Ioannina lies in northwestern Greece and counts around 112.000 inhabitants. The city is home to a number of very active residents who want to protect the pristine nature that surrounds Ioannina while producing sustainable energy. Our friends from Electra Energy put a few questions to Vanita Magklara who works for the Ioannina City Council.
Although our experience is still developing, we have taken significant steps towards integrating sustainable practices within our community. Our participation in the LIFE LOOP Program has been a key milestone, allowing us to build capacity and raise awareness among our municipal staff and local stakeholders about the potential and benefits of community energy projects.
What is your current level of experience in the community?
The Municipality of Ioannina has a growing interest in community energy initiatives. Although our experience is still developing, we have taken significant steps towards integrating sustainable practices within our community. Our participation in the LIFE LOOP Program has been a key milestone, allowing us to build capacity and raise awareness among our municipal staff and local stakeholders about the potential and benefits of community energy projects.
What do you expect from getting out of the scheme?
Through our participation in the LifeLoop scheme, we expect to gain valuable insights into best practices for implementing community energy projects. Our goal is to create a robust framework that supports the development of local renewable energy initiatives, promotes energy efficiency, and engages our community in sustainable practices. We hope to become a model for other municipalities in Greece and beyond, demonstrating the impact of community-driven energy solutions.
Who are your local partners for community energy and how do you (plan to) collaborate?
Our key local partners include regional energy agencies, educational institutions, and local businesses committed to sustainability. We collaborate closely with these partners to share knowledge, resources, and expertise. Our approach is to foster strong partnerships that support the development and implementation of community energy projects, ensuring that they are both technically viable and socially inclusive.
NOTE TO OUR READERS: No matter how experienced your municipality is: There is so much to gain in joining the accreditation scheme. You may want to understand where you stand, get more skills into your organisation or use the certificates to show others that you take this topic seriously. Sign up now!
LIFE LOOP – Accreditation scheme page