Founded in 2014 by the merger of four local authorities in the provinces of Forlì-Cesena, Ravenna and Rimini, the organization has adopted an Energy Action Plan (PEAR) to significantly reduce carbon emissions from its large real estate portfolio, which includes over 50 buildings and 13 hospitals. The AUSL Romagna plan aims to transform every aspect of the environmental impact of hospitals, from energy efficiency to the use of renewable energy, from water consumption to sustainable mobility, also integrating innovative projects for the engagement of 15,000 employees and over one million of citizens. These efforts have led AUSL Romagna to be one of the three finalists of the European Sustainable Energy Awards 2024, a recognition that highlights the most innovative projects in the field of renewable energy and energy efficiency in Europe.
The financial model of the plan is particularly innovative, with the combination of regional, national and European funds, which cover approximately 70% of the costs, with corporate investments, for a total of 14 million euros invested between 2017 and 2023, AUSL Romagna has implemented renewable energy solutions such as cogeneration and the installation of photovoltaic panels, which now cover over 80% of the Rimini Hospital’s energy needs. This strategy not only enabled significant energy savings and a 14% reduction in CO2 emissions, but also generated annual savings of over 8 million euros.
The European Sustainable Energy Awards (EUSEW Awards) recognize people and exceptional projects for their innovative effort in energy efficiency and the adoption of renewables. The nine finalists were selected by a high-level jury from three categories: Innovation, Local Energy Action, and Woman in Energy. The finalists will be subjected to a online public voting, open until 2 June, winners will be announced at the EUSEW Awards ceremony in June 2024.
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