II - Nine trailblazing European cities building a path towards net zero
When you talk about energy and environment, all the sectors must be involved.
Paola Papini, Let’sGOv project manager
Europe aims to have 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030, but in Italy, governance issues are hindering progress. The Let’sGOv(opens in new window) project, in partnership with the University of Bologna(opens in new window), Politecnico di Torino(opens in new window) and the Agency for Energy and Sustainable Development (AESS)(opens in new window) (website in Italian), aims to remove barriers such as working in silos, infrastructure deficiencies, lack of training and absence of standardised procedures. The pilot scheme involves a network of nine major Italian cities: Bologna, Bergamo, Florence, Padova, Parma, Prato, Milan, Rome and Turin, each committed to transforming their approach to energy. “We identified our needs through bench learning,” Let’sGOv project manager Paola Papini explains, “and the primary requirement was collaboration and recognising our gaps. The next was better governance and intervention concerning energy.”
Cluster approach
To achieve this, the initiative has been built around three clusters: Engagement, Data and Finance, each with its unique objectives. The Engagement Cluster aims to cut down energy system emissions by exploring enhanced governance models and forming energy alliances with diverse stakeholders. Meanwhile, the Data Cluster’s mission is to improve data-sharing governance, which is crucial for decision-making and monitoring progress. Finally, the Finance Cluster explores innovative financial strategies to speed up the energy transition. These pilot activities are being trialled in all areas of local government, including electricity usage, waste disposal, transport and land use, so there is a comprehensive approach towards climate neutrality. “When you talk about energy and environment, all the sectors must be involved,” notes Papini.
Crucial knowledge transfer
Learning from peers is another big component of Let’sGOv, and knowledge sharing between the cities is essential for creating effective, scalable solutions. The nine municipalities come together on a regular basis to ensure a holistic approach. “We are all learning from each other and there’s a lot of collaboration and information exchange around common problems and needs,” says Papini. But it doesn’t end with the nine Mission cities – 16 other urban areas from all around Italy are also getting involved. The project’s ultimate goal is to provide all cities with transferable lessons, toolkits and methodologies that can guide them on their own energy transition journeys.