Assessment

An assessment has many parts to it, and is an ongoing process.  The aim is to have the most information possible, and to organize it in a way that can be referred to during the following steps of the process.  

The first time a city conducts an assessment, there might be quite a lot of additional work involving deciding who will actually do what.  Some cities decide to reorganize their administrative structure while others create a new committee, staffed by members from several departments.  It should be remembered that this initial work won't need to be repeated in the future, when the framework for action is already in place.  

Parts of an Assessment

The different parts of an assessment include: measuring today's energy supply and use, as well as recording the current level of greenhouse gas emissions, forecasting energy demand at a determined future date, and assessing the potential for renewable energy sources.  If achievements have been made in using renewable energy, this should also be acknowledged and recorded in the assessment.  Shifting to renewable energy sources can be a bumpy road, and obstacles and challenges along the way are almost inevitable.  Therefore, assessments should also include an analysis of the potential obstacles faced by the community as it gets more of its energy from renewable energy sources.  

With these elements, an assessment can become the basis for future energy planning and investments. It is important to do these steps together so that the city forecast properly considers the potential that renewable energy can have in meeting projected demand.

It is also suggested that local governments assess the policy framework, or the current political, administrative and legislative conditions at the national and state level.  Cooperation between cities or funding opportunities are both possibilities which could have a large impact on the renewable energy project, and these should be investigated.

Results of an Assessment

 The result of such an assessment is usually an Energy Status Report. In many cases these reports are adopted by a local council decision.

Next: Target Setting