Norwegian municipalities are known for being frontrunners in the implementation of the sustainable development concept and for many years already they have been implementing ambitious projects in the area of energy efficiency and RES use. Their experience may be valuable for Polish municipalities and tested Norwegian solutions may be transferred to Poland. Therefore, one of the important actions foreseen within the project was organisation of the contest for the best ideas for innovation developed by Polish municipalities and inspired by Norwegian experience and best practices. The contest was open to all Polish local self-governments and the 10 winning projects received co-financing (so called "micro-grants") for the development of necessary analysis and documentation. Winning municipalities also took part in the study visit in Norway and established bilateral cooperation with Norwegian partners, who would help them in implementation of propose solutions.

Project concepts submitted for the contest should have been replicable, so that the experience gained by pilot municipalities could be used also by other local self-governments. They should have also contributed to the achievement of the following strategic targets:

• improved energy efficiency in buildings,
• increased awareness of and education in energy efficiency,
• increased renewable energy production in relation to buildings,
• Reduced production of waste and reduced emissions to air, water and ground.

Another aspects, that were taken into consideration when evaluating submitted project concepts, included: level of innovation, feasibility in given local conditions (economic, political and social ones), potential environmental, financial and social benefits, cost efficiency, resources efficiency and durability.

Results of the contest and list of municipalities awarded with micro-grants.