Kaj Leonhart Petersen

n this newsletter, you can read about how the 2ISECAP project is advancing integrated energy and climate planning through Living Labs. The project’s evaluation highlights their potential for transparency, inclusivity, and efficiency, laying the groundwork for future policy adoption. Learn how six European municipalities are using Living Labs to develop SECAPs, promoting collaboration and innovation in the energy transition. Discover two key toolkits—one for Sustainable Spatial Planning and another for Local Energy Coalitions—designed to help cities integrate climate goals into governance and planning. These toolkits provide practical guidance for municipalities and stakeholders to drive local energy transitions.

The Tartu Living Lab, established in 2022 and hosted by the Tartu City Government, is a dynamic platform aimed at facilitating sustainability and driving the circular economy in the Tartu region. With a vision of becoming a leader in circular economy practices in South Estonia by 2030, the lab brings together diverse stakeholders, including municipalities, universities, private enterprises, and community activists. A key milestone is the creation of the Tartu County Circular Economy Roadmap, which sets principles and actionable goals to reduce environmental impact, promote reuse and recycling, and advance climate neutrality.

The Tartu Living Lab, established in 2022 and hosted by the Tartu City Government, is a dynamic platform aimed at facilitating sustainability and driving the circular economy in the Tartu region. With a vision of becoming a leader in circular economy practices in South Estonia by 2030, the lab brings together diverse stakeholders, including municipalities, universities, private enterprises, and community activists. A key milestone is the creation of the Tartu County Circular Economy Roadmap, which sets principles and actionable goals to reduce environmental impact, promote reuse and recycling, and advance climate neutrality.

The Tartu Living Lab, established in 2022 and hosted by the Tartu City Government, is a dynamic platform aimed at facilitating sustainability and driving the circular economy in the Tartu region. With a vision of becoming a leader in circular economy practices in South Estonia by 2030, the lab brings together diverse stakeholders, including municipalities, universities, private enterprises, and community activists. A key milestone is the creation of the Tartu County Circular Economy Roadmap, which sets principles and actionable goals to reduce environmental impact, promote reuse and recycling, and advance climate neutrality.

Established in 2022, the León Living Lab serves as a participatory platform to tackle energy and climate challenges within the city. Hosted by the City Council of León and supported by ILRUV, the initiative fosters collaboration among public entities, private organizations, research institutions, and citizens. It enhances the implementation of León’s Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP) by promoting sustainable energy practices, circular economy concepts, and urban regeneration strategies.

The Padova Living Lab serves as a dynamic platform for promoting sustainability and climate neutrality in Padova. Established as part of the European H2020 2ISECAP project, it integrates innovation and research in a partnership between public and private stakeholders. The lab emphasizes capacity building, knowledge exchange, and active collaboration to co-define measures within Padova’s Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP) and Climate City Contract.

The Third LivingnLab Meting was held on 8 September 2023 in the Municipality of Ljutomer. The main purpose of the event was to gather experience and concrete proposals for measures from other regions for mitigating and adapting to climate change and its consequences as part of the preparation of the Sustainable Energy and Climate Change Action Plan of the Municipality of Ljutomer.

The General Assembly of the Association Energiestadt (European Energy Award) in Yverdon-les-Bains was a success, gathering over 100 participants under the theme “Achieving More Together.” Key discussions focused on participatory processes, resource management, and their role in effective local energy policy implementation. The assembly featured the 2ISECAP Project as a strong example of promoting cooperation among energy stakeholders and supporting localized, sustainable energy solutions. Energiestadt cities like Yverdon-les-Bains are becoming “living laboratories” for energy transition, leveraging citizen involvement and participatory planning to drive progress.

As part of the European Commission’s Net Zero Cities Mission, Padova has emerged as one of 100 European cities and 9 Italian cities selected to lead the charge toward climate neutrality by 2030. This recognition reflects the city’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, underscored by its submission of a comprehensive Climate City Contract to the European Commission this past September.

DK2020 helps Danish municipalities align climate strategies with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target. Supported by regions, it promotes Climate Action Plans (CAPs) focused on neutrality by 2050, adaptation, social inclusion, and governance. All municipalities now have CAPs, collectively aiming for a 76% emission reduction by 2030.
Projects like Klimaalliancen and LIFE ACT drive implementation and capacity building, while participatory approaches ensure inclusivity. Challenges remain in resources and coordination, highlighting the need for multi-level governance to align local and national efforts for sustainable climate action.