CONCERTO Plus adds value to the CONCERTO projects, supports the European Commission and contributes to the success of the CONCERTO initiative on scientific, technical and political level. It includes coordinated analysis, monitoring and dissemination of the results from all CONCERTO projects, including the strengthening of networking between the CONCERTO projects and facilitating the transfer of best practices to new communities across the European Union.

All projects participating in the CONCERTO initiative gain the essential support of a strong and common brand identity with a European dimension. CONCERTO Plus creates a facilitating framework for strengthening the mutual relationships between all involved in the CONCERTO initiative. CONCERTO Plus maximises the impact of the CONCERTO initiative at the EU level by using effective communication and dissemination tools. CONCERTO Plus develops models of the energy systems in each of the CONCERTO communities. On a European level CONCERTO Plus actions will add value to the European Commission by analysing the policies and measures being adopted by the CONCERTO communities as CONCERTO Plus closely assesses their impact. Key policy recommendations will emergefor use by other local communities across the European Union. This helps CONCERTO actions to deliver higher results than foreseen by the normal standards, which can enhance European policy objectives.

CONCERTO Plus therefore analyses and assesses the relevant institutional, political, cultural, organisational, financial and legal contexts, as well as the processes of implementation adopted by each of the CONCERTO communities, in order to identify factors affecting the outcome of the projects. Special sessions will be arranged and will concentrate on the success factors and how to overcome barriers to success, considering the local and regional contexts, as well as the key roles of the stakeholders involved.

CONCERTO Plus delivers a truly pan-European CONCERTO communication structure for the whole CONCERTO initiative. CONCERTO Plus brings togetherdissemination activities performed at local and national level with those at the European level. It involves a series of publications as well as presentations at conferences.The impacts achieved by the CONCERTO projects and the resulting policy recommendations are condensed with the help of CONCERTO Plus. The underlining spirit of the dissemination actions is to add value to the results from CONCERTO projects by consolidating the achievements and using them as a basis for presenting clear messages to potential follower communities. The communication framework will raise awareness of the energy performance of local communities amongst decision makers at all levels in the EU, by enhancing the visibility of the CONCERTO projects as showcases of sustainable energy communities. Moreover the dissemination work aims to strengthen team working within the CONCERTO initiative by organising events at which the CONCERTO communities and their observer communities can work together and share their experiences. Importantly all tools employed help decrease the barriers for newcomer communities.

Visit the CONCERTO website www.CONCERTOplus.eu for further information and to download CONCERTO publications like the CONCERTO brochure, poster and PowerPoint slides developed for the CONCERTO initiative.

The CONCERTO ‘Opening’ marked the official launch of the CONCERTO brochure. Packed with exciting information on how each project and community reaches the goal of integration of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency measures. The brochure is well illustrated, lightand easy to read.

The brochure launch gives a chance for readers to see the faces of the demonstration activities of the CONCERTO projects and communities in one single publication, which is technical yet, but of practical benefit for all involved and interested. Here you see the front cover and someof the inside pages of the brochure. Please contact us through the CONCERTO website for a copy of the brochure. Currently available in English, the brochure will be translated into other European languages and available electronically on the CONCERTO Website.

The ‘Opening’ event signified the launch of the brand new CONCERTO Website. The Website provides an ideal information service and focal contact point for anyone interested in CONCERTO and its actions. The CONCERTO Website, developed by CONCERTO Plus, includes sections of general public interest right across the board to detailed technical sections for CONCERTO partners and experts. A lively interactive tool providing a wealth of exciting information on CONCERTO, its spirit, its partners and its demonstration activities, visit the brand new Website and findout more about CONCERTO: www.concertoplus.eu

However the Website is still in the early days of development. We would therefore really appreciate your feedback on how easy the site is to use, the value of the information provided and anything else you would like to see included. To make suggestions please contact us through the details displayed in the ‘Contact us’ section.

CONCERTO Plus has been busy to finalise the CONCERTO Power Point slides, with the assistance of all the partners of the project. CONCERTO Plus Power Point slides can now be obtained from the CONCERTO Website. The Power Point slides are a very useful mean of obtaining summarised overview information on the whole initiative. They are available for download and use by all interested indemonstrating the framework of the CONCERTO initiative. The CONCERTO Power Point slides will be updated annually and will reflect the factual and evolutionary developments that take place throughout the CONCERTO life.

CONCERTO Plus dissemination has to be highly visible and to help achieve this aim a stand was specifically designed to support the presence of CONCERTO at events, fairs and conferences. The mobile stand is made of a large metallic structure of more than 5.5m2 covered by a blue fabric. Two powerful lamps are included to highlight the posters and documents pinned on the stand. The mobile stand is completely re-usable and adaptable. A white surface can also be fixed on the standand used as a screen to project images from a beamer. The entire stand is very easy to carry on in all the different CONCERTO conferences thanks to its suitcase that can also be used as a table for presentations.