced maintenance costs. This project was selected as “Best of the Best” in 2004-2005.

Climate Change projects are overall highly innovative. They have successfully developed locally appropriate management systems or improved existing industrial processes that are “cleaner” than those typically used in the industry.

6 Effectiveness As part of the country studies carried out for this evaluation, two projects categorized as Climate Change projects were reviewed in detail;36 one of which was still on-going at the time of this report. Both of these projects were found effective in reaching their set objectives, one having even achieved more than initially planned. An additional project,37 reviewed under the Air theme was also found to have reached its objectives.

34 LIFE05 ENV/IT/000874 - Greenhouse effect reduction from landfill gas 35 LIFE99 ENV/D/000452 - Miniature block-type thermal power station based on a long-lived Stirling motor 36 LIFE04 ENV/IT/000453 - Realization of Rome's Action Plan to achieve the Kyoto's Protocol objective of Green House Gas Reduction and LIFE06 ENV/S/000517 - Innovative method for reduction of emissions of green house gases and waste from the agriculture sector 37 LIFE02 ENV/GR/000362 - Climate Alliance for Mediterranean Cities




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Of the 40 projects categorised under the Climate Change theme, 27 could be assessed with respect to effectiveness. Out of these 27 projects, 14 were found to have been highly effective and an additional nine were found to have been somewhat effective.

The level of effectiveness of projects – i.e. the extent to which they have reached their objectives – is, as mentioned under the demonstration section above (see 5.3), influenced by the risky nature of some projects which do not always manage to reach their objectives (failures) but still contribute to the knowledge base needed for further technological development. Again, for industrial projects, this knowledge base is likely to remain confined to the beneficiary. This is well illustrated by the project LIFE97 ENV/D/000474 by the company Siemens. This project originally intended to demonstrate the use of a flywheel storage system to reuse braking energy from public transport (light-rail). The project concluded that the flywheel was not the most suitable system. However, based on these findings, Siemens developed a more advanced system that in 2005 was equipped in public transport in five locations around the world.

The overall effectiveness of the project was found to be medium to high.

7 Sustainability At the time of this evaluation some 45% of the projects under the theme were either just finished (2008) or still on-going (projects foreseen in end 2009 and 2010). Of the 40 projects categorised under Climate Change, 21 could be assessed with respect to sustainability. Of these, 11 were considered highly sustainable, and three partly sustainable. Based on the in-depth review of the two projects studied for the country studies of this evaluation, one was rated as highly sustainable and with regard to the other, it was too early to draw conclusions on this criterion.38 An additional project, reviewed under the Air theme, was also considered as highly sustainable.

The LIFE Unit thematic correspondent for Climate Change and the interviewees from the DG Environment Policy Unit believed that Climate Change projects had not been implemented long enough to assess their sustainability.

Good examples of sustainable projects include the project LIFE97 ENV/D/000474,39 carried out by Siemens. The project originally intended to demonstrate the use of flywheel storage system to reuse braking energy from public transport (light-rail). The project concluded that flywheel was not the most suitable system. However, based on these findings, Siemens developed a more advanced system that in 2005 was equipped in public transport in five locations around the world. Project LIFE05 ENV/IT/00087040, carried out by the city council of Lucca (Italy), developed a traffic management plan in order to reduce annoyances due to goods delivery in the historical city centre. As a result of the project, the Italian Ministry of Environment gave the municipality a grant to implement the system at full scale.

38 This assessment is based on interviews with managers of the project, members of the Monitoring Team, National Focal Points of the country, and country Desk Officers of the DG Environment LIFE Unit. 39 LIFE97 ENV/D/000474 - Construction of a demonstration flywheel energy-storage systems for the reduction of the energy-consumption in public light-rail systems by up to 10% 40 LIFE05 ENV/IT/000870 - Centre for Eco-Friendly City Freight Distribution




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Based on the few projects assessable against sustainability, one can say that projects are medium to highly sustainable. This assessment still has some level of certainty because of the little data basis – i.e. almost only 40 projects categorise under Climate Change, and almost half of them still on-going or just finalised at the time of the evaluation.

8 Utility The Climate Change theme is still at an early stage, and encompasses a wide range of topics. From interviews with all stakeholders, the categorisation is perceived to be unclear, and the definition of projects under climate change is not always clearly understood. An interviewee said that “Climate Change is still a grey area, and almost anything could be presented under the Climate Change theme”. At the same time, the 6th EAP remains very general in its objectives related to Climate Change.

