Thematic Overview 2007-2013 of The ERDF-ESF Programming - (Page 22)

FOCUSING ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY In metropolitan France, energy efficiency projects accounted for more than €360 million, i.e. more than 60% of the ERDF sums programmed for the theme. This enthusiasm for energy efficiency is explained partly by the existence from the very beginning of the programming session of significant requirements in the regions for the renovation of social housing and secondly by changes in 2009 to European regulations1 which in France resulted in an extension of eligibility for energy efficiency financing. In particular, the circular of June 22, 2009 from the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Regional Planning on energy efficiency and renewable energy in the housing sector2 specified the planned national framework. Thus, ERDF programming in this field multiplied fourfold from 2010 onwards, increasing from 14.3 to more than €64 million of ERDF funds programmed between 2009 and 2010. On July 31, 2012, seven operational programmes underwent configuration changes in the energy field, usually in relation to support for energy efficiency projects for social housing, which became eligible in 2009. With regard to the use of ERDF funds in the energy efficiency field, the example of the Paris region is particularly noteworthy. In all, in 2012, 14 projects were programmed for a total eligible cost of €40.6 million of which €10 million came from ERDF. Out of the 14 projects, two concerned the upgrading of wood-fired boilers, distributing heat to homes with connection to a local school nearby. The estimated number of low income homes concerned by these 14 projects was 3,953, i.e. +263% compared to the original target of 1,500 homes. The breakdown of credits by département (county) reveals a high concentration in the département of Seine-Saint-Denis with 30.23% of programmed ERDF credits, followed by Seine et Marne (20.67%), Val d'Oise (17.30%), Val de Marne (14.47%) and Essonne (14.02%). This breakdown is explained in particular by the projects financed to improve energy efficiency in social housing, of which 23.42% are situated in Seine-Saint-Denis, 22.02% in Val d'Oise, 20.33% in Seine et Marne, 19.86% in Val de Marne and 14.37% in Essonne. 1. RULE (EC) No 397/2009 FROM THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL of May 6, 2009 modifying rule (EC) no. 1080/2006 concerning the European Regional Development Fund regarding the eligibility of energy efficiency and renewable energy investments in the housing sector. 2. Circular from the Ministry of Ecology, Energy, Sustainable Development and Regional Planning on June 22, 2009 concerning the implementation of operations relating to energy efficiency and renewable energy in the housing sector.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Thematic Overview 2007-2013 of The ERDF-ESF Programming

Cover
Summary
Improving institutional capacities at a national, regional and local level
Reducing costs hindering the development of outermost regions (OMR)
Technical assistance
Research, technological development and entrepreneurial spirit
The information Society
Transport
Energy
Environment and risk prevention
Tourism
Culture
Urban/rural regeneration
Improving the capacities of workers, companies and company managers
Improving access to employment and sustainability
Improving the social inclusion of disadvantaged persons
Development of human capital
Investments in social infrastructure
Promoting reforms in the fields of employment and social inclusion

Thematic Overview 2007-2013 of The ERDF-ESF Programming