A vision for low-carbon, sustainable cities in Europe
The EU-funded POCACITO(opens in new window) (Post-carbon cities of tomorrow – Foresight for sustainable pathways towards liveable, affordable and prospering cities in a world context) project set out to facilitate the transition of EU cities to a forecasted sustainable or post‐carbon economic model. Project partners engaged local stakeholders in 10 selected European case studies to create tailored transition strategies. To this end, a series of participatory workshops were held in the chosen cities. Prior to the workshops, the consortium extensively studied each city to assess the various challenges and opportunities. Each workshop served as a forum to gather key local actors in order to develop a common post-carbon vision for 2050 and strategies for the transition needed to realise this vision. The strategies were based on a preliminary assessment of each case study city using key performance indicators developed and refined by the researchers. They also employed a quantitative analysis for the urban system and ongoing trends and changes. The workshops also identified current successes and continuing challenges facing the case study cities, and discussed innovative approaches and lessons learned from local experiences and best practices. Workshop outcomes fed into an evidence-based EU 2050 post-carbon city roadmap that merges climate, energy and social urban transitions. The POCACITO team organised two study tours that enabled city stakeholders and representatives to observe best practices and innovative solutions in person and to engage with officials from other cities. In addition, a dedicated online repository was set up that supports international knowledge exchange of urban best practices between cities in Europe and worldwide. POCACITO laid down its vision for creating cities that are low carbon as well as environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. Its work also supports the sustainable development aims of the Europe 2020 strategy and the innovation union flagship initiative.