Of the 40 projects under Climate Change, 28 were assessed with respect to utility. Of these, 22 were found to have high utility. From an interview with the DG Environment Policy Unit, it was seen that, while very few projects were implemented under Climate Change, the general impression was that they were in line with the policies. The same interviewees mentioned that “Climate Change actions need to start somewhere, and the local level is a good starting point”.

There is a consensus among interviewees that no feeding loop exists between projects results and policy formulation, but the LIFE projects were useful in testing policy and demonstrating the possibility of implementing policies. Projects found to have a high utility is demonstrating the policy targets, notably in terms of GHG emissions reductions, could find practical and viable solutions to their implementation.

As a financing mechanism, LIFE is seen as unique in supporting Innovation and Demonstration. However, in terms of environmental impacts it is considered as too limited to make any significant difference.41 Within the LIFE Programme, Climate Change, as a fairly new theme, is seen as receiving less attention than other larger themes such as Water or Natural Resources and Waste. Also, at the selection stage it is felt that Climate Change projects are less successful because proposals are generally of a lesser quality than those from more experienced proponents – e.g. Water or Natural Resources and Waste.

In interviews with DG Environment Staff, the possibility of narrowing down the scope of the Climate Change theme (possibly with yearly focused theme for the call for proposals) was discussed. However, the consensus was that this would certainly have a cost in terms of opportunities missed, and that if LIFE was to narrow down the scope, it would “become a tender” and not a call for proposals.

41 From interviews with Thematic Correspondent of the LIFE Unit and DG Environment Policy officers interview.




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Appendix 1 Overview of LIFE Projects within the theme: Climate Change In connection with the ex-post evaluation, data was extracted from the BUTLER database of the LIFE Unit. Table 1 below provides an overview of the information available on each project. The budget figures for LIFE co-financing do not necessarily correspond to the actual payments made.

Table 1 List of LIFE Environment Projects in Climate Change

Id. Title LIFE generation

Country Funding year

Start year

End year

Total budget (EUR)

LIFE co-financing budget (EUR)

Beneficiary type

International partners (yes/no)

LIFE97 ENV/D/000474

Construction of a demonstration flywheel energy-storage systems for the reduction of the energy-consumption in public light-rail systems by up to 10%

LIFE II Germany 1997 1997 2000 971,415 187,432 International enterprise

No

LIFE97 ENV/D/000480

Concerted Action on Local Climate Protection in Europe

LIFE II Germany 1997 1997 2000 501,046 250,523 NGO-Foundation No

LIFE98 ENV/D/000504

Reduction of energy consumption and air pollution by means of absorptionchillers powered by unconditioned heat-fluxes

LIFE II Germany 1998 1998 2000 321,220 48,082 No

LIFE98 ENV/NL/000183

The Iguana Project LIFE II Nederlands 1998 1998 2000 641,630 91,498 SME Small and medium sized enterprise

No

LIFE98 ENV/UK/000611

Chepstow Sustainable Transport Project

LIFE II United Kingdom

1998 1999 2003 905,894 126,840 Local authority No

LIFE99 ENV/DK/000616

Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and ground water protection through integration of anaerobic digestion with an innovative biogas cleaning system

LIFE II Denmark 1999 1999 2002 1,527,180 458,154 No

LIFE99 ENV/D/000452

Miniature block-type thermal power station based on a long-lived Stirling motor

LIFE II Germany 1999 1999 2004 2,140,824 639,563 SME Small and medium sized enterprise

No


Short distance, high speed Rail Distribution of consumer goods

LIFE II Nederlands 1999 1999 2002 2,380,611 463,702 Mixt enterprise No

LIFE00 ENV/A/000242

Biofuel logistics and Production Plant

LIFE III Austria 2000 2001 2004 1,041,137 300,195 No




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Start year

End year

Total budget (EUR)


Beneficiary type



Membrane contactor for CO2 removal

LIFE III Denmark 2000 2001 2004 3,261,149 978,345 No

LIFE00 ENV/IT/000054

GIS-based planning tool for greenhouse gases emission reduction through biomass exploitation

LIFE III Italy 2000 2001 2004 442,488 215,390 Research institutions

No

LIFE00 ENV/SLO/000966

Thrifty energy master LIFE III Slovenia 2000 2001 2003 599,996 244,558 No

LIFE02 ENV/F/000289

Cities program for greenhouse gas reduction (Chalon sur Saône)

