Energy Cities

The Grette Brulard district in Besançon, Ville et Communauté Urbaine will be an example of a city connecting to nature - actively involving the residents of the area in the planning process through an advanced participation method. Local government action is at its most effective when actively engaging the stakeholders of its area. Here is a chance to discover some of the many facets of local democracy. Make sure to sign up for our first journey, "Engagement for Cooperation" to see a concrete example of #citizenengagement [which is set to become a benchmark of alternative, collective housing with high environmental standards] on the occasion of our Annual Forum in Besançon, on the 9th of April! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/evmvcsWv #GraftingCities2025

Porto is planning to include around 12% of municipal social housing in community energy projects. Six megawatts of #solar power will provide clean energy to vulnerable families at a low price. By doing this, the municipality tackles two interconnected issues: energy poverty and local resilience. This is a clear win-win, yet bureaucratic delays and hurdles remain the biggest barrier for #communityenergy. Read what our vice president Filipe Araújo has to say about it: https://lnkd.in/eKTRRm_u Câmara Municipal do Porto

In a world of finite resources, it's time to rethink how to extract maximum value from what we have. Circular economy models have already debunked the idea that we can't do better with less, but how is that actually applied? If you want to see concrete examples of #circulareconomy and sufficiency, make sure to sign up for our third journey, "Doing better, with less" on the occasion of our Annual Forum in Besançon, Ville et Communauté Urbaine on the 9th of April – this will be followed by two workshops on circular cities and collective intelligence! Learn more about it here: https://lnkd.in/erYBGHxu #GraftingCities2025

Food systems account for nearly a third of global GHG emissions. Land conversion to artificial surfaces disrupts ecological functions and reduces ecosystem resilience. By contrast, "green belts" boost local food production and avoid unnecessary energy consumption to preserve soils and ensure the protection of ecosystems. On the occasion of our Annual Forum, we will be exploring a local initiative - a fruitful example of citizen engagement, in our birthplace of Besançon, Ville et Communauté Urbaine on the 9th of April. Sign up and be inspired: https://lnkd.in/dAMPukbb #GraftingCities2025

Our network has been aiding the energy agency Tampereen Energia at Tampereen kaupunki - City of Tampere since 1999 – lately, our collaborations with the city have been focused on #heatplanning and energy communities. Listen to Energy and Climate Specialist Elina Seppänen talk about how Energy Cities has been a valuable resource for strategic energy advice, networking and knowledge sharing opportunities. We will continue to help Tampere decarbonise their heating and look forward to it becoming carbon negative! Find out what we can do for you: https://lnkd.in/dV3_9-X7 #communitypower

Despite a number of positive examples of local authorities promoting a fair and #justtransition through the use of public procurement and concessions procedures, the EU legal framework still acts as a barrier to local ownership and collaboration. In order to align EU's public procurement framework with climate and energy objectives, favouring shorter supply chains and local requirements [with social and environmental benefits for local ecosystems] should be expressly allowed under the EU Public Procurement Framework. Here are some of our recommendations: https://lnkd.in/eVuWyqbf REScoop.eu

On the 19th of February, the European Commission shared its vision for the future of the EU's agriculture and how policies will be designed to deliver. Farm to fork is nowhere to be found. The general objective remains providing food for all - food security is at the top of the agenda and yet current agricultural policies are causing considerable damage to our sovereignty and potential food production. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eJg6_kSQ Terre de Liens

In a time when amplifying the voices of local leaders is more important than ever, our Mayors Voice activities provide a vital space for elected representatives to draw inspiration, exchange ideas and find strength amongst peers. We launched them last year in former European Green Capital Award València Clima i Energia and it was a resounding success. This year on the 10th of April, during our annual forum, the first Mayor's Club of the year will take place. It will be an unmissable opportunity for elective representatives to exchange with peers on topics of inclusive renewable #energysolutions, engaging local communities and resource-wise urban planning Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dMwFJt3u Besançon, Ville et Communauté Urbaine #GraftingCifites2025

Many voices remain oppressed in the #energytransition. Vulnerable low-income households, often lead by women, suffer the most from negative impacts of energy poverty - they live in energy inefficient cheaper rentals and have to endure high energy costs and health issues associated to poor isolation. Being a member of an energy community initiative is associated with a number of benefits, yet they are often seen as investor clubs empowering the already empowered. In the occasion of #InternationalWomensDay, here is an inclusivity guide to ensure that diversity of knowledge, perspectives, information, and ideas are both welcomed and utilised: https://lnkd.in/eF_n_WmM REScoop.eu

Legal uncertainty, financial constraints, technical limitations, and a lack of social inclusion mechanisms all stand in the way of #energycommunities. There is a way, however, to support inclusive energy communities across different contexts, ensuring they benefit vulnerable households and contribute to a just energy transition. Here are six policy lessons: https://lnkd.in/eN476qpu #POWERUP Ami Crowther, Saska Petrova, The University of Manchester