Criteria for sustainability

• Is the project coordinated with the municipal energy plan and with more global programs for the development of the municipalities and the region such us Local Agenda 21
• What is the priority of the project (according the rest of the proposed projects) within the energy plan or whole municipal program

Example: In the municipality of Kjustendil after the energy plan was made it become clear that the potential of biomass (straw-waste) is double than the annual energy needs of the municipality. On of the projects with high priorities which was realized on the next year was for heat installation for the municipal administration on burning of waste-biomass.
• There is transparence of choosing the project, implementation and reporting the results. Citizens, NGOs, business etc. has access on information and take full right of vote during the preparation of the project and its implementation. Also if EIA of the project is with broad public participation and approval.

Energy-Economical criteria:

• Minimal investments and pay-back period
• Energy-saving criteria: maximum saved energy, % of saved energy of the total energy consumption
• The amount of saved energy (and it's financial equivalent) for one unit investment

Environmental criteria:

• Sustainable use of resources: recycling, economy of materials and resources (especially limited ones: fuel, drink water etc)
• Use of REE
• Use of long-term proved environmentally friendly and safe technologies and materials
• Reduction of emissions of green gases and pollution.

Social criteria:

• Positive impact on the living space and especially on the poor and malfunctioned
• Number of beneficiaries
• Safety of the equipment and installments
• Amount and period of the created working places
• Positive effect on the community as whole