LIFE III France 2002 2002 2006 711,711 355,800 NGO-Foundation No

LIFE02 ENV/D/000406

Improved application of catalytic supported low temperature plasma plants for waste air purification

LIFE III Germany 2002 2002 2004 435,340 83,097 SME Small and medium sized enterprise

No

LIFE03 ENV/D/000031

Oil-Porous-Burner system with integrated vaporizer unit

LIFE III Germany 2003 2003 2006 1,451,800 432,540 International enterprise

No


LNG Tanker, Demonstrating the effective and safe use of liquid natural gas as fuel for ship engines for short-sea shipping and inland waterway transport.

LIFE III Nederlands 2003 2002 2005 4,922,900 874,245 SME Small and medium sized enterprise

No

LIFE03 ENV/SLO/000559

Thrifty energy master LIFE III Slovenia 2003 2003 2006 607,496 148,985 SME Small and medium sized enterprise

No

LIFE03 ENV/E/000114

Alternative to wine shoots'incineration

LIFE III Spain 2003 2003 2007 2,198,157 1,093,266 Local authority No


Realization of Rome's Action Plan to achieve the Kyoto's Protocol objective of Green House Gas Reduction

LIFE III Italy 2004 2004 2009 2,285,250 1,085,125 Local authority No


Demonstrating the reduction of greenhouse gases and air pollution through a homeostatic mobility planning aiming at road traffic balancing

LIFE III Italy 2004 2004 2007 1,599,348 767,174 Local authority No


Sun and wind LIFE III Italy 2004 2004 2009 1,799,999 893,250 Local authority No




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Start year

End year

Total budget (EUR)


Beneficiary type


LIFE04 ENV/LU/000829

ZEOLITE LIFE III Luxembourg 2004 2003 2007 1,712,682 510,942 International enterprise

No

LIFE04 ENV/SE/000775

Rollsbo Enlightenment Project LIFE III Sweden 2004 2004 2008 10,410,669 1,793,235 Development agency

No


Development and demonstration of a prototype transcritical CO2 refrigeration system

LIFE III Extension

Denmark 2005 2005 2008 555,945 166,784 SME Small and medium sized enterprise

No


Biocharbased co-generation alternative

LIFE III Extension

Italy 2005 2005 2008 6,680,260 1,373,178 International enterprise

No


Centre for Eco-Friendly City Freight Distribution

LIFE III Extension

Italy 2005 2005 2008 1,423,204 711,602 Local authority No


Greenhouse effect reduction from landfill gas

LIFE III Extension

Italy 2005 2005 2008 217,497 107,949 University No


Novel Technology to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

LIFE III Extension

Italy 2005 2005 2008 1,340,389 402,117 SME Small and medium sized enterprise

No


HM de Jong -Energy- efficient by Innovative Geometry and HFC-replacing Technology

LIFE III Extension

Nederlands 2005 2005 2008 6,566,550 640,000 SME Small and medium sized enterprise

No

LIFE05 ENV/E/000333

Building demonstration based in solar cooler and hydrogen conversor of renewable energies

LIFE III Extension

Spain 2005 2005 2009 3,283,929 1,499,224 Development agency

No

LIFE05 ENV/S/000405

Demonstration of DeMethyl Ether Vehicle for Sustainable Transport

LIFE III Extension

Sweden 2005 2005 2007 1,814,605 907,302 International enterprise

No


Biomass, remediation, re-generation: Re-using brownfields sites for renewable energy crops.

LIFE III Extension

United Kingdom

2005 2005 2010 1,220,830 610,415 University No


Integrated greenhouse and other buildings utilising sustainable desingn, construction and operation.

LIFE III Extension

United Kingdom

2005 2005 2009 4,486,562 2,243,281 SME Small and medium sized enterprise

No


Development and demonstration of Manufacturing and Operation of clean and efficient power generation based on Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

LIFE III Extension

Denmark 2006 2006 2010 9,525,368 4,762,684 International enterprise

No




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Start year

End year

Total budget (EUR)


Beneficiary type


LIFE06 ENV/D/000475

Improvement of Nat Efficiency by Superconducting current limiter for 110kV

LIFE III Extension

Germany 2006 2006 2010 3,778,392 1,068,793 SME Small and medium sized enterprise

No

LIFE06 ENV/D/000479

Demonstration of an innovative wind propulsion technology for cargo vessels

LIFE III Extension

Germany 2006 2006 2009 4,115,882 1,212,685 SME Small and medium sized enterprise

No


Integrated systems to enhance sequestration of carbon, producing energy crops by using organic residues

