A linear programming model for the optimal assessment of sustainable energy action plans

A relevant effort is being spent to reach the EU climate and energy goals by involving European cities and towns in sustainable energy planning. Many Italian and European cities are now involved in the development of Sustainable Energy Action Plans (SEAP), presenting in detailed way the actions finalized to the reduction of CO2 emissions. In most cases, a large number of actions are proposed, ranging from renewable energy production to energy saving and to information and communication actions. It therefore emerges the need of methodologies for guiding the administrators to the selection of the most effective actions for the achievement of the desired emission reduction, compatibly with budget and resource availability. A Linear Programming model for the optimal selection of the actions and of their priorities is presented. The model allows to allocate in optimal way the economic resources among different actions to achieve a given level of CO2 emissions reduction, considering resource constraints. The model has a user-friendly interface, and a complexity compatible with applications to municipal level. An example of application of the model to a school is presented and discussed.