1. Pilot community:
SAINT JEAN D'ALCAPIES
FRANCE
Population: 260 inhabitants
Area: 8,65 km²
Address: Place de la Rhode
Zip code: 12250
Phone: 0033 (0)5 65 99 15 99
Fax: 0033 (0)5 65 49 13 65
Mayor Jérome ROUVE
e-mail: rouve.j@wanadoo.fr
website: www.alcapia.fr
Situated near Roquefort and Millau in the heart of the Regional Natural Park of “Grands Causse”
in Aveyron (South of France).
Saint Jean d'Alcapiès is surrounded by the Castel Crèmat as well as by an ancient volcano. In
the past century, the inhabitants have developed specialized skills in the production of wicker baskets
for Roquefort cheese.
Saint-Jean d'Alcapiès is the rural municipality having the youngest average age of the
department. Population increased from 82 inhabitants in1980, to 260 in 2008. The unemployment rate is
close to zero.
The village was completely renovated in 2006 and Alcapia was built; an innovative building where
22 different concepts of energy production were examined, from RES and RUE.
Renewable Energy Sources
Now: A 36 kw solar power station, established in 2008 and the small 5 kw windmill both generate
enough electricity for the population for one year. Furthermore, a wood boiler provides the necessary
heating for Alcapia and 3 solar boilers produce warm water for all the municipal buildings.
Future: Supported by the municipal council, two farmers plan to set up two solar power stations
of 4 ha each as a diversification of their intensive ovine breeding.
Rational Use of Energy
Now: Alcapia is a great example of energy saving within public buildings: 70% of energy was
saved in 12 months of use, thanks to 49cm of monomur Brick, triple glazing, intelligent lighting, earth
cooling/warming tube, sheep wool insulation.
Future: Set-up awareness campaign with technical and financial support for energy diagnostics
and improvement of energy savings in both private and public buildings.