International Conference "Energy Efficiency and Local Community"

"Energy Efficiency and Local Community" is the topic of an international conference organized by the City of Sarajevo and the German Society for International Cooperation – Open Regional Fund for Southeast Europe – Energy Efficiency (GIZ) which began today in Sarajevo as part of the "Sarajevo Energy Days 2015" event, reports the Patria News Agency.

In addition to representatives of cities that have signed the Memorandum of Understanding aimed at "Creating a Network of Energy-Efficient Capitals in Southeast Europe", namely Freiburg, Zagreb, Tirana, Podgorica, Skopje, and the host, Sarajevo, the conference is also attended by representatives of municipalities and cities from Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Bosnian companies from the public and private sectors.

With words of welcome, the Conference was opened by Prof. Dr. Ivo Komšić, Mayor of Sarajevo, who emphasized the need for implementing a proactive energy policy.

- In March 2009, the City of Sarajevo signed the Covenant of Mayors, thereby joining a Union of over 6,000 European cities united with the goal of ensuring the rational use and management of energy in urban areas, in accordance with the existing European legal framework in this field, Komšić stated.

The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to BiH, Christian Hellbach, commended the City of Sarajevo, Mayor Ivo Komšić, and his associates for their leadership in organizing this outstanding conference, which contributes to the fight against climate change.

- The City of Sarajevo has shown leadership in BiH in preserving a healthy environment and rational energy use, thus joining the European family that cares about the ecological future of Europe and the world, Ambassador Hellbach stated.

At this conference, which will include three sessions, institutional and legal frameworks, best practice examples, public and private company projects, and financial and technical support mechanisms in the field of energy efficiency in BiH will be presented, it was announced from the City Administration.