Polish Cittaslow Local Governments’ Support for Renewable Energy Deployment vs. Slow City Concept

Abstract

The slow city concept is associated with great care for the protection of the natural environment and the use of renewable energy sources. Thus, the study aimed to discuss the potential of the slow city model and the actual role of Cittaslow local governments in deploying renewable energy, based on the case study of the Polish Cittaslow Network. To achieve this aim, we carried out qualitative and quantitative data analyses, based on literature review and data for all 35 Polish Cittaslow municipalities, retrieved from: (i) development strategies (ii) a survey (iii) the Local Data Bank of Statistics Poland, (iv) the Quality of Life Synthetic Index (QLI). To process the data, we applied descriptive statistics, the Shapiro-Wilk test, the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test, and the Spearman’s rank test. Findings showed that the support for renewable energy deployment was not at a high level and did not correlate with the goals set in the Cittaslow development strategies. This was the result of a cumulation of pressing social and economic problems, which the local authorities in Poland are legally obliged to solve, while the implementation of renewable energy is not obligatory. The QLI for these municipalities was low and renewable energy was not a significant element in improving the quality of life of citizens.

Activities Undertaken in the Member Cities of the Polish National Cittaslow Network in the Area of “Energy and Environmental Policy”

“…However, there is no specific information about what types of activities will be implemented in this area. This is also confirmed by the research of other authors, which shows that "although most development strategies of Polish slow cities contain a declaration of implementing renewable energy, it does not provide specific information on how the efforts to achieve sustainable development will be implemented" [65] (p. 11).…”

Determinants of the Investments in Photovoltaic Micro-Installations by Individual Users in Poland

“…Additionally, the various types of publicly funded programs supporting such investments also address the solutions to solve the problem of energy poverty [Biernat-Jarka et al 2021]. Regional governments are especially focused on increasing the living conditions for the citizens by promoting programs investing in RES [Batyk et al 2022]. However, will this favorable outlook on the development of photovoltaics be confirmed?…”

Assessing the Success of the Development Strategy of the Cittaslow Movement: An Analysis of Revitalisation Programs and Experts Insights on the Model for Small Towns’ Sustainable Development

“…Overall, developing Cittaslow towns involves a commitment to sustainability, quality of life, and preserving local culture and traditions [12,13]. By joining the network, conducting a self-assessment, developing an action plan, implementing strategies, monitoring progress, and sharing successes, towns can become vibrant, sustainable, and resilient communities [14][15][16]. By focusing on the town's unique strengths and character, and by working collaboratively to create a more sustainable and liveable community, a Cittaslow town can become a model for sustainable development and a desirable place to live, work, and visit [17][18][19][20][21].…”