As cities around the globe struggle with the urgent challenges posed by climate change, the need for innovative solutions and collaborative strategies has never been more critical.
“Achieving climate neutrality in cities requires collaboration and knowledge-sharing across sectors, actors and borders,” says Stefania Mascolo, Project Coordinator at Eurocities. The Neutralpath Capacity Building Programme is at the forefront of these efforts.
“The programme empowers cities and communities by strengthening local solutions and fostering EU-level exchange to design and implement Positive and Clean Energy Districts, accelerating their climate-neutral transformation,” explains Mascolo, who leads the Neutralpath Capacity Building Programme.
Learning from and with each other
Capacity building is essential for municipalities seeking to implement climate-neutral strategies. Cities face several challenges, including limited resources, technological barriers, and the need for stakeholder engagement. Through Neutralpath, participating cities gain access to a wealth of knowledge, best practices and support networks that can help them navigate these challenges.
Achieving climate neutrality in cities requires collaboration and knowledge-sharing
Zaragoza, one of the participant cities, is keenly aware of the importance of this collaborative learning approach. “As a city, we aim to deepen our knowledge in designing and implementing Positive and Clean Energy Districts. Collaborating with other cities in the Neutralpath programme will allow us to gain valuable insights into integrating renewable energy and promoting e-mobility,” explains Elena Navarro, General Director of EU Funds from the City of Zaragoza. The programme aims to foster a culture of shared learning, where cities can learn from one another’s successes and setbacks.
“The capacity building programme is exciting to us, particularly in learning about the financing and business models that can support the development of collective projects like district heating networks or solar power initiatives,” says Roeland Keersmaekers, Project Coordinator from the City of Ghent. “The real challenge we face now is making these projects financially feasible.”
Cities at the centre: A four year journey
The Neutralpath Capacity Building Programme spans from September 2024 to 2027, encompassing various training activities aimed at upskilling local authorities and communities. By focusing on three key target sectors—energy, the built environment and mobility—Neutralpath aims to equip cities with the tools and knowledge necessary for their climate-neutral transformations. The programme also emphasises four cross-cutting areas: technology and implementation, financing, governance, and social innovation.
The programme is particularly relevant as cities strive to align their strategies with broader European climate goals. “To meet the Cities Mission’s ambitious climate targets, cities must align local practices with European and national policies. Our goal is to bridge the gap between policy and implementation, empowering cities to adapt EU-level expertise while staying true to their unique needs and contexts,” adds Mascolo.
Capacity building also empowers cities to address issues at multiple levels. It fosters individual skills among staff, enhances organisational processes, and encourages societal engagement. This holistic approach is crucial for creating sustainable, long-term solutions that adapt to changing circumstances.
Collaborating with other cities will allow us to gain valuable insights into integrating renewable energy and promoting e-mobility"
Tackling the challenges in the transition
A critical component of the Neutralpath Programme is the active involvement of local stakeholders. By engaging with communities and fostering partnerships, cities can better understand their residents’ needs and concerns. This engagement is vital for building support for climate initiatives and ensuring that solutions are tailored to local contexts.
Zaragoza has identified citizen engagement as a key focus area in its climate strategy. “We aim to learn from the best practices and challenges faced by other cities in their transitions toward decarbonisation. Leveraging this shared knowledge will enhance our local strategies,” they note.
Similarly, Ghent recognises the need for innovative governance models as part of its climate strategy. “We hope to learn a lot about the innovative governance practices,” explains the representative from Ghent. “It’s very important for the whole administration to be engaged in the process toward our climate goals. To learn better ways to coordinate and plan internally and with other local stakeholders will be essential to face common challenges.”
This emphasis on governance highlights a crucial aspect of capacity building: it’s not just about technology or funding; it’s about engaging all levels of city administration and ensuring a comprehensive approach to climate action.
The Capacity Building Day in Istanbul : a showcase of collaboration
On 10 October 2024, the Neutralpath Capacity Building Programme hosted its first in-person session at the ISMEK Bakery and Pastry School in Istanbul. This event marked a significant opportunity for cities to come together and address the pressing challenges of climate neutrality.
The session included a mentoring visit, where IMM showcased its efforts in transitioning to renewable energy, as well as a peer-review workshop focused on collaborative problem-solving.
We hope to learn a lot about the innovative governance practices
During the mentoring visit, participants had the opportunity to learn about IMM’s progress in decarbonising its built environment. One noteworthy initiative included the installation of 140 kWp of solar panels at the Bakery and Pastry School. While showing Istanbul’s commitment to achieving climate neutrality, the project also revealed the complexities of integrating new technologies within existing frameworks.
The peer-review workshop allowed cities to share ideas in in teams, reflect on shared challenges and contextual differences, and provide feedback and recommendations for Istanbul’s strategies. The discussions emphasised the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration, especially co-creation of solutions with local stakeholders.
An integrated approach beyond technical solutions was emphasised. While technologies for the energy transition exist, funding and social engagement are key to driving real change.