LIFE III Extension

Italy 2006 2006 2010 1,917,051 955,989 Research institutions

No

LIFE06 ENV/L/000118

Development and validation of ultra low rolling resistance tyre with environmentally friendly resources

LIFE III Extension

Luxembourg 2006 2005 2009 12,392,586 3,120,026 International enterprise

No

LIFE06 ENV/S/000517

Innovative method for reduction of emissions of green house gases and waste from the agriculture sector

LIFE III Extension

Sweden 2006 2006 2009 5,226,500 1,211,625 SME Small and medium sized enterprise

No

Ex-Post Evaluation of Projects and Activities Financed under the LIFE Programme. Part 4: Thematic analysis - Climate change


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Table 2 Overview of projects in Climate Change by year, 1996-2006.

Generation Year Number of projects

Total budget (EUR million)

Total LIFE co-financing budget (EUR million)

Average duration (years)

Average LIFE funding per project (EUR million)

LIFE II 1996 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.00

1997 2 1.5 0.4 3.0 0.22

1998 3 1.9 0.3 2.7 0.09

1999 3 6.0 1.6 3.7 0.52

Total 8 9.4 2.3 2.3 0.21

LIFE III 2000 4 5.3 1.7 2.8 0.43

2002 2 1.1 0.4 3.0 0.22

2003 4 9.2 2.5 3.3 0.64

2004 5 17.8 5.0 4.2 1.01

Total 15 33.5 9.8 3.3 0.58

LIFE III extension

2005 10 27.6 8.7 3.3 0.87

2006 6 37.0 12.3 3.7 2.06

Total 16 64.5 21.0 3.5 1.46

Grand total 39 107.4 33.0 3.0 0.75

Comparative figures for all ENV projects

1076 1947.7 615.9 3.4 0.70

Ex-Post Evaluation of Projects and Activities Financed under the LIFE Programme. Part 4: Thematic analysis - Climate change


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Table 3 Overview of projects in Climate Change 1996-2006 by country

Country No. of projects

In % of total


In % of total

LIFE contribution (EUR million)

In % of total

EU-15 (old Member States)

Austria 1 3% 1.0 1% 0.3 1% Belgium Denmark 4 10% 14.9 14% 6.4 19% Finland France 1 3% 0.7 1% 0.4 1% Germany 8 21% 13.7 13% 3.9 12% Greece Ireland Italy 9 23% 17.7 16% 6.5 20% Luxembourg 2 5% 14.1 13% 3.6 11% Nederlands 4 10% 14.5 14% 2.1 6% Portugal Spain 2 5% 5.5 5% 2.6 8% Sweden 3 8% 17.5 16% 3.9 12% United Kingdom 3 8% 6.6 6% 3.0 9% Sub-total 37 95% 106.2 99% 32.6 99%

New Member States

Cyprus Czech Republic Estonia Hungary Latvia Lithuania Malta Poland Romania Slovakia Slovenia 2 5% 1.2 1% 0.4 1% Sub-total 2 5% 1.2 1% 0.4 1%

Grand total 39 100% 107.4 100% 33.0 100%




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Table 4 LIFE projects in Climate Change 1996-2006 according to beneficiary type

Beneficiary type

No. of projects

In % of total


In % of total

LIFE contribution (EUR million)

In % of total

Public entities

National authority 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% Regional authority 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% Local authority 6 15% 10 10% 5 14% Development agency 2 5% 14 13% 3 10% Intergovernmental body 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% Park-reserve authority 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% Sub-total 8 21% 24 22% 8 24% Public and private enterprises International enterprise 7 18% 35 32% 11 34% Large enterprise 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% SME Small and medium sized enterprise 1 3% 2 2% 0 1%

Mixed enterprise 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% Public enterprise 12 31% 35 32% 9 27% Sub-total 20 51% 72 67% 21 62% NGOs and research NGO-Foundation 2 5% 1 1% 1 2% Research institutions 2 5% 2 2% 1 4% University 2 5% 1 1% 1 2% Training centre 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% Sub-total 6 15% 5 5% 2 8% None indicated 5 13% 7 6% 2 6% Grand total 39 100% 107 100% 33 100%

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