Analyzing the effects of the benchmark local initiatives of Covenant of Mayors signatories

The aim of this paper is to analyze the main benchmark actions performed, based on the database offered by the Covenant of Mayors organization. A total of 4741 so-called Benchmarks of Excellence from almost 1300 cities were registered, being undertaken mainly by Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Belgian municipalities. The greatest number of actions is related to municipal buildings, public lighting and local electricity production, which are also the greatest emissions reducing actions. In terms of energy savings, actions are highlighted that are related to a modal shift to public transport, municipal building envelopes, and agriculture and forestry, while actions generating more renewable energy production are related to combined heat and power areas